5 Best Dry Shampoos For Braids – According To A Cosmetologist (2024)

Keep your braids clean and shiny with gentle formulas that better manage your tresses.

Reviewed by Lindsay Loo, Cosmetologist Lindsay Loo Lindsay LooCosmetologist insta_icon
Written by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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People with braided hair often lookout for the best dry shampoo for braids as it is nearly impossible to maintain them without dry shampoo. Braids and dry shampoo have an almost co-dependent or symbiotic relationship. Unlike regular shampoo, dry shampoos help keep your braids fresh and clean, remove the excess oil and moisture, and nourish them to make you look like a boss! Unlike other hairstyles, you don’t need to wash your braids with water that often. But, when you do wash them, it is better to use dry shampoo to do so. Apart from maintaining your braids, these dry shampoos are convenient to carry when traveling and are suitable for use on curly hair types and dark hair. We’ve got you covered if you are wondering which is the best dry shampoo for braids. Go check our list of the top 5 dry shampoos for braids.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Organic Formula:Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder
Price on Amazon
Best Eco-Friendly: ORS Herbal Cleanse Dry ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Odor-Resistant Formula:Taliah Waajid Refresh & So Clean Dry Gel Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:Dollylocks Dry ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Color-Safe:Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle ShampooPrice on Amazon

Top 5 Dry Shampoos For Braid Lovers Out There!

1. Best Organic Formula:Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder

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3.9
Beauty By Earth Organic Dry Shampoo Powder Image: Beauty By Earth

Be it dirt, oil, or grease— it stands no chance against this organic dry shampoo and volume powder! Formulated to be tough on impurities and gentle on your scalp and tresses, this hydrating dry shampoo cleanses and leaves your hair feeling as good as freshly washed hair. Reviewers assert the product feels light on the tresses, keeps the hair fresh, and does not cause any scalp allergies. Also, it claims to add volume and body to your mane too. So, if you have an oily scalp, thin hair, or are dealing with hair loss, this organic dry shampoo will make your tresses look healthy, bouncy, and luscious instantly. Give it a try!

Hair Type: Oily | Package Dimensions: ‎ 6.54 x 1.61 x 1.54 inches | Weight: 2.5 Ounces

Pros

  • USDA-certified and cruelty-free dry shampoo
  • Hair-strengthening properties
  • Does not leave white residue
  • Absorbs odor, sweat, and oil
  • Protects natural color and prevents over-drying
  • Paraben-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and sulfate-free
  • Suitable for dark, raven-colored, and brunette hair types

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It may not dispense evenly.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 1,117 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

2. Best Eco-Friendly: ORS Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo

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4.4

The ORS Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo is a liquid formula designed to refresh your hair and scalp between wash days. This non-irritating dry shampoo gives you relief from itchiness, dandruff, and dryness to maintain a healthy scalp. It also does not leave any white residue. With its breakthrough formula enriched with lavender scent, this dry shampoo provides an alternative to shampooing extended-wear styles, making it a convenient solution for on-the-go hair care routines to get clean hair.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 8.75 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Suitable for dry, itchy scalp
  • Lightweight formula
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May not be suitable for oily hair

Our Tester's Experience

"This product instantly refreshes my scalp. It thoroughly cleanses the hair and helps me prep it for my protective styles. Its menthol scent is strong at first, but it fades and leaves a pleasant aroma."


3. Best Odor-Resistant Formula:Taliah Waajid Refresh & So Clean Dry Gel Shampoo

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4.5

Whether you have braids, weaves, updos, crochets, or any other protective styles, here’s a shampoo that promises to keep your hairstyle tip-top and beautiful! Formulated to deliver the magic for 3: repairing, strengthening, and conditioning, you don’t have to worry about ruining your protective styles with this refreