TSA Regulations: Can You Bring Dry Shampoo on a Plane?

Have you ever found yourself at the airport security lines, rummaging through your carry-on luggage to find that one item causing a stir on the screen? Only to discover it’s your beloved bottle of dry shampoo! As frequent travelers know, TSA regulations can sometimes feel like an inscrutable maze.

But fear not; this blog post is here to bring clarity when you need it most. Buckle up as we delve into the often confusing world of transportation rules and regulations – specifically answering the question, “Can you bring dry shampoo on a plane?”

Find out in our latest travel tip post if your hair’s secret weapon will make it past the TSA agent or if you’ll have to rough it on your next vacation!

Yes, you can bring dry shampoo on a plane. Dry shampoo in aerosol spray form is allowed in carry-on and checked bags. However, dry shampoo must be less than or equal to 3.4oz/100ml for carry-on bags.

It is recommended to check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for any updates or changes to these regulations before your flight.

Understanding Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo has become an increasingly popular product in recent years. It’s a quick and convenient way to refresh your hair on the go without having to spend time washing and drying it.

But what exactly is dry shampoo? Well, it’s a powder or spray that absorbs oil and sweat from your hair, giving it a fresh, just-washed look.

While dry shampoo isn’t new, modern-day formulas have come a long way. Many dry shampoo brands and types are available today, ranging from aerosolized to non-aerosolized formulas.

• The Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations allow passengers to carry dry shampoo (in aerosol form) in their cabin and checked baggage.
• A container of dry shampoo must not exceed 0.5 kg (about 18 ounces) or 500 ml (about 17 fluid ounces) to be considered safe for air travel.
• A passenger cannot carry more than 2 Kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) of aerosol-based products, including dry shampoo, onboard an aircraft.

Aerosolized Versus Non-Aerosolized Formulas

One key difference between dry shampoos is whether they come in an aerosol spray can or as a non-aerosolized powder or paste.

Aerosolized dry shampoos use compressed air to propel the product onto your hair in a fine mist. They’re usually easier to apply and cover larger areas of the scalp more quickly than non-aerosolized formulas.

On the other hand, non-aerosolized dry shampoos typically come in a bottle with a sprinkle cap or as a paste that can be rubbed into the scalp and roots. They tend to be messier than aerosol sprays but offer more control over application and may be better suited for people with sensitive skin who want to avoid inhaling chemicals.

	Aerosolized Dry Shampoo	Non-Aerosolized Dry Shampoo
Application	Quick and easy to apply in a fine mist	Typically requires more time and precision during application
Availability	Found in most drugstores and beauty supply shops	Available online or at specialty retailers
Disadvantages	May contain harsh chemicals like propellants	Harder to find in stores and may require more effort to apply
Advantages	Cover larger areas of hair more quickly	May be better for people with sensitive skin and provides more control

Now that we understand the basic differences between aerosolized and non-aerosolized dry shampoos let’s look at TSA regulations for carrying them on a plane.

See Related: Can You Check a Duffel Bag at the Airport?

TSA Regulations for Aerosols and Toiletries

Going through transportation security is an inevitable aspect of travel planning. With rules and regulations that are essential to follow, packing choices can become challenging. These guidelines were instituted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure optimal public safety during air travel.

One common personal care item that’s popular for travelers and commonly falls under the aerosol category is dry shampoo. The question often asked is whether it’s allowed on planes.

Aerosol Size Limits

Specific size limitations are worth considering when packing aerosols, including TSA-approved dry shampoo.

The TSA allows you to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag. These items must be travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

It’s worth noting that any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste alarms during screening will require additional screening. This might result in longer queues or even leave the item behind, causing delays.

In summary (*factually correct at the time of writing):

	Aerosol Size Allowed in Carry-On	3.4 ounces/100 milliliters/or less
United States	3.4 ounces/ 100 millilitres	Yes
Canada	3.4 ounces/100 millitres/or less	Individual Airline Rules Apply
United Kingdom	Any size if it meets airline restrictions	Individual Airline Rules Apply
Australia	3.4 ounces/100 milliliters/or less	Yes

Be advised that your country may have different regulations regarding limit sizes for aerosols and toiletries.

There are exemptions for medications and infant/child nourishment. Duty-free liquids can be carried in a secure, tamper-evident bag in your carry-on if purchased internationally and you have a connecting flight to the United States. The bag must be transparent, and the original receipt should be present.

Remembering aerosol size limits is essential when packing for your next trip. However, that’s not all there is to it – there are specific packing tips to keep in mind for smooth transportation.

Packing Tips for Aerosols

Aerosol products are common on most people’s packing lists while traveling. However, it is crucial to pack them properly to avoid damaging other items in your luggage.

Here are some packing tips for aerosols that can help you avoid such potential damage:

Packing Tip	Description
Place them in bags	When packing aerosol products, it’s best to put them inside plastic bags and seal them tightly before putting them in your luggage.
Use proper padding	You can also place the aerosol products inside shoes or socks to provide extra cushioning during transit.
Keep away from heat	Aerosols shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures as they might end up exploding or leaking.

See Related: What Can You Bring on a Plane? Your Guide to TSA Carry-On Regulations

TSA Rules Specific to Dry Shampoo

It’s essential to understand specific TSA guidelines when traveling with dry shampoo in aerosol form, as failing to adhere could result in confiscation of the product.

For instance, did you know that dry shampoo in aerosol form can be brought on a plane in carry-on bags?

However, the amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). Each container of dry shampoo must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).

When passing through security checkpoints, passengers must remove aerosols from their carry-on bags and place them separately for screening.

The TSA emphasizes that permitted aerosol-release devices must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release. We recommend transferring the dry shampoo into travel-sized bottles that meet TSA specifications if possible.

See Related: Can You Bring Sunscreen on a Plane?

Alternatives to Aerosol Dry Shampoo for Travel

If you’re wondering what to do if your favorite aerosol dry shampoo is not permitted on flights, don’t worry. Other fantastic alternatives exist for travel-loving individuals who want to keep their hair fresh and clean without adding unnecessary stress.

Here are a few options:

• Powder Dry Shampoo: Often packaged in spray bottles, powder dry shampoos can be a lifesaver when traveling since they don’t contain aerosols. They are ideal for absorbing excess oils and leaving your hair looking and smelling great.
• Dry Shampoo Sheets: These sheets are small and portable, making them perfect for travelers who want to ensure they have hair that looks amazing on the go. The design of dry shampoo sheets allows for quick absorption of oil and sweat, leaving your hair refreshed.
• Foam Dry Shampoo: A foam formula dries fast and is easily absorbed by the scalp. It’s also lightweight for hair without weighing it down, making it the ultimate solution for travelers who want an easy-to-use substitute.

Ensuring that these alternatives are correctly packaged according to TSA regulations allows you to easily get through airport security while still enjoying clean and fresh hair during travel.