Dry shampoo is the holy grail of products for people on the go with no time for a daily hair wash. That said, having dark hair is a nightmare when most popular products leave a white powder residue.
Thankfully, a recent shift in the market gave us the long-coveted best dry shampoo for dark hair. These products are specially created with darker hair tones in mind, so you don’t get that ugly white residue if you want to skip wash day.
Overview
We compiled this list of the best options on the market for dark hair based on your hair type and what works best for it:
- Best Overall: Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo
- Best on a Budget: L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair
- Best for Dry Hair: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
- Best for Fine Hair: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
- Best for Volume: R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
- Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
- Best for Root Touch-Up: Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo for Brunettes
- Cult Favorite: Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo
- Best for Oily Hair: Bumble and Bumble Brownish Hair Powder
- Best Invisible: Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo
- Best Luxury Pick: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Best Overall: Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo
Calling a product “the best dry shampoo for dark hair” is a high honor that’s not easily bestowed. Yet, I find that Living Proof’s Perfect hair Day checks all the boxes of a great dry shampoo that works super well for dark hair.
The lightweight formula cleans hair, absorbs excess oil, and is completely invisible. This makes it the right fit if you have highlights you don’t want to ruin with a tinted dry shampoo.
What We Like
- The clear formula works for all hair colors.
- A time-release scent for all-day freshness.
What We Don’t Like
- The fragrance could be too strong for some users.
Best on a Budget: L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair
Finding a good-quality, affordable dry shampoo when you’re short on money can be almost impossible. It might seem like your options are limited to dry shampoos that feel tacky and leave a white residue, making you want to immediately hop in the shower.
Well, the L’Oreal Paris tinted formula dry shampoo for darker hair tones is heaven-sent for brunettes on a budget! It’s made with rice starch that absorbs excess oil but doesn’t weigh your hair down.
What We Like
- Made with natural ingredients, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Works for dark brown hair and lighter shades.
What We Don’t Like
- Causes some color transfer on clothes and pillows.
Best for Dry Hair: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
If you have dry, dull hair, then you know that dry shampoo is your mortal enemy. As it is a powder that sucks all moisture from your hair as it absorbs oil, dry shampoo leaves a brittle mess of hair that resembles hay.
Well, the folks at Moroccanoil found a solution to this problem by infusing their dry shampoo for dark hair with argan oil. It’s a special formula with micro-fine rice powders that absorb oil, dirt, and odor, so it leaves the hair soft, supple, moisturized, and nourished.
What We Like
- The formula nourishes hair and keeps it clean.
- Protects hair against UV damage.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work as well if you have a super oily scalp.
Best for Fine Hair: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Fine hair has a tendency to stick to the scalp as soon as it gets a little greasy. Well, the French-girl-essential Klorane dry shampoo has the goodness of oat milk that gives body and texture. Doesn’t hurt that it’s on the affordable side, too!
What We Like
- Instantly refreshes hair with no tackiness.
- Covers up spots where hair growth is scarce.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work for super dark hair as the color is too warm.
Best for Volume: R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
If you’re a fan of Brigitte Bardot and want to go for that messy, sexy look, then this Death Valley dry shampoo from R+Co is for you. This is one of those dry shampoos that double as a texturizing spray, but it leaves hair soft, shiny, and gorgeous!
What We Like
- Paraben, sulfate, petrolatum, and mineral oil-free & vegan.
- Clear formula that works for all hair types and colors.
What We Don’t Like
- The signature scent could be overpowering for some users.
Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
Scalp issues that require special care can get in the way of finding a great dry shampoo. Try the Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo which contains charcoal powder and biotin. It has an absorbent formula that cleans the hair instantly and leaves the scalp feeling refreshed.
What We Like
- Works like a detox shampoo that purifies the hair and scalp.
- Safe for keratin-treated, chemically-treated, relaxed, and color-treated hair.
What We Don’t Like
- Pretty pricey and only comes in a small-size container.
Best for Root Touch-Up: Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo for Brunettes
If you have gray hair and don’t like worrying about redoing your roots once they grow out, a tinted dry shampoo is your best friend. The Drybar Detox dry shampoo has an excellent oil-absorbing formula that restores a dark brown color to your grown-out roots.
What We Like
- The excellent non-greasy formula for darker hair tones.
- Golden root extract seals in your hair’s natural moisture.
What We Don’t Like
- Can transfer color and leave the hair stiff if overused.
Cult Favorite Dry Shampoo: Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo
The Amika dry shampoo has become a legendary presence among dry shampoos for its consistently great formula. It absorbs excess oil, has a lovely scent, and doesn’t leave a white powder residue like other legacy formulas.
What We Like
- Boosts shine for dull hair.
- Smells fab and works for all hair types.
What We Don’t Like
- The nozzle design and quality could be better.
