12 Best Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair That Offer Volumizing Effects

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
best dry shampoo for dark hair
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Dry shampoo is a revolutionary invention for lazy bees who don't feel like washing their hair every other day. The best dry shampoos for dark hair absorb the oil and dirt on your scalp without washing it. They also add instant volume to the hair and a coveted texture to the shaft for that Instagram-worthy look. Our findings show that dry shampoos are effective in removing debris from your hair, but they cannot replace traditional shampoos. However, dry shampoos may leave white residue on your scalp, which is why it could be a daunting task to look for a dry shampoo that leaves your scalp squeaky clean without leaving any powdery residue behind.

Talking about her preference when it comes to dry shampoos, beauty guru and YouTuber Tatiana Aleksandra Westbrook says, "A great dry shampoo that would not leave residue, that would give me volume, that would not weigh my hair down, and that would not give me a white cast, is the one I prefer.” Keeping her advice in mind and the problem faced by dark-haired beauties, we have curated a list consisting of some of the best products in the market. Take a look—

12 Best Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair

The brand boasts of handpicking ingredients from around the world for you to have a trailblazing experience with this product. Loaded with a plumping trio of coffee from Brazil, collagen, and biotin, the product enhances your appearance without leaving any residue behind. Plus, best for weak and damaged strands, this dry shampoo for dark hair also comes with the fragrance of coconut to let you experience a tropical scent without being present on the beach. Last but not the least, it is a Hollywood-stylist-approved product that ensures a visible volume while leaving the hair looking fresh and clean.

Pros
  • Plumps up the hair
  • Exotic Ingredients
  • Hollywood-stylist approved
  • Soaks oil and odor
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Not for people sensitive to smell
  • Aerosol-free

    HAIR DANCE VOLUMIZING Dry Shampoo

     HAIR DANCE VOLUMIZING Dry Shampoo
  • The volumizing dry shampoo from Hair Dance is formulated in such a way that it suits every hair color and type, leaving it clean and nourished even when you are not in the mood for a wash. Infused with lavender essential oil, it also soothes your mood and calms down the senses along with taking great care of your scalp. Moreover, made from organic rice starch, silica, and organic colloidal oatmeal, the aerosol-free powder works on every hair type and hair texture to add extra volume and shine to your tresses.

    Pros
    • Suits all hair types
    • Aerosol-free
    • Calms down senses
    • Suits every hair color
    • Travel-friendly
    • Unisex
    • Organic ingredients
    Cons
    • Pump could be sturdy
  • Hollywood-stylist Approved

    Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

    Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
  • This perk up dry shampoo from Amika is loaded with rice starch to give you the right amount of volume that you desire! Adding to that, also enriched with arrowroot powder, mandelic acid, sea buckthorn, and peptides, the dry shampoo not only adds an oomph to your strands but also cools down your scalp and reduces foul smell. To note more, the product tactfully absorbs all the oil on your scalp and helps you extend the time between your hair washes.

     

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Layerable
    • Absorbs oil
    • Adds volume
    • Refreshes the scalp
    • Dispels odor
    Cons
    • Not for sensitive scalp
  • Ultra-gentle Formula

    Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

    Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
  • With an ultra-gentle formula, the dry shampoo is clinically tested to show its effectiveness by working on the scalp to carefully eliminate the odor and greasiness without stripping off the natural oils. Furthermore, infused with oat milk, cornstarch, and rice starches, the smooth powder blends quickly into the scalp with no residue. For the best results, just shake the bottle gently before spraying it on the scalp, and voila, you'll get a refreshed and voluminous mane in a jiffy!

     

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Plant-based ingredients
    • Ultra-gentle formula
    • Soothing properties
    • Balances the natural oils in the scalp
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • Tantalizing Scent

    drybar DETOX Dry Shampoo

    drybar DETOX Dry Shampoo
  • Do yourself a favor by using this dry shampoo by Drybar, if you rely on blowouts for achieving a voluminous look! This is one of the favorite products of many people as it not only increases the volume of thin hair but also extends the longevity of your blowouts by holding them up for a long time. Addedly, formulated with micro-fine rice powder, and golden root extracts, the cruelty-free formula eliminates impurities and leaves the hair clean and lifted. Last but not least, with fresh scents of jasmine, sandalwood, and madagascar vanilla, you are sure to have a heavenly experience as you use the product!

     

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Micro-fine powder
    • Cruelty-free
    • Tantalizing scent
    • Eliminates impurities
    Cons
    • Leaves a little residue
  • Purifies the Scalp

    HANDMADE HEROES Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo

    HANDMADE HEROES Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo
  • Formulated with 8 safe ingredients like activated charcoal powder, rice powder, kaolin, geranium, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus oil, and cocoa powder, the dry shampoo is here to elevate your hair cleansing experience as you use it every day. Also, getting bouncy and soft hair couldn't be easier than this with this non-toxic formula that blends on the scalp like a dream. Besides, the clean and sustainable product with no nasty chemicals and plastic-neutral packaging is what the brand needs a pat on the back for!

