13 Best Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair That Won't Leave a White Cast
I got you, my fellow brunette bbs.
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I used to be one of those people who would haphazardly spray the first dry shampoo they could find into their roots and then spend ten more minutes try to massage away the white residue. It was only when I made the transition to using a dry shampoo *specifically* formulated for my dark hair—either a tinted version or lightweight clear formula—that I was able to ditch that ashy, chalky effect for good. So if you're a fan of dry shampoo and have any shade of brown hair, including mushroom brown hair, ash brown hair, or black-brown hair, you're in the right place my friend. I've tested a ton of formulas and consulted with three expert hairstylists to find the 13 best dry shampoos for dark hair—plus what to look for in a formula, the best kinda for your hair type, and how to properly use a dry shampoo in your daily hair routine.
Our top picks for dry shampoo for dark hair in 2022:
Best Drugstore Favorite Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair
Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo in Divine Dark
Read more
Keep scrolling for all the top-rated dry shampoos for dark hair, along with the expert tips on how to shop for the perfect formula and how to use whichever option you buy like a GD pro.
Playa Pure Dry Shampoo
Playa Pure Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Reviewers saw an instant reduction in oiliness
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bottle doesn't last very long for the price
I get it, spraying dry shampoo through your dark hair can feel scary, but you don't have to worry about a thing with this formula from clean, all-natural haircare brand Playa. The invisible formula soaks up excess oil with a blend of plant extracts, including wild rose extract, sunflower extract, and star anise.
THE REVIEW: “I love this! It's perfect for dark hair. No white residue, no overpowering smell. I can literally go a full week without washing my hair thanks to this,” says one tester.
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Helps strength and condition hair
Cons
- The extra-tall can may be difficult to store
The coolest thing about this dry shampoo? It helps condition your hair while extending the longevity your style too. It's made with nourishing vitamin E for added shine, rice proteins to strengthen your hair's cuticle, and cleansing ingredients to eliminate unwanted build-up, grease, and odor.
THE REVIEW: “This is hands down the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used," writes one reviewer. "It doesn’t leave a white cast and makes my hair soft and shiny too."
Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo in Divine Dark
Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo in Divine Dark
Pros
- One of the more affordable dry shampoos on the market
Cons
- The brown tint can transfer onto your hairline
Proof that you can find a drugstore dry shampoo that works just well as the pricey versions out there? This top-rated formula for dark hair from Batiste. It has a brown tint to neutralize any potential whitening effect and quickly removes excess oil for grease-free roots.
THE REVIEW: “I can get a couple extra days between washes with this product," reads one review. "It's so much better than other similarly priced dry shampoos I've tried.”
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
Pros
- Reviewers are obsessed with the scent
Cons
- Some reviewers say it works best on light brown hair
When your second or third style stands needs a little zhush, this dry shampoo for dark hair will be your BFF. It works on all hair types and textures, from fine and straight to thick and curly, and will never dull your color. And the scent? Sooooo good. Just trust me, okay?
THE REVIEW: “I’ve always used the light tone version of this dry shampoo and loved it, but recently I darkened my roots and got lots of lowlights, so found that I wanted to try the dark tone version," writes one tester. "It has the same smell, works just as well, and leaves behind zero residue!"
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Mattifies roots and adds volume too
Cons
- Some reviewers say the formula can be overly drying
This powerful dry shampoo instantly gives greasy roots a soft matte finish thanks to micro-fine rice powders that soak up oil without looking chalky. It even has volumizing benefits too, making it a solid choice for anyone with fine, flat roots.
THE REVIEW: “I have very fine, greasy hair that has to be washed daily," says a reviewer. "I've tried almost every dry shampoo out there and none worked... until I found this one from Drybar. It's been a miracle for me."
Klorane Oil-Control Dry Shampoo with Nettle
Klorane Oil-Control Dry Shampoo with Nettle
Pros
- Made without parabens or silicones
Cons
- Needs to be throughly brushed through hair for the best results
One of my favorite French pharmacy finds, this cult-favorite plant-based dry shampoo from Klorane is loved by editors and hair stylists for it's ability to transform two, three, even four day hair. The hero ingredient is nettle, a plant extract that absorbs excess oil (without creating a gray-ish cast) and keeps your scalp and strands matte for 48 hours. Pretty impressive if you ask me.
THE REVIEW: “I literally just spray this dry shampoo into my roots and brush it out and my hair instantly looks less oily and doesn't smell bad anymore."
Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Brunette Dry Shampoo
Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Brunette Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Has styling and smoothing benefits
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can leave your hair feeling stiff if you use too much product
Think of this multitasking formula from celeb hairstylist Kristin Ess (her clients include Lauren Conrad and Lucy Hale to name a few) as a styler and dry shampoo. It extends the life of your blowout, adds shine and softness to hair, *and* soaks up extra oil for grease-free roots too.
THE REVIEW: “I have tried many different high end dry shampoos and this is the first one that actually works for me," says one tester. "It doesn't leave a white residue like most dry shampoos and lets me go multiple days in between washes."
Not Your Mother's Triple Threat Brunette Dry Shampoo
Not Your Mother's Triple Threat Brunette Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Most affordable option on the list
Cons
- Some reviewers say the scent can be overpowering
Say hello to the triple threat—a dry shampoo for dark hair that leaves behind absolutely zero white residue, smells fresh as hell (shoutout to the peach, amber, and vanilla notes), and costs just $9. A game-changer for infrequent washers who don't want to break the bank.
THE REVIEW: “I really, really like this formula—it does exactly what it is supposed to," says a reviewer. "I don't like to wash my hair daily so this is a must."
