If you’re like many men and women and have discovered the joys of dry shampoo, you might be wondering if you can bring it on your next flight.
According to TSA regulations, you can bring dry shampoo on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, though if packed in your carry on, the bottle must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
But what are the rules when it comes to flying internationally with dry shampoo?
What about other types of shampoo and haircare products – are they allowed?
Due to the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule, you can pack dry shampoo in your carry on bags in containers no larger than 3.4oz/100ml.
This is because the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule covers liquids, gels, and aerosols, which dry shampoo falls under.
Any container of dry shampoo must be placed in a 1 quart-sized bag, which should be taken out of your bag and placed in a screening bin as you go through airport security.
Checked Bags
You can pack dry shampoo in your checked bags, though there are a couple of limits you need to keep in mind.
The TSA states that any container of dry shampoo must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
The total aggregate quantity of your toiletry products must also not exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces), with dry shampoo counting towards this allowance.
Domestic vs. International Flights
Even though the TSA only has authority in the USA, you will find that the same rules apply.
So, if you want to bring dry shampoo on a plane in your carry on, the container must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml regardless if you are flying to or from Canada, Mexico, the UK, Europe, or any other countries.
By Airline
Airlines follow TSA regulations.
So, again, this means that if packed in your carry on, dry shampoo must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
If packed in your checked bags, dry shampoo must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces) per container.
Can You Bring Other Types of Shampoo on a Plane?
Liquid Shampoo
You can bring liquid shampoo on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, but you are limited to a bottle that does not exceed 3.4oz/100ml if you pack it in your carry on.
Powder Shampoo
If the powder shampoo is greater than 350mL or 12 oz. it is allowed in your carry on bags, but it may require additional screening as you go through airport security.
The TSA recommend that you pack powder shampoo in your checked bags for your convenience.
Medical Shampoo
If medical shampoo has been prescribed, you are allowed to bring a bottle that is larger than 3.4oz/100ml.
It is recommended that you travel with your prescription and declare to a TSA agent that you are traveling with a liquid that exceeds the standard regulations.
How Many Bottles of Dry Shampoo Can You Bring on a Plane?
In total, you are allowed to bring 32 ounces of liquids, gels and aerosols on a plane (or 1 quart of liquids).
This means that you can bring approximately 7-8 bottles of dry shampoo on a plane in your carry on bags, due to the space the bottles themselves will take up in your single quart-sized bag.
Will Dry Shampoo Explode on a Plane?
Due to the changes in pressure and temperature on a plane, dry shampoo has a very small yet unlikely chance of leaking, igniting or even exploding on a plane.
Can You Bring Dry Conditioner on a Plane?
When bringing dry conditioner on a plane, the same rules apply as for dry shampoo.
So, if packed in your carry on, dry conditioner should not be in a container that exceeds 3.4oz/100ml.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