     

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Sustainable packaging
    • Provides instant volume
    • Purifies the scalp
    • No aerosol
    Cons
    • Quantity is quite less
  • Vegan-friendly

    Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo- Pack of 3

    Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo- Pack of 3
  • You can now ditch frequently rinsing your hair with this effective formula by Not Your Mother's that comes in a set of 3. The mentioned three variants have distinctive fragrances, namely, the original, orange mango, and toasted coconut. Moreover, formulated without sulfate, paraben, gluten, and silicon, the waterless shampoo bestows you with voluminous hair without leaving unwanted residue behind. Wondering how this magically works? Just hold the spray 8-10 inches away from your scalp and spritz it on the roots to style your locks you please!

    Pros
    • No unwanted white powder residue
    • Cruelty-free
    • Phthalates-free
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Dye-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Makes hair dry
  • Value for Money

    Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark Hair- Pack of 3

    Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark Hair- Pack of 3
  • When you are in no mood to splurge and are looking for a value-for-money hair cleansing pack, this set of 3 Batiste dry shampoo will come to the rescue. With handy packaging, the dry shampoo for dark hair works wonders on your scalp without leaving behind a foul smell or residue. The best part? The product is lightweight and non-sticky which further ensures great volume to the hair, making way for a good hair day effortlessly! Still confused? Well, don’t be, Grab it now before it is gone!

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Value for money
    • Leaves no residue
    • Non-sticky
    • Travel-friendly
    • Best for brunettes
    Cons
    • Smells like perfume
  • Emphasizes on Thickness

    R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste

    R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste
  • As dry as the terrain of the Badlands, the dry shampoo paste stands true to its name and caters to all your hair cleansing needs! Loaded with volcanic ash, the uniquely formulated product cleanses your scalp without water and balances the oil masterfully. It also contains coconut oil and sunflower seed extracts to emphasize thickness by protecting your hair against free radicals. Lastly, with a matte finish, the product holds up the volume for a really long time when used on damp hair followed by a blow drying session.

    Pros
    • Emphasizes on hair thickness
    • Protects against free radicals
    • Nourishes the hair
    • Small amount goes a long way
    • Unique formulation
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May leave you with greasy hair
  • Non-GMO

    Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo

    Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo
  • Based on our observations, the Freshen Up Invisible dry shampoo comes with a weightless formula that cleans your hair thoroughly while adding instant volume. Also, loaded with the goodness of rice starch, vitamin C, and fatty acids, the natural dry shampoo for dark hair leaves your hair feeling refreshed and smelling heavenly. Furthermore, free of nasty ingredients like parabens, sulfate, and phthalates, the cruelty-free product can make your hair shine even on no-rinsing days.

     

    Pros
    • Weightless
    • Absorbs excess oil
    • Gentle on hair
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Non-GMO
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Contains propane
  • Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo

    Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo
  • The Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo from Living Proof claims to care for and clean the hair roots single-handedly while balancing the sebum levels. It further takes the upper hand in restoring the shine and softness of the shaft without leaving behind any residue. Adding to that, with an odor-neutralizing scent, it is a boon for busy bees wanting to avoid frequent washes on working days. Lastly, through our trial and error, we discovered that holding it 6-10 inches away from your roots will help you get you the best results without any hair damage.

     

    Pros
    • Removes oil
    • Minimizes sweat
    • Provides shine
    • Balances sebum
    • Leaves no residue behind
    • Makes hair manageable
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • BEAUTY BY EARTH Dry Shampoo And Volume Powder

    BEAUTY BY EARTH Dry Shampoo And Volume Powder
  • The organic dry shampoo from Beauty by Earth comes with a smooth formula that is easy to blend into the scalp leaving the roots feeling clean and soft. With Leaping Bunny certification, the climate-pledge-friendly product further boasts plastic neutral packaging. To be noted, it is formulated with kaolin clay, baking soda, lavender, and cornstarch, all of which absorb excess oil without leaving behind any residue. “Cornstarch does not make the scalp dry. However, it can absorb excess oil from the scalp which, if overused, could potentially lead to dryness.”, says Dr. Chacon, a board certified dermatologist. All in all, feeling refreshed without washing your hair regularly couldn't be easier than this when you have this vegan-friendly formula with you!

     

    Pros
    • Leaping Bunny certified
    • Aerosol-free formula
    • Plastic neutral packaging
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • USDA certified
    Cons
    • Quite hard to use

    Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best dry shampoos for dry hair, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision. 

     

    How to Choose the Best Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair?

