The 20 Best Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair
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There are a lot of reasons why you might not wash your hair every day.
Perhaps you’re in a hurry.
Or maybe you don’t want your color treatment to fade so fast.
But if you’re brunette or a redhead, is dry shampoo the best answer?
After all, you’ve heard the stories about flakes and residue.
Thankfully, the best dry shampoos for dark hair don’t have these problems.
They help you look and feel fresh and clean, even if you just had a workout.
Dry shampoos are also handy for adding volume and styling (1).
Batiste Dry Shampoo Plus, Beautiful Brunette
- Inexpensive and very effective
- Has a pleasant, unisex scent
- Tends to thicken the hair and add volume
Original Gold Label Biotin Anti-Thinning Shampoo by Pura D’OR
- Rich starch as an oil absorbing ingredient
- Absorbs all the dirt and oil
- Provides a deep cleansing for your hair and scalp
Densifique Bodifying Shampoo by Kerastase
- Contains argan oil
- Made with ultra-fine rich starch particles
- Protects against sun damage
Which dry shampoo is best for dark hair?
Just like that line, “one-size-fits-all” isn’t always true, there’s also not one brand of dry shampoo that’s best for dark hair.
They aren’t all made for oily hair.
Some kinds are better for dry scalp.
Others are ideal for volumizing.
While some have a tint to touch up your roots, others are truly invisible.
I’ll do my best to point out the benefits of each one in the dry shampoo reviews below.
Who should not use dry shampoo?
Dry shampoos are not a good idea if you have dandruff, psoriasis, or eczema.
Also, some are too drying for fragile hair (2).
Be careful to choose one that doesn’t have talc and is fragrance-free if you have allergies or asthma.
How to properly use dry shampoo
First off, read the directions on the bottle.
In general, you’ll see these recommendations.
Divide your hair into sections. Then apply the shampoo to the roots and scalp.
Don’t spray the ends of your hair.
If it’s an aerosol, hold the bottle at least 6 to 12 inches away from your head.
Shake well in between sprays, especially if the dry shampoo is pigmented.
Wait a couple of minutes then massage and brush the powder through your hair.
The key to avoiding residue is to brush well!
And don’t plan on using dry shampoo for more than two days in a row. You need to wash with water and regular shampoo to keep buildup from clogging your follicles.
Okay, let’s help you find the best dry shampoo for your needs.
Top Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair
1. Batiste Dry Shampoo Plus, Beautiful Brunette
Product Overview
Do you know what question I hear a lot? It’s whether Batiste dry shampoo is good for dark hair.
This brand is popular because it’s inexpensive, and it works well for most people.
If you have brown hair, though, you might want to try the Beautiful Brunette version.
- Inexpensive formula
- Works great with color-treated hair
- Pleasant, unisex scent
- Best for medium to dark hair
It has a hint of tint in it; therefore it’s best for medium to dark hair.
Be careful as it will get on your hands and under your nails. It may also temporarily stain white clothing or towels. It might be best to apply it before you dress.
Happily, it washes out.
On the other hand, if your color treatment needs a touchup, the pigment will help you wait a little while longer.
Keep in mind that Batiste dry shampoo also tends to thicken and add volume.
Users mostly agree that it has a pleasant unisex scent.
Pros
- Adds volume and thickness
- Removes any oils from scalp and hair
- Helps with color-treated hair and adds pigment
The Cons
- Gets on hands and under fingernails
2. Batiste Dry Shampoo, Divine Dark
Product Overview
The Divine Dark version has a darker pigment for deep brown and black hair. There’s also a hint of glitter from the minerals – but it’s subtle.
The oil-absorbing ingredient is rice starch. It’s listed on the label as oryza sativa. This is commonly found in dry shampoo.
- Oil-absorbing rice starch
- Contains dark pigment
- Works great with brown and black hair
- A hint of glitter from the minerals
The propellants are butane, isobutane, and propane. These are flammable, so it’s best not to smoke or get near a flame until your hair is completely dry.
Again, the powder will temporarily stain skin and clothing. Put it on before you dress and plan on washing your hands afterward.