Best for Oily Hair: Bumble and Bumble Brownish Hair Powder
Hair shine is lovely until it sneaks into greasy-looking territory. For users with oily scalps and hair that refuses to look fluffy or bouncy, the Bumble and Bumble Brownish Hair Powder is the answer. It has a nice matte finish and a formula that refreshes hair and makes it look perfect every day.
What We Like
- A dry cleansing spray for dark tones that removes excess oil and boosts color.
- Matte finish made especially for oily scalps and hair.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work for lighter brown hair.
Best Invisible: Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo
If you like playing with different hair colors and styles, getting highlights, balayage, or a money piece, then an invisible dry shampoo is a must-have. This formula from Eva NYC with rice starch and argan oil does wonders for dark hair as well as lighter shades.
What We Like
- The formula goes on clear with no white or powdery residue.
- Boosts volume and body and revives dull hair.
What We Don’t Like
- Could be too drying if you have a sensitive scalp and/or dry hair.
Best Luxury Pick: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Splurging on fancy dry shampoos might not sound like the most glamorous thing, but this Oribe Gold Lust dry shampoo feels like a luxury. This travel-size can of dry shampoo is premium-priced, but the beautiful glow and effectiveness more than make up for it.
What We Like
- Gives brown hair a gorgeous shine and absorbs oil efficiently.
- A hairstylist favorite.
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in travel-size cans.
How to Choose the Best Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair
With so many dry shampoos on the market, it almost sounds impossible that everything you’ve tried just doesn’t work. Well, the truth is that you’ll probably try several ones before finding the right dry shampoo that suits your hair tone.
To make the process easier, here’s a quick guide on how to choose the right dry shampoo for your hair color, texture, and style.
Clear vs. Tinted Formula
When it first came out, dry shampoo was notorious for how gray or white it left one’s hair. That’s because it was made mainly of rice starch, potato starch, or corn starch. Back then, they weren’t small enough to disappear into the hair.
Clear formula dry shampoos are made of the same bulk ingredients. They’re just milled much finer to avoid the powdery appearance and gritty texture.
Tinted dry shampoos are better at camouflaging gray hair instantly without root touch-ups. They also benefit users with fine, sparse hair as they cover up the scalp well.
Shiny vs. Matte Finish
Making your dry, dull hair look healthy can be achieved by having a dry shampoo with a little bit of shine. On the flip side, if your hair becomes shiny and greasy-looking within a day of washing, you’ll likely prefer something with a mattifying finish.
Aerosol vs. Non-aerosol
Let’s be honest; aerosol cans are super convenient and make applying dry shampoos so much easier. That’s probably the reason why more than 90% of dry shampoo products are aerosolized.
However, for reasons that include indoor air quality and potential carcinogens, you can find other dry shampoos that come in non-aerosol form factors. These include non-pressurized cans, powder puffs, and shake-on containers.
How to Apply Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair to Get the Best Results
Here are a few tips and tricks to make the most out of your dry shampoo experience:
- Apply dry shampoo from a distance to avoid getting splotchy or drippy results. Keep your hand about seven to ten inches from your roots for even distribution.
- Brush out the product thoroughly after use to spread it to your ends. This helps bring a healthy shine to your hair and prevents it from looking like a bird’s nest on your head.
- Use dry shampoo after hot styling tools, not before. This can help avoid oxidizing its ingredients, which can turn highlights brassy.
- If you can plan ahead, apply the dry shampoo before you go to bed. This allows your hair to better absorb it so it doesn’t leave any chalky residue.
- If you use aerosol dry shampoo on your hair daily, spray it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too much of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Dry Shampoos Get Recalled in 2022?
Many dry shampoos, for dark hair and otherwise, were recalled in 2022 for containing elevated levels of the carcinogen benzene.
At first, Unilever did a voluntary recall in October of some of its brands, including:
- Bed Head
- Dove
- Suave
- Tresemme
- Rockaholic
Then in November, an independent laboratory called Valisure looked into some popular brands that include:
- Not Your Mother’s
- Batiste
- Pantene
- Aussie
- Old Spice
They found that these products contained elevated levels of benzene that surpassed the legal amount of 2 parts per million, leading to a recall.
Do Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair Work for Textured Hair?
Having curly or textured hair can be challenging when you want to skip a wash day.
For better results, you should go for a dry shampoo that’s sulfate and paraben-free, preferably with natural ingredients. These should absorb oil without making your curls unnecessarily dry.
And to prevent any gritty residue, massage the product in your roots instead of brushing your curls (a big no-no for curly heads!)
Conclusion
Finding the best dry shampoo for dark hair that doesn’t leave the hair stiff, sticky, or full of white residue is a straightforward ask. However, the market still has ways to go when it comes to delivering results!
Thankfully, you have this tried-and-tested guide for the best dry shampoos for any kind of dark hair you might have.
If you need volume, shine, or a quick root touch-up to cover your grays, we’ve got you covered!
