Best Dry Shampoos for Curly Hair: Keep Your Curls Fresh Between Washes
Greasy roots, limp volume, and curls that lose their bounce, these are some of the most common struggles between wash days. If you want to refresh your curls without starting your whole routine over, dry shampoo can be a real game changer.
But finding one that actually works for curly hair (without leaving a white cast or weighing everything down) can feel like trial and error. I’ve tested a ton of options over the years, and I’m sharing the best dry shampoos for curly and wavy hair, plus how to get the best results with each one.
Whether you’re looking for a spray or powder formula, these picks will help you stretch your wash days, bring back volume at the roots, and keep your curls feeling light and fresh.
Our Top Picks:
Short on time? These 2 are our top picks for dry shampoo for curly hair.
Why Dry Shampoo Works for Curly Hair
Dry shampoo is all about making your routine easier. The right formula can:
- Refresh your scalp when you don’t want to start from scratch
- Absorb oil and sweat at the roots
- Bring life back to flat curls
- Help you go longer between full wash days
Best Dry Shampoos for Curly Hair
Spray Dry Shampoos
amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
This one is super popular for a reason. It absorbs oil fast, doesn’t leave any white cast (even on dark hair), and gives curls a light, fresh feel without that gritty texture. It’s easy to blend, makes hair smell amazing, and gives you a little lift at the roots. A great option for reviving curls between wash days.
Top Pick
Batiste Dry Shampoo
A drugstore classic that’s easy to find and budget-friendly. Batiste does a solid job absorbing oil and adding quick volume at the roots. It comes in several versions, including options for dark hair, which helps avoid that chalky look. Just be sure to massage it in well to prevent any white cast, especially if you have dark curls. Great for a quick refresh when you’re on the go.
Together Beauty Life In The Fast Lane
If you’re looking for a spray that’s lightweight and blends in quickly, this one’s a great choice. It refreshes oily roots and gives your hair a little volume boost, all without leaving any white cast behind. I love that it feels completely weightless, so it never drags curls down or messes with your curl pattern. The nozzle gives you control so you can target just the areas that need help. Perfect for those mornings when your hair needs a reset, but you don’t want to start your whole routine over.
Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo
This line is a classic for a reason – it works, it’s easy to find, and it won’t break the bank. Plump For Joy is especially nice if you want extra volume at the roots, while Clean Freak is great for a more subtle refresh (and comes in a fragrance-free version for sensitive noses). Beach Babe adds texture for that lived-in look. Just section your hair, spray at the roots, let it sit, and massage in. It’s a staple in my routine for busy weeks or after workouts.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
This dry shampoo has a loyal following because it manages to soak up oil without making hair feel dry or stripped. The oat milk gives it a soothing quality, and it never leaves a chalky residue, your hair just looks clean and feels soft. The scent is noticeable, but not overwhelming, and it fades pretty quickly. This is a great pick if you want your hair to look freshly washed, but still maintain softness and movement.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean
If you want a dry shampoo that truly makes your hair look and feel just-washed, this is it. Living Proof’s Advanced Clean formula refreshes the scalp, absorbs oil, and doesn’t weigh curls down at all. It’s especially helpful for days when your hair needs a little revival but you want to keep your style intact. The scent is a bit stronger than some others, but it leaves your hair feeling extra clean. I like using this before a big event or anytime I want my curls to look their absolute best, even if I’m on day three (or four) hair.
Powder Dry Shampoos
Powder dry shampoos are typically a blend of oil absorbing powder such as clays and essential oils for scent and refreshing. These are all clean and curly girl approved, but they take a little more work to blend in than the sprays do.
Me Time Botanicals Save The ‘Do Dry Shampoo
I love how mess-free this powder is, thanks to the included kabuki brush that helps you apply the product exactly where you need it. The powder blends easily into the scalp (no chalky patches or white residue) and it comes in a universal light brown shade that works for most hair colors. This one is a favorite for days when you want to target small oily areas or add a little lift without using a spray. Just dab, blend, and go. Use code HE10 to save
Acure Dry Shampoo
If you prefer a powder formula, Acure is a solid, budget-friendly choice. It comes in a twist-top shaker (like a spice jar), so you can shake out just the right amount at your roots. There’s a version for brunettes and one for lighter hair, so you don’t have to worry about white residue. It’s easy to throw in your bag and perfect for quick touch-ups, whether you’re at home or on the move.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo
This powder is a step up if you want more than just oil absorption, it actually helps refresh your scalp too. The formula contains charcoal to draw out impurities and biotin for a little scalp care boost. The applicator takes a bit of practice (you squeeze the bottle for a puff of powder), but once you get the hang of it, it delivers product right where you need it. My hair always feels cleaner at the roots and I love that it never weighs down my curls.
My Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo
Looking for volume and thicker-feeling hair? This one is a go-to for a lot of curly girls. The nozzle applicator lets you get right to the scalp for targeted oil absorption and fullness. The powder itself is tinted light brown, which blends in easily and works well for most hair colors. You only need a tiny amount, so the bottle lasts ages. It’s perfect for giving limp curls some lift and extending your style between washes.
How to Use Dry Shampoo on Curly Hair
- Section hair at the roots where you need a refresh.
- Spray or sprinkle dry shampoo directly at the scalp.
- Wait a minute for it to absorb oil.
- Gently massage in with your fingertips (or use a brush for powders).
- Fluff and scrunch at the roots to reshape and add volume.
Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
FAQs About Dry Shampoo for Curly Hair
Can dry shampoo cause buildup?
Yes, if you use it too often. Make sure to clarify your hair regularly to keep your scalp healthy.
How do I avoid a white cast?
Massage in thoroughly and look for formulas that blend easily or match your hair color.
Will it mess up my curls?
Nope! Just focus on your roots, and use your hands, not a brush, to reshape curls.
Bottom Line
Dry shampoo can be a total lifesaver for curly hair, especially if you want to go longer between washes, add volume, or just simplify your routine. The best dry shampoo is the one that fits your hair and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite.
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