Pros
- Makes your hair shinier
- Absors all dirt and oils
- Adds volume
The Cons
- It is flammable
3. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo, Dark Tones
Product Overview
This dry shampoo was developed for black and brunette hair.
It contains argan oil to add shine and prevent drying out the hair and scalp. This ingredient also protects against sun damage, kind of like sunscreen. That’s handy if you’ve dyed your hair.
- Nice, pleasant fragrance
- Ultra-fine rice scratch particles
- Contains argan oil
- Works great with dyed hair
The rice starch in it exists in ultra-fine particles that disappear into the scalp. In that way, it doesn’t leave a dusty residue.
The fragrance is a blend of flowers, spice, and amber. It minimizes odor.
Pros
- Works as a sunscreen
- Doesn’t leave a dusty residue
- Adds shine and prevents drying
The Cons
- Is flammable
4. ACURE Dry Shampoo – Brunette to Dark Hair
Product Overview
The advantage of Acure is that it’s cruelty-free and vegan. They also avoid petrolatum, formaldehyde, mineral oil, sulfates, and parabens.
That’s right, it’s not an aerosol. You’ll pour a little powder onto your scalp or your brush instead of spraying it.
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Avoids harsh chemicals and sulfates
- Organic cornstarch and arrowroot powder
- Contains rosemary, peppermint and cocoa powder
The primary ingredients are organic cornstarch and arrowroot powder. But they also toss in some baking soda, kaolin clay, rosemary, peppermint, and cocoa powder for color.
Yes, it sounds like DIY dry shampoo. But it performs very well.
Pros
- It isn’t an aerosol
- Contains natural ingredients only
- Absorbs all the oil and dirt
The Cons
- Has no scent
5. Drybar Detox Brunettes Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
There are two versions of Drybar dry shampoo I thought you might be interested in seeing.
The first has brown mineral pigment in it.
This is a very absorbent product which is good for oily scalp. It sets to a matte finish.
- Free of sulfates and parabens
- Has an exotic and nice scent
- Contains brown mineral pigment
- Infused with golden root extracts
The exotic scent is a blend of vanilla, sandalwood, and jasmine.
The microfine rice powder absorbs odors and oils and becomes translucent. But, the golden root extract attracts moisture to avoid damaging your hair and scalp.
You can also use their dry conditioning oil to protect the ends of your hair.
Although the formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and sulfates, it has aluminum starch.
Pros
- Protects your hair
- Avoids damage and breakage
- Leaves a nice jasmine scent
The Cons
- Has aluminium starch
6. Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
Then there’s the invisible dry shampoo based on potato starch and rice starch. It creates a little texture.
It has kiwi, mango, aloe, and other natural extracts. Some of these include plant oils that leave your hair soft and glossy.
- Based on potato and rice starch
- Has kiwi, mango and aloe extracts
- Nice, tropical fragrance
- Includes plant oils
The fragrance is coconut, vanilla, and amber.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes your skin
- Provides all the needed nutrients for healthy skin
- Removes the oil and dirt from the hair
The Cons
- Creates a little texture
7. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
One of the advantages of Living Proof’s dry shampoo is how quick it disappears into your scalp.
It features Triple Action Cleaning Technology, which actually cleans the hair to some extent. It quickly soaks up dirt and impurities which are released as you brush the powder through your hair.
- Free of cornstarch
- Perfect for freshening up after the gym
- Leaves no residue
- Features Triple Action Cleaning Technology
It’s free of cornstarch, so it’s less likely to leave a residue. It also repels dirt and neutralizes odor.
This might be the perfect one for freshening up after the gym.
Pros
- Repels all the dirt and oils
- Neutralizes odors
- Soaks up all impurities left
The Cons
- You’ll need an extra brush
8. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, Natural Tint for Brunettes
Product Overview
Klorane makes two dry shampoos for brunettes. One focuses on oat milk, which is soothing to the scalp. It’s helpful for adding texture while styling.
It has a beige color from mineral pigments.
If you brush it well, it becomes invisible and won’t leave a chalky residue.
- Won’t leave a dusty residue
- Free of chemicals
- Vegan formula tested by dermatologists
- Beige color from mineral pigments
This company is known for using natural ingredients and avoiding chemicals like parabens, preservatives, and silicone. The formula is vegan and tested by dermatologists.