    Here are a few factors to consider while vouching for the best dry shampoos for dark hair - 

    a) Color: According to hair experts, the first and foremost parameter for choosing a dry shampoo for darker hair tones is the color. Check if the product is tinted or comes with a translucent formula that suits your hair color without looking unnatural. To note, the clear-looking dry shampoos have less-powdery consistency that helps in soaking the excess oil, whereas a tinted dry shampoo takes the upper hand in eliminating the oiliness and grease more effectively!

    b) Blendability: If you have oily hair, and you need a lot of product to give it the coveted bounce, it is better that you choose a product offering ease of blendability. It will allow you to spread the product with your fingertips along the roots.

    c) Residue: Your dry shampoo is meant to clear the residue buildup on your scalp, not the other way around. So, make sure the product doesn't leave a chalky residue in your hair and regulates sebum production effectively.

    d) Ingredients: Since the product is meant for the roots, you need to be extra careful with the ingredients you are putting in! Check for natural ingredients like cornstarch, rice powder extracts, and arrowroot powder — these key ingredients in a dry shampoo work wonderfully to soak up all the oiliness and sebum, making your hair soft and clean. Those with sensitive scalps should steer clear of dry shampoos with artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and aerosol.

     

    Top Amazing Benefits of Dry Shampoos That'll Make You Want to Grab One

    Even though dry shampoos don't work as a full-time substitute for cleansing your hair with a shampoo, they have various benefits to offer. Read on to know more!

    1. The best dry shampoo for dark hair adds volume and bounce, making your tresses more manageable and easy to style.  

    2. Regular shampoos can fade the color of your tresses quickly. Dry shampoos are a boon for people with color-treated hair as they help preserve the tone and vibrancy of your colored hair. 

    3. Dry shampoo for dark hair is an excellent choice for people with oily scalps as it effectively absorbs oil, grease, and dirt, leaving you with cleaner hair.

    4. Washing your hair too much can do more harm than good. Shampoos cleanse the scalp thoroughly and remove dirt, debris, and oil, but overwashing your hair can also strip away the natural oils, leaving you with dry and dull hair. With dry shampoos, you can get clean hair without stripping your scalp of natural oils. 

    With so many potential benefits of dry shampoos, it's hard to say no to them. However, it's essential to use dry shampoos in moderation to avoid hair damage and boost healthy hair growth.

    Conclusion

    These best dry shampoos for dark hair come with revolutionary formulas to bestow your hair with instant volume and a refreshing feeling without using water. You can even extend the gap between your hair washes and style your hair the way you like on those busy days with these beauties! As indicated by our tests, they blend smoothly on your scalp and don't leave behind any residue in the first place. Still confused? Well, don’t be. Get gorgeous hair in a jiffy by grabbing any of our top picks. But make sure to cleanse your hair regularly with water and shampoo to maintain healthy hair and scalp.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    Is dry shampoo good for dark hair?
    Dry shampoos often come in white color and leave a residue on the scalp! People with darker hair need to choose a formula that is dark in color.
    Can I use dry shampoo every day?
    You can absolutely use dry shampoos everyday to get instant volume, especially, on the days when you want more texture in your hair, and don't feel like washing it to get the desired look.
    Is regular hair washing using liquid shampoos better than dry shampoo?
    Dry shampoo is a savior when you don't feel like washing your mane with a liquid shampoo using water or want to increase the days in between your hair washes.
    Does dry shampoo strip hair color?
    Dry shampoos do not strip hair color. But, using them in excess can interfere with colored hair - hence, it's important to use them in moderation and opt for color-safe formulas.
    Does dry shampoo work on all hair types?
    Yes, dry shampoos work on all hair types and hair textures. Make sure to use a formulation that caters to the specific needs of your hair type.
    Is dry shampoo best used at night?
    Yes, you can use dry shampoo products at night before going to bed. It'll help absorb all the oil and dirt, making you wake up with clean and refreshed hair in the morning. It’s advisable to use talc-free dry shampoo at night to get a nourished scalp.
    Does dry shampoo work on wet hair?
    No, dry shampoo works best on dry hair.
    Do dry shampoos contain harmful chemicals?
    Just like regular shampoos, dry shampoos might also contain harsh chemicals. Some ingredients to watch out for in a dry shampoo are artificial fragrances, alcohol, talc, mineral oil, and parabens. Look for a lightweight formula to minimize potential risks associated with dry shampoos.
    Is using dry shampoo the same as washing your hair?
    According to hair experts, dry shampoos should not be replaced with regular shampoos. You should wash your hair with water and regular shampoos and not use dry shampoo more than once or twice a week.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    According to Alvira, our haircare specialist, one should be very careful when picking a dry shampoo for dark hair. She suggests using a shampoo that doesn’t leave any residue behind, adds bounce to hair, and keeps it shiny. Keeping in mind all these factors, she began the hunt for the best dry shampoos that suit dark hair. After rigorous testing, she has come up with this list of the 12 shampoos that nourish the hair strands without leaving a white cast behind. She recommends using Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk for people looking for vegan products. It is gentle on the hair and restores the pH levels of the scalp. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
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    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More