Woman spraying product on her hair

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Dry hair is one of the most important things.

A few spritzes of the stuff and you’re on your way, no dry-time or detangling required.

If you have looked at the ingredients listed in some of the most popular drug-store picks, you know you may be brushing elbows with a number of harsh, unsafe chemicals.

We’re talking talc (recently booted from the beauty community for its questionable ties to cancer) and liquid It is a type of oil. gasses (LPGs) like propane, isobutane, and butane — ingredients that shoot the product from its aerosol can but are less than ideal for personal health and the environment.

“We did some research and testing on natural and organic dry hair that doesn’t expose you to unsafe ingredients. We chose brands that prioritize the use of high quality ingredients and have hundreds of 5-star reviews.”

Learn how to apply our favorites to your hair.

Good old regular shampoos do a nice job of cleaning your scalp and hair and getting rid of excess oil. But it’s important not to wash your hair too often — doing so can strip it of important oils that your scalp needs to stay healthy.

You would rather not deal with oily days if you scaled back on shampooing.

This is where dry hair removal comes in. Many of us were spraying it at our roots without much hesitation.

But the thing about dry shampoos in aerosol cans (aside from the liquid It is a type of oil. gasses already mentioned) is they also commonly use Alcohols., which are, of course, drying agents. Dry hair is more prone to breakage.

Compared to traditional dry shampoos, ones made with more natural and some organic ingredients to keep your scalp away from drying ingredients and harsh chemicals. Plus, nearly all of the picks on our list are powders, which means they also give an instant, volumizing lift.

We chose these products based on their use of natural or organic ingredients and their avoidance of using unsafe ingredients like talc, propane, and so on.

We also looked closely at brand reputations and product reviews. Additionally, all the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards. Read more about our process here.

A note on editorial testing

Customer reviews and product descriptions can be overwhelming. We are here to make it easier to research products.

In some cases, we need to have our writers and editors test products to see how they perform in real life. We rely on feedback from retail sites.

Our writer tested several of the products. She relied on reviews from retail sites.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$25
  • $$$ = over $25

Best overall organic dry shampoo

Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Lavender

  • Price: $
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle
  • Pros: blends easily, smells great, no sticky residue
  • Cons: can be messy
  • Scent: lavender and grapefruit
  • Key ingredients: rice starch, colloidal oatmeal, silica
  • Hair type: all hair types
  • Free from: There is a substance called parabens., Sulfates., Silicones., The chemical phthalates.

“This brand’s dry hair product is my favorite.”

First, it’s made by Hair Dance — a small, woman-owned business with a focus on clean, cruelty-free hair products.

“It works on all hair colors. White powder can be hard to blend into dark hair colors. This product blends into my dark hair in a matter of seconds. It doesn’t require much more than a few strokes at your roots with your fingers for it to quickly soak up excess oil and leave you with a clean look.”

Some dry shampoos may leave a sticky residue on your hands after applying, but this isn’t the case here, thanks to simple ingredients like organic rice starch, organic colloidal oatmeal, silica, lavender oil, and organic olive leaf. It’s made without:

This pick is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the U.S. using organic ingredients, and it is in our pricing guide. A little of this product goes a long way.

I also love both of the fresh scents available: lavender and grapefruit (available on the company website). Overall, its simplicity, soothing scents, and lightweight feel are why it won me over.

It’s also worth mentioning that Hair Dance donates 10% of its proceeds to Mercy Ships — an international charity that provides free surgical procedures to those in need.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best organic dry shampoo for dark hair

Primally Pure Dry Shampoo, Dark Locks

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle
  • Pros: soaks up oil, comes in two shades, boosts volume
  • Cons: sticky
  • Scent: grapefruit
  • Key ingredients: kaolin clay, arrowroot powder
  • Hair type: all hair types
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

This dry shampoo uses kaolin clay and organic arrowroot powder to absorb moisture while boosting texture and volume.

It’s also made with organic essential oil of grapefruit, which the company says is because it has natural cleansing properties. Peppermint and lavender soothe the scalp, but you can’t smell the lavender and grapefruit much. The scent is mainly peppermint.

I used a dark hair product called “Dark Locks” but also used a lighter hair product called “Light Locks” for lighter hair colors.

The dark formula uses organic cocoa powder to blend into dark hair. As an added benefit for dyed hair, it’s a great multitasker; if your roots are fading and you’re in between washes, this shampoo will both volumize and refresh your color.

I think the cocoa powder made my fingers sticky after use.

This product is made in the US.

