Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Dry shampoo is like the holy grail for anyone who doesn’t want to wash their hair too often but still needs something to refresh and reduce oiliness.

But curly hair usually requires specific products and unique care, so how do you know what to get? If you’re searching for non-aerosol alternatives like powder dry shampoos, you’re in the right spot.

While aerosols typically don’t contain harmful benzene levels, opting for powder versions or benzene-free options is a safer choice.

Here are the 15 best dry shampoos for curly hair. 

1. Acure Dry Shampoo 
2. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk 
3. Hair Dance Dry Shampoo 
4. Nuele Clean Essentials Dry Shampoo
5. The Beachwaver Co. Second Chance Dry Shampoo
6. Handmade Heroes Non Aerosol Dry Shampoo
7. Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
8. Living Proof Dry Shampoo
9. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo 
10. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
11. IGK FIRST CLASS Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
12. Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo  
13. Mixed Chicks Hair Four Days Dry Shampoo
14. Innersense Dry Shampoo Foam
15. Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Dry Shampoo Powder Spray

Does Curly Hair Need Dry Shampoo? 

Dry shampoo is not subject to a hair type. And just because dry shampoo exists doesn’t mean you need it. But here’s the thing: it can be extremely helpful and beneficial. Dry shampoo helps to absorb oils from the scalp and hair, leaving your hair refreshed and rejuvenated between wash days. 

Curly hair might need dry shampoo (more than other types) because curly hair, while naturally leans towards dry, tends to carry a lot of product residue. Curlies typically apply significantly more products, from leave-in conditioners and curl creams to styling gels and mousses. 

This can cause the hair to become weighted, greasy, and lackluster. But since washing your hair too often can be damaging, curlies need a way to reduce the oiliness and boost volume between washes. Dry shampoo can do the trick and give the appearance of freshly washed and clean hair. 

The Best Dry Shampoo Recommendations for Curly Hair 

Choose a dry shampoo for your curly hair from these 15 picks, and never leave the house looking like you haven’t washed your hair again! 

Acure Dry Shampoo

This organic powder form dry shampoo is a one-two punch in a bottle. It is an excellent product that works quickly and simply. Acure dry shampoo will soon become one of your best friends. It is intended to tackle excess oil and unpleasant scents, leaving behind a rosemary and peppermint scent. 

It’s formulated with peppermint, arrowroot, rosemary, and kaolin clay to remove dirt from your hair while giving it a clean, freshly washed look. 

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk

This dry shampoo is a powder form that cleanses, freshens, and adds texture and volume to hair while extending blowouts. The ultra-fine powders are absorbed into the scalp and roots, leaving hair feeling clean with no powdery residue. The best part is that it doesn’t just mask hair/sweat odor; it actually eliminates it. 

Hair Dance Dry Shampoo

An eco-friendly, refillable dry shampoo, free from benzene. Made in the USA, it’s natural, organic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Suitable for all hair colors, it’s perfect for quick refreshes in the morning, post-workout, while camping, or when traveling. Adds volume and absorbs excess oil without talc, parabens, baking soda, or phthalates.

Nuele Clean Essentials Dry Shampoo

This is a non-aerosol dry shampoo spray that helps clean, remove odor and sweat, and vanishes without residue or hair weighing. Benefits: Cleans, eliminates odor, residue-free, and lightweight. Free from cruelty, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, synthetics, and artificial fragrances.

The Beachwaver Co. Second Chance Dry Shampoo

This is a Rice formula that helps extend style, absorb moisture, add volume, and prolong wavy hair. It is free from parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, benzophenone, mineral oil, animal products, and by-products.

Handmade Heroes Non Aerosol Dry Shampoo

Clean, sustainable, non-toxic formula with 100% natural, plant-based, and vegan ingredients. Volumizes and degreases hair instantly between washes.

No benzene, propane, isobutane, carcinogens, synthetic fragrance, parabens, preservatives, or synthetic chemicals. Eco-friendly with no leaching into oceans; Plastic Neutral packaging.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

This talc-free dry shampoo contains rice starch that absorbs dirt and oil and adds volume and texture to hair. It also naturally cleans and deodorizes hair, adds volume, and cools and refreshes the scalp. 

Living Proof Dry Shampoo

Effectively cleans hair by removing oil, sweat, and odor while offering conditioning benefits like softness, shine, and manageability. Functions as well as a rinse-out shampoo, adding softness and shine without leaving visible or textured residue. Balances scalp sebum levels and offers pollution protection. Talc-free and does not contain benzene as an ingredient.

Note: This product is suitable for most hair types. If you have thicker or coarser hair, make sure to section it more thoroughly for even application. If you have curly hair, it’s recommended to remove the powder using a blow dryer rather than using your fingers or a brush, as this could disrupt your curls.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo 

This dry shampoo is formulated in powder form with detoxifying charcoal to absorb oil, sweat, and odor. It also contains biotin to strengthen hair and aloe vera to soothe the scalp. It also is infused with clay and tapioca to absorb excess oil and extend the life of your hairstyle. 

