The 15 Best Dry Shampoos for African-American Hair

The African-Americans have unique hair that can go from wavy to coily, and they hold a high level of pride in their luscious curls, even if it’s challenging to maintain those gorgeous them.

There are so many hair products suitable for African-American hair, from thick curling smoothies to rich, emollient vegetable oils used as a hair masque.

But one product that is difficult to work with if you have textured hair is dry shampoo.

What is dry shampoo, and why do we need it?

No matter your hair type or texture, it’s almost always better not to wash your hair daily.

Exposing your hair to harsh sulfates every day will dehydrate it and strip it of the essential moisture it needs to be naturally shiny and bouncy. It might also hamper hair growth.

But many of us turn into a complete greaseball two or so days after hair wash day even after trying shampoo and conditioner for oily hair.

That’s because of the buildup of styling products coupled with our natural oils. The result is an extremely shiny scalp and hair that are bordering on gross.

So regardless of whether you are Asian, European, American, or African-American, you always need a dry shampoo for keeping the grease at bay and refresh your look.

Dry shampoo absorbs all the excess oil and grime sitting on top of your head and hair a few days post-hair wash.

Dry shampoo is fantastic for oily hair and those who sweat more often than others (like those who work out every day but don’t want to dry their hair out through daily shampooing).

Should dry shampoo be used on African-American hair?

African-Americans tend to have thick and coarse hair. They are also more likely to have textured hair, be it tight waves or coily curls.

But the thing with textured hair is that it can end up very dry because the natural oils in hair have trouble sliding down the hair strand if it has a curl pattern.

That said, African-American hair can often be parched, which means it will need a lot of moisture. Because of this, it’s important not to overdry the hair.

And as we know, that’s exactly what dry shampoo does—it sucks out the oil so your hair can look fresh and dry.

That’s where the complicated relationship between dry shampoo and African-American hair begins.

While dry shampoo might not be best for dry hair, it’s something super helpful for oily and greasy scalps, which you can still have even if you rock super curly hair.

Sometimes, the product buildup can be a bit much, and dry shampoo is an amazing solution.

If you have African-American hair and must use dry shampoo, it’s best to look for one on the more hydrating end of the spectrum, which is anything but easy.

Look for ingredients with nourishing proteins, vitamins, and light oils like sweet almond and grapeseed oils.

What you don’t want to see in your dry shampoo’s ingredients list is talc, because that will most probably dry out your hair and eliminate shine.

A waterless formula is also a plus because water and humidity can frizz up coily curls.

Top 15 Best Dry Shampoo for African-American Hair

1. amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo gives a boost of volume to bring your hair back to life.

It also has a cooling sensation to soothe your scalp and make you feel fresh and clean.

2. Batiste Hydrating Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo has an invisible formula, which means it won’t leave behind a white residue.

3. OGX Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo often gets a bad rap for leaving your hair parched and dull, but with super luxurious nourishing ingredients like these, you’ll only be left with soft and touchable curls.

4. OGX Extra Strength Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo

It also gives a bit of volume if your hair is getting flat after a few days of no shampooing.

It gives a light yet bodied texture to refresh your style.

• Infused with coconut oil
• Has tiare flower essence
• Contains vanilla beans extracts
• Beneficial vitamins and minerals

See also: The 16 best coconut shampoo and conditioner

5. Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Co-Wash

While ACV and tea tree are known to detoxify and clarify the hair, this co-wash is infused with shea butter to give it some nourishment.

So while the co-wash absorbs oil, a bit of shine is still added to your hair to make it look alive.

6. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones

This formula is infused with the brand’s signature argan oil from Morocco, giving a boost of moisture.

It also helps protect the hair from UV damage so it can stay healthy.

7. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Dry Shampoo

It’s infused with rose extract and nourishing pro-vitamin B, adding a bit of hydration and extending the lifespan of your hairstyle.

It has a musky and upscale scent with notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and flowers, keeping it fresh with a touch of sensuality.

8. Aveeno Rose Water and Chamomile Dry Shampoo

It zaps away oils by absorbing them at the root so that you can enjoy your hairstyle longer.

This formula doesn’t contain any sulfates, parabens, or dyes, and is safe to use on colored hair.

See also: The 25 shampoos and conditioners for Color-Treated Hair

9. Renpure Coconut and Vitamin E Dry Shampoo

It also has vitamin E to help fortify and add body to the hair.

Because Renpure believes in clean beauty, this doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, gluten, and phthalates.

10. EVO Water Killer Dry Shampoo

The shampoo is an innovative two-in-one product—it serves as a dry shampoo for those who want to refresh their hair, eliminate greasiness, and as a styling powder to give the hair more volume pizzazz.

It even lessens the damage caused by other styling steps, like blow-drying.

11. Beauty by Earth Dry Shampoo and Volume Powder

Arrowroot, kaolin clay, cocoa powder, and more won’t strip your hair of its natural moisture but still, give you a refreshing clean between wash days.

It also doubles as a volume powder, so you can lift your locks and make them more look alive during the week.

12. Aussie After Hours Texture Dry Shampoo

Because Aussie only believes in giving you the good stuff, this product is formulated without harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and dyes.

See also:

• The 25 Best shampoo and conditioner for Curly Hair
• The 19 Best shampoos and conditioners for Wavy Hair

13. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

This ultra-gentle dry shampoo is also curated with corn and rice starches that absorb oil and gunk in your hair almost instantly.

It also has natural absorbent microspheres that eliminate odors and other dirt from your head.

14. Verb Dry Shampoo

It gives a touch of UV protection as well, to make sure your hair is resilient against damage from the sun.

15. Renpure Coconut Argan Dry Shampoo

This vegan formula doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients that can be overbearing on the scalp and dry out your hair, like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and unnecessary dyes, colors, and fragrances.

See also:

• The 15 silicone-free shampoos and conditioners
• The 20 fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners

Conclusion

Beauty and hair care should be accessible to everyone, no matter your skin color or hair texture. Never assume a hair product or styling step isn’t suitable for someone because of their heritage.

There’s always a way to make it work—you just have to understand the ingredients certain hair types love and need.

So now that we’ve debunked the myth that African-American hair can’t use dry shampoo, what are you waiting for?

Whether you have kinky-coily curls or relaxed hair, pick out a hydrating, waterless dry shampoo, your hair will love between hair wash days.