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Best high end organic dry shampoo

Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1.8-oz. bottle
  • Pros: easy to use, feels refreshing, blends well
  • Cons: pricey
  • Scent: clean
  • Key ingredients: earth clay, tapioca starch
  • Hair type: all hair types
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

The top of our pricing guide is a dry hair product. It is made with plant-based ingredients that the company claims are rainforest grown.

These include cassava (tapioca) — which the brand says is organic and food-grade to absorb oil, sweat, and debris — as well as cosmetic clay for absorbing oil and organic star anise for antimicrobial properties.

“Most of our picks use bottles, similar to baby powder, that you shake into your roots. This product is not the same as the others. It’s still in a nonaerosol dispensers, but you have to squeeze the bottle and watch the powder go out from the side of the dispensers.”

The only color that comes in this dry shampoo is white, but it blended my dark hair.

The scent is similar to baby powder.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best certified organic dry shampoo

Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 2.5-oz. bottle
  • Pros: certified organic, comes in two shades, travel size available
  • Cons: must use within 12 months
  • Scent: unscented
  • Key ingredients: corn starch, arrowroot powder
  • Hair type: oily
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

“I tried this vegan dry wash in the formula for dark and red hair colors, but it also came in a formula for blonde and light hair colors. I didn’t have a problem with putting the product into my hair.”

This pick is USDA-certified organic, leaping bunny certified, and made in the U.S.

This formula is nontoxic and free of There is a substance called parabens., pegs, SLS, SLES, and synthetic dyes or fragrances. It’s also free of soy. The company points out that after opening, this product has a 12-month shelf life.

If you want to take it on the go, Beauty by Earth has travel-size versions of this dry hair product.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best value organic dry shampoo

Acure Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Size: 1.7-oz bottle
  • Pros: certified organic, comes in two shades, smells great
  • Cons: cocoa shade may be too dark
  • Scent: peppermint
  • Key ingredients: corn starch, arrowroot powder
  • Hair type: all
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

Vegan and USDA-certified organic, ACURE dry shampoos come in a dark formula for dark hair colors as well as another formula that they say works for all hair types.

The dark formula includes cocoa, so the powder is a bit darker than the all-hair-types option. During testing, I was impressed with the product’s quality and size at its reasonable price point. Though it’s made with rosemary and peppermint, peppermint is the strongest note I pick up.

This product is made without There is a substance called parabens., Sulfates., mineral oil, petrolatum, or formaldehyde. Acure is certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA, so it’s cruelty-free as well.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Best smelling natural dry shampoo

Franklin + Whitman Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 2-oz. bottle
  • Pros: two scent and shade options, soaks up oil, boosts volume
  • Cons: difficult to blend in
  • Scent: east falls and spring garden
  • Key ingredients: maranta arundinacea powder, kaolin clay
  • Hair type: all
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

There are two different formulas for light and dark hair colors.

It also comes in two scents (available in both light and dark colors): East Falls, which is a blend of lemongrass, bergamot, and clary sage, and Spring Garden — a blend of grapefruit, rosemary, and eucalyptus.

The dry shampoo uses four different types of powders, starches, and clay, which is different from the formulas for the dark/light and two scent options.

“Reviewers are happy with the brand, but I haven’t tested it myself.”

The company has a website that only displays reviews from the company, but the company does display less-than-stellar reviews with the happy ones. Comments range from life changing to notes about how to blend the product into their hair type.

SHOP NOW AT FRANKLIN + WHITMAN

Best spray natural dry shampoo

Love Beauty and Planet Oil Absorbing Refreshing Dry Shampoo, Murumuru Butter and Rose

  • Price: $
  • Size: 1.53-oz. can
  • Pros: a good aerosol option, refreshes hair and scalp, all hair types
  • Cons: too strong for some, contains fragrance
  • Scent: murumuru butter and rose
  • Key ingredients: tapioca starch
  • Hair type: all
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

“This is a natural dry hair pick for those who can’t get on board with powder or aerosol cans but still want natural ingredients and an eco-friendly product.”

The aerosol can is powered by nitrogen, which makes it easier on the environment.

The company says the ingredients are 97 percent natural.

“I haven’t put it on myself, but the reviews are good. Many people were concerned that the can was empty.”

Reviewers are not sure about the scent. Some people love it and some people think it\’s too strong for them. The company suggests holding the can 10 to 12 inches away from your roots, because it sprays out “hardcore”, which may explain why.

This pick is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., and Silicones.. It’s worth mentioning that it contains fragrance, which may not make it a great choice for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.