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is formulated with micro-fine Rice Powders that effectively absorb excess oils and odors. Additionally, the Golden Root Extract helps maintain moisture levels, preventing dryness and breakage.

It absorbs oils, adds lift at the roots, eliminates impurities, and leaves your hair looking and feeling clean and refreshed, with added volume and a matte finish. Works for all hair types, especially lighter hair color.

IGK FIRST CLASS Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo

This is a charcoal dry shampoo that will help extend the time between washes, even post-workout. Its detoxifying charcoal powder effectively lifts away dirt and build-up, all while soaking up excess oil and sweat.

The addition of soothing white tea powder brings a cool, calming sensation to your scalp, reinforcing hair follicles for an all-around hair care experience.

This product has received high customer satisfaction ratings, so I would run to try it!

Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo  

This 2-in-1 dry shampoo is formulated with French Pink Clay to absorb oil from roots. It will leave hair lightly scented with no trace of white residue. UV filters help protect against the drying effects of the sun. This formula is specifically for normal to oily hair. 

Mixed Chicks Hair Four Days Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is made in powder form to help improve how your hair looks, feels, and smells after a wash. Fast-absorbing powders absorb excess oil and sweat, leaving hair with a clean and fresh appearance, and then easily brush out, leaving no residue. 

Innersense Dry Shampoo Foam

This is a natural foam to powder dry shampoo that helps to eliminate excess oil, build body, create texture, and revitalize second-day hair. This is for you if you’re looking for a formula completely free of chemicals and other nasty ingredients. 

Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Dry Shampoo Powder Spray

This is a fragrance-free powder form dry shampoo that is ideal for those with oily scalps or looking to skip a wash-day, You can also use this at the roots for added volume and oil absorption.

Suitable for sensitive skin and scalps, suitable for all hair types, absorbs oil, enhances style, provides a soft and lightweight finish.

Benefits of Using Dry Shampoo for Curly Hair 

Whether you invest in a spray or powder form dry shampoo and use it occasionally or on every non-wash day, dry shampoo will benefit you. 

Let’s look at some of those benefits: 

• It helps extend the time between washes.  
• It can achieve certain styles, such as beachy waves or volume at the roots. 
• Dry shampoo can help restore the roots and give your hair natural volume, even after several days of no washing. 
• Many dry shampoos contain ingredients to help volumize and texturize the hair, making them ideal for people with thin or fine hair. 
• After the gym, dry shampoo can help clean your curls and remove sweaty odors that may be trapped in your hair. 
• It can extend the life of your blowout. 
• It can be used as a quick fix for greasy roots. 

How to Properly Use Dry Shampoo on Curly Hair 

Dry shampoos come in the form of loose powders or aerosols. With the loose powder, they can be difficult to control and super easy to over-apply. With the aerosols, you can better achieve even coverage and avoid overdoing it in one area. 

Dry shampoo is typically used by spraying or sprinkling it onto the roots of the hair, then massaging it in and brushing it through to evenly distribute the product. If your dry shampoo comes in a powder form, tap off any excess before applying it to your hair to avoid leaving any visible residue. 

Be sure to follow the directions on the package, as some products may require that you wait a few minutes, gently massage the product into your roots, or remove the product from your hair with a brush or blow dryer. Avoid over-using it, as this can cause the hair to become greasier and dirtier. 

If your dry shampoo is in a spray form, apply it lightly (in sections), and be sure to hold the can about 6 inches away from your head when using it. Doing so will help to prevent any unwanted build-up or residue in your hair. After spraying the product, let it work its magic for about 30 seconds. 

After the third or fourth day, you want to wash your hair correctly. Dry shampoo should be used sparingly. When using dry shampoo on curly hair, be sure to massage it well to avoid any white residue being left behind. Avoid using a dry shampoo on wet, freshly washed, or clean hair. 

FAQs 

Can I use dry shampoo every day?  

You can use dry shampoo daily, but limit it to 2-3 times a week to avoid build-up and damage. And use dry shampoo only if your hair needs it. 

What characteristics of dry shampoos are ideal for curly hair?  

Moisturizing components in dry shampoo are ideal for maintaining moisture levels for curls. Ingredients like sulfates, LPGs, talc parabens, silicones, phthalates, and alcohols can coat the hair, cause build-up, and prevent moisture from getting in.

However, the extent of these effects can vary depending on the specific product formulation and individual hair type.

Conclusion 

Dry shampoos are designed to clean your hair without washing it, making them perfect for busy curlies or anyone trying to prevent damage from overwashing. The above information and suggestions can help determine if you should use dry shampoo and which is best for you.