Pros
- Adds texture and volume
- Contains oat milk
- Sooths your scalp and helps with styling
The Cons
- Doesn’t have a smell
9. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle, Natural Tint for Brunettes
Product Overview
Klorane’s nettle dry shampoo is for darker shades. It’s useful if you tend to have greasy hair.
The nettle, rice, and cornstarch soak up excess oil in under thirty seconds.
- Perfect for naturally greasy hair
- Nettle, rice and cornstarch
- Mineral
Then, the mineral pigments touch-up roots and even out hair color.
Of course, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, and even salt that can irritate the scalp.
Pros
- Provides immediate comfort for dried out scalps
- Leaves an amazing scent
- Works with all types of water
The Cons
- Doesn’t help with heat damage
10. Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Nourishing Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
The Bb dry shampoo melts into your scalp and hair to become invisible. It leaves your strands silky soft.
Fans say the price tag is well worth it.
- Features 12 DHT blockers
- Rich in essential oil s
- Helps with breakage and hair damage
- Small amount for rich lather
The mild fragrance comes from the hibiscus extract. It protects against UV radiation to keep your hair from being damaged by the sun.
Pros
- Moisturizes and fights flakes
- Leaves your hair silky smooth
- Makes your scalp more resistant to irritation
The Cons
- Makes your hair frizz
11. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
What’s the best dry shampoo for greasy hair?
It might be this one, which also happens to be unscented. It won’t clash with your perfume, but it will eliminate that bed head odor.
- Plant-based shampoo
- Features lots of DHT blockers
- Contains Vitamin B5 and aloe vera
- Perfect for thin and dry hair
Since it’s fragrance-free, it’s also gentler to sensitive skin.
Pros
- Moisturizes and soothes your hair
- Protects and nourishes the scalp
- Helps keeping a natural balance of the scalp
The Cons
- Can get your scalp oily
12. amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
The amika dry shampoo is free of talc, also known as baby powder.
It uses rice starch to soak up oil. The starch becomes invisible shortly after you apply it and brush it through your hair.
If you have fine hair, you’ll be glad that it adds volume, which makes it convenient for styling.
- Infused with jojoba and coconut oil
- Advanced treatment for your hair
- Better blood circulation
- Deep nourishment
The formula contains an essential ingredient for your hair and scalp. It’s sea buckthorn berry that’s packed with antioxidants that repair your skin and hair.
Then, the same berry is rich in Omega-7, which stimulates collagen production. That helps strengthen your hair.
Pros
- Hydrates and strenghtens your hair
- Moisturizes the scalp
- Actively fights dryness and flakes
The Cons
- Overwhelming perfume
13. R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist
Product Overview
You might be afraid if to use dry shampoo if you have a dry scalp. But this product is a cleansing powder that leaves no residue. It calms itchy scalps.
The secret is due to the blend of silica, glycerin, and castor oil. They attract and seal in moisture and fortify fragile hair.
- No harmful ingredients used
- Encourages hair growth
- Great for both men and women
- Works perfect for post-menoupause hair
The one thing that’s a little different from the ordinary is that you’ll need to blow-dry your hair after you apply it. The heat activates the ingredients.
Moreover, you won’t have to worry about gluten, petrolatum, sulfates, or parabens. The dry shampoo is also certified vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Boosts shine and moisturize
- Doesn’t leave inflammation untreated
- Fights scap dryness
The Cons
- Works only with specific hair problems
14. verb Dry Shampoo, dark
Product Overview
If you have dry hair, you might be reluctant to use dry shampoo.
But verb’s product is perfect for reviving second-day hair.
It defends against sun damage and helps replenish moisture to each strand or curl.
- Infused with castor and coconut oils
- Has vitamin B and E
- Helps menopausal hair
- Prevents hair damage and thinning
There are no parabens, gluten, sulfates, or animal-derived ingredients in it. Instead, it has tapioca starch, antioxidants, and glycerin.
Users with brown hair say that it blends right in without leaving residue.