SHOP NOW AT KOHLS

Best cleansing natural dry shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 1.7-oz. bottle
  • Pros: cleanses the scalp, feels refreshing, safe for all hair types
  • Cons: too scented for some, packaging could use a refresh
  • Scent: clean
  • Key ingredients: rice starch, charcoal powder
  • Hair type: all
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

“Dry shampoos absorb oil and save you time, but they don’t actually clean your hair. This product works harder by drawing out the dirt and other pollutants from the hair.”

The company says that it works by drawing out the bad stuff from the hair and by using a blend of clay, tapioca, and rice starch to absorb excess oil from the roots.

Witch hazel extract, the company says, helps to “normalize oil production to prevent an oily scalp.” This may be because witch hazel performs as an astringent, triggering tissues to contract and helping shrink pores, while also soothing your skin and easing inflammation — which is why witch hazel is sometimes used to treat some cases of acne.

Finally, biotin nourishes the hair follicle to support healthy hair growth.

This product is safe for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types and is also good for color-treated, keratin-treated, and chemically-treated hair. The vegan and cruelty-free version of the cleanser is made with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients.

Most reviewers are pleased with the product, but others had trouble with the scent or the dispensers.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best natural dry shampoo with lots of scent options

Lulu Organics Hair Powder Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 4-oz. tube
  • Pros: seven different scent options, large container, easy to use
  • Cons: pricey
  • Scent: six different scents
  • Key ingredients: kaolin clay, sage oil
  • Hair type: all
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

One of the pricier picks on our list, this natural dry shampoo comes in seven different scents. It is vegan, handmade, child-safe, and comes in a large container compared to others on our list.

It is made from organic corn starch, white clay, baking soda, and horsetail powder. It comes in a vintage-inspired packaging.

“I didn’t test this product myself, but reviewers love the scent variety and say they become repeat customers quickly.”

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Best natural dry shampoo alternative for kinky and curly hair

Sunday || Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 8.1-oz. bottle
  • Pros: large bottle, great for curly hair types, doesn’t need to be washed out
  • Cons: pricey, packaging could use a refresh
  • Scent: floral
  • Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, micellar water
  • Hair type: curly and kinky hair
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones.

The others on our list work differently than this vegan product. The brand says it is made from 96 percent natural ingredients and it is formulated to remove product build up and excess oils without stripping hair or clogging follicles.

This is not only a good pick for those with curly and kinky hair types but those who would rather not deal with powder. Instead, it’s made using micellar water to pick up dirt and sweat. It also uses apple cider vinegar to lower scalp pH and lessen scalp bacterial growth and green tea extract for inflammation. Unlike a traditional shampoo, it’s meant to be left on your hair rather than washed out.

“I haven’t tested this one myself, but the reviewers are happy with it, with some wishing the dispensers were easier to use.”

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Best foam organic dry shampoo

Innersense Organic Beauty Refresh Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 2.37-oz. bottle
  • Pros: foam is easy to blend in, smells great, adds shine
  • Cons: sticky, contains alcohol
  • Scent: orange
  • Key ingredients: witch hazel, tapioca starch
  • Hair type: fine, thin
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones.

There is another option for those who want something different from their natural dry hair care.

Although it’s a foam, this pick uses tapioca starch and witch hazel like a few others on our list to target excess oils, plus it adds organic honey for some shine and body.

To use it, I have to apply a couple of pumps at the root and let the product dry. If you prefer, you can use a blow dryer.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Best unscented organic dry shampoo

Act + Acre Plant Based Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 0.46-oz. bottle
  • Pros: unscented, easy to use, great for sensitive scalps
  • Cons: small bottle, pricey
  • Scent: unscented
  • Key ingredients: rice starch, tapioca starch
  • Hair type: all
  • Free from: Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

The plant-based dry shampoo left a scent. It is a good choice for people with sensitive hair. It uses rice and other similar powders. These are thought to help offset odors.

It also adds fulvic acid, an organic plant extract that the brand says delivers over 65 minerals into the follicle to restore the scalp microbiome.

The pick has a different dispensers than other powders. You can spray it out by squeezing the bottle and making it spray out.

I tested a few dry shampoos, but this one is said to work for all hair types and hair colors, even though it is a white powder.