Verb Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair
Verb Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
Cons
- The brown tint may run in rainy or humid weather
I have super-rich dark brown hair and I can easily use this formula— and my friends with lighter brown hair can successfully use it too. The universal brown tint and lightweight, oil-absorbing formula is suitable for all types of brunettes and all hair types and textures too.
THE REVIEWS: “I love that this dry shampoo gets rid of my oily roots on even day four if I don’t wash my hair and adds volume with no odor,” says one tester.
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Nourishing Dry Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Nourishing Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Made with antioxidant that help protect hair from breakage
Cons
- Some reviewers with super-dark hair noticed some dullless after using this formula
Looking for a dry shampoo that removes oil without drying out your fragile hair? Try this nourishing, antioxidant-infused formula from Bumble and bumble—it'll refresh your roots while also protecting your hair from color-fading, UV damage, and hair breakage.
THE REVIEW: “I use this dry shampoo on day one hair and it's a game changer," says a reviewer, adding that "the clear formula takes away all the oils but doesn't make my ends feel brittle or dried out."
IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Animal-friendly formula is vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Can leave build-up in the hair if used incorrectly
A PSA all of my vegan and cruelty-free bbs: you *need* to try this animal-friendly dry shampoo from IGK. It utilizes charcoal powder (yep, the same ingredient used in purifying face masks) to eliminate dirt, oil, sweat, and build-up. It honestly cleans and refreshes hair so well you'll forget the last time you washed with shampoo and water.
THE REVIEW: “I like that this product does not create any white powdery residue like other dry shampoos I've used in the past," reads one review. "I also like that you don't need to use very much product to get good results."
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Gives hair added lift, texture, and body
Cons
- Not the best option for curly hair textures
Another great option dry shampoo option for dark brown hair that'll give sweaty, greasy hair that fresh, just-from-the-salon feel. The non-whitening formula gives hair body, texture, and volume thanks to volcanic minerals and rich starch.
THE REVIEW: “I was hesitant to try this product because of the price but I’m so glad I did," says a tester, adding that it "works amazingly for my hair, which is long and fine. I can go days without washing my hair because of this dry shampoo."
Sephora Collection Dry Shampoo
Sephora Collection Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Leaves hair with a soft, smooth texture
Cons
- Some reviewers say the nozzle can be tempermental
There are so many reasons to love this dry shampoo for brunettes: it works for all hair types and tones and is made with ultra-absorbing ingredients that refresh and reset your hair. And unlike other dry shampoos on the market, this formula has zero texture or grit so your hair will still feel silky smooth once you spray it on.
THE REVIEW: “I love this affordable dry shampoo! It smells fab and is great for all hair types. All my girlfriends love using it when they come over”, says one reviewer,” says one tester.
Can dry shampoo be used on dark hair?
Absolutely yes. Castillo Bataille, an LA-based celebrity hairstylist, says that dry shampoo works on all hair types and colors. "There are even special dry shampoos for specific hair colors," says Bataille, who loves using dry shampoos to refresh hair and to even give hair some added texture and volume.
Chicago-based hairstylist and owner of Space by Alex Brown Alex Brown agrees. "Dry shampoo is perfectly fine to use on any hair color," says Brown. "Your end result all depends on the application process" Her advice? Work the product in with your fingers, and maybe even a hair dryer. "This will help distribute the formula more evenly and prevent a powdery appearance," says Brown.
How to choose a dry shampoo for dark hair:
Consider a tinted vs. clear formula.
You don't need to just go for brown-tinted dry shampoos if you’re a brunette, you can also try a clear or translucent formula which typically sets to an invisible finish. The only difference? These clear dry shampoos aren't made with as many grease-soaking powders, so they may not be as effective as the powdery tinted options when it comes to minimizing oiliness.
Figure out your hair needs
If you've got fine hair that doesn't get too greasy—just super flat— you may do better with a clear or sheer dry shampoo for texture and volume. But if you've got more of an oily mop, you’ll have to use more product, which can lead to build-up. If this is your hair type, you’ll want to go for a tinted formula to get the job done. Also, if you don't love the idea of your shower water looking totally brown at first while washing your hair (it's harmless and doesn't stain, but still), opt for a clear dry shampoo instead.
Be mindful of how you use it.
No matter what dry shampoo you choose for your dark hair, it's important to use it properly. Angela Hazelton, renowned colorist Marie Robinson Salon in New York City, says that dry shampoo should always be used as the very last step in your hair routine. "Most dry shampoos are alcohol-based, so if you apply heat to them, they can actually cause your hair color to oxidize or become brassy," says Hazelton. Additionally, Hazelton suggests washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo after using a dry shampoo for a few days." It'll help prevent any clogged pores on the scalp."
As for application, Hazelton says that dry shampoo works best when used preventatively. She tells clients to wash and style their hair and then immediately spray dry shampoo into your roots to prevent your hair from getting oily in the first place. Genius, right?
Meet the experts
- Castillo Bataille is a celebrity hairstylist and Matrix Brand Ambassador known for creating innovative hairstyles that evoke and enhance his clients’ natural beauty. He’s worked with celebrities like Bella Poarch, Alyssa Milano, and Meghan Trainor.
- Alex Brown is a Chicago-based hairstylist and owner of Space by Alex Brown. She's worked with celebrities like Rebecca Black, Kendall Jenner, and Chrissy Teigen.
- Angela Hazelton, renowned colorist at the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City. She's worked with celebrities like Bebe Rexha, Mariska Hargitay, and Kathryn Gallagher.
Why trust Cosmo?
Valeriya Chupinina is the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing haircare stories that range from gray hairstyles to at-home hair toners. She’s an authority in all haircare categories, and regularly tests and analyzes dry shampoos for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top hairstylists to assess new formulas and brands.
Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna.
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