Pros
- Perfectly moisturizes and nourishes your skin
- Doesn’t leave any untreated flakes
- Works great with sensitive skin
The Cons
- Doesn’t work with very thick hair
15. Renpure Lavender Mint Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
Renpure makes no secret of the fact that you need to shake the bottle frequently while you apply their dry shampoo. That will ensure you get the results you desire.
The lavender and mint formula refreshes hair by adding shine and volume plus a subtle fragrance.
- Fights breakage and thinning
- Infused with caffeine
- Salon-tested formula
- Works reat with hair health
It doesn’t have sulfates, parabens, gluten, phthalates, dyes, or propylene glycol.
While it’s not tinted, it quickly becomes invisible. Users say they prefer it to shampoos with pigment because it’s less messy.
Pros
- Moisturizes and hydrates your skin
- Works great with over-dried scalps
- Leaves your hair shiny and undamaged
The Cons
- Not the best smell
16. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
L’Oreal designed their dry shampoo for normal to oily hair. It has three clays to absorb excess oil.
Interestingly, it doesn’t have propane or butane in it. It’s water-based and has a mild fragrance.
- Infused with saw palmetto and ginseng
- Has lots of essential oils
- Contains aloe vera extracts
- Has no chemicals and harsh parabens
There’s a little salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to keep your follicles from clogging and your scalp hydrated.
Pros
- Enhances hair growth with different nutrients
- Leaves your hair smelling nice and fresh
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes your skin
The Cons
- It makes your hair flat
17. Nexxus Clean & Pure Unscented Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
The Nexxus dry shampoo is safe for color-treated hair and good for all hair types. It works just as well for blondes as it does brunettes.
It gets rid of sweat, oil, and odor, too.
- Infused with DHT blockers
- Formulated with pygeum bark extract
- Has pumpkin seed oil
- Infused with caffeine
The best part is that this is a salon product that works as described. Ask your stylist to try it out on your hair.
Pros
- Cleans your hair and makes it better-looking
- Moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Provides all the nutrients for a healthy scalp and hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t work well with thick hair
18. Pureology | Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
Pureology points out that their dry shampoo protects color treatments from fading.
Their anti-fade complex with sunscreen defends your hair against UV rays and pollution.
- Features 12 DHT blockers
- Rich in essential oils
- Helps with breakage and hair damage
- Moisturizes and fights flakes
The label lists vitamins C and E and sunflower seed extract. These help explain why it works so well.
Pros
- Protects your hair
- Avoids damage and breakage
- Leaves a nice jasmine scent
The Cons
- A little residue left
19. TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, Volumizing
Product Overview
If you have fine, limp hair, try this dry shampoo.
It contains mineral clay and citrus extract to add volume and shine. The citrus also makes it smell fruity fresh.
- Contains brown mineral pigment
- Infused with golden root extracts
- Makes your hair voluminous and fresh
It doesn’t take much spray to work a miracle.
Pros
- Leaves no residue
- Soaks up all the oils
- Makes your hair shinier
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell nice
20. HASK Dry Shampoo, Charcoal
Product Overview
If you’re trying to avoid aluminum, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and dyes, look no further. Here’s a dry shampoo that clarifies and cleanses without all the chemicals.
- Has kiwi, mango and aloe extracts
- Nice, tropical fragrance
- Includes plant oils
Better yet, it contains charcoal with ultrafine rice to remove impurities, sweat, and oil. After you brush it through, your hair will feel like you just washed it.
It has a citrus fragrance.
Pros
- Makes your hair shinier
- Adds nutrients and vitamins
- Soaks up all the residue
The Cons
- Doesn’t leave a nice scent
Conclusion
Everyone should have dry shampoo on hand as it’s a time saver.
It can help you extend the time between color treatments by reducing how often you wash with water.
It can also help you refresh your hair and style it when you don’t have time for proper shampooing.
If you discovered a new favorite dry shampoo today, tell us about it in the comments below.
Batiste Dry Shampoo Plus, Beautiful Brunette
- Inexpensive and very effective
- Has a pleasant, unisex scent
- Tends to thicken the hair and add volume
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_shampoo accessed January 10, 2020
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-dry-shampoo-actually-keep-your-hair-clean/ published April 8, 2015, accessed January 10, 2020