SHOP NOW AT ACT + ACRE

Price Size Pros Cons Scent Key ingredients Hair type Free from
Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Lavender $ 1-oz. bottle blends easily, smells great, no sticky residue can be messy lavender and grapefruit rice starch, colloidal oatmeal, silica all There is a substance called parabens., Sulfates., Silicones., The chemical phthalates.
Primally Pure Dry Shampoo, Dark Locks $$ 1-oz. bottle soaks up oil, comes in two shades, boosts volume sticky grapefruit kaolin clay, arrowroot powder all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo $$$ 1.8-oz. bottle easy to use, feels refreshing, blends well pricey clean earth clay, tapioca starch all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder $$ 2.5-oz. bottle certified organic, comes in two shades, travel size available must use within 12 months unscented corn starch, arrowroot powder oily Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Acure Dry Shampoo $ 1.7-oz bottle certified organic, comes in two shades, smells great cocoa shade may be too dark peppermint corn starch, arrowroot powder all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Franklin + Whitman Dry Shampoo $$ 2-oz. bottle two scent and shade options, soaks up oil, boosts volume difficult to blend in east falls and spring garden maranta arundinacea powder, kaolin clay all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Love Beauty and Planet Oil Absorbing Refreshing Dry Shampoo, Murumuru Butter and Rose $ 1.53-oz. can a good aerosol option, refreshes hair and scalp, all hair types too strong for some, contains fragrance murumuru butter and rose tapioca starch all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo $$ 1.7-oz. bottle cleanses the scalp, feels refreshing, safe for all hair types too scented for some, packaging could use a refresh clean rice starch, charcoal powder all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Lulu Organics Hair Powder Dry Shampoo $$$ 4-oz. tube seven different scent options, large container, easy to use pricey 6 different scents kaolin clay, sage oil all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol
Sunday || Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse $$$ 8.1-oz. bottle large bottle, great for curly hair types, doesn’t need to be washed out pricey, packaging could use a refresh floral apple cider vinegar, micellar water curly and kinky hair Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones.
Innersense Organic Beauty Refresh Dry Shampoo $$ 2.37-oz. bottle foam is easy to blend in, smells great, adds shine sticky, contains alcohol orange witch hazel, tapioca starch fine, thin Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones.
Act + Acre Plant Based Dry Shampoo $$ 0.46-oz. bottle unscented, easy to use, great for sensitive scalps small bottle, pricey unscented rice starch, tapioca starch all Sulfates., There is a substance called parabens., Silicones., alcohol

It’s a good idea to first look at the ingredients listed, checking for any potential allergies you may have, and looking for natural, organic ingredients. It’s also good to see that your pick doesn’t include Alcohols., talc, or LPGs.

Next, read some research on the company. Does it have a good reputation with customers? What do the reviews say?

“Many of these products are available on the brand’s website, and you can also find them on Amazon, Target, and some drugstores.”

There is a learning curve with these products. It is best to start small and apply a small amount of product at a time. It is possible to over apply and end up with hair.

Some people suggest applying the dry shampoos closer to the roots, while others suggest shaking the powder out of the bottle. Some people recommend shaking it into your hands and working on it.

“It is a good idea to read your product’s instructions carefully, as application makes a big difference with results.”

Is dry shampoo good for your hair?

Dry shampoo is safe for the hair, but frequent use can cause hair damage and cause problems with the scalp. Dry shampoo is not a good substitute for washing your hair with water.

How often should I use dry shampoo?

“Don’t use dry hair for more than 2 days in a row. Give your hair some time to grow.”

Can using dry shampoo cause hair loss?

There isn’t any research that indicates dry shampoo directly causes hair loss. However, studies do show that poor scalp health can cause hair loss. Too much dry shampoo can result in poor scalp health, which could eventually lead to hair loss. Overuse may also cause inflammation, which can lead to hair shedding.

Important reminders about using dry shampoo

  • It doesn’t actually clean your hair. It temporarily absorbs excess oil in your hair, making it appear like you recently washed it.
  • You can overuse it. This will clog your hair follicles. This buildup can possibly lead to folliculitis — a bacterial or fungal infection in the hair follicle.
  • You may be tempted to shampoo way less often. Don’t neglect your “real” shampoo when you fall in love with dry shampoo. Research shows that poor scalp health can cause hair loss.

Dry hair products may contain unsafe chemicals that are harsh on the environment. Natural and organic dry hair products are a better alternative. The powders can be applied to your roots for a quick refresh.

Before using your product, read the directions carefully and remember to wash your hair with a traditional cleanser to remove dirt, oil and build-up for a healthy, clean scalp.

Breanna is a writer in Cleveland. She holds a masters degree in media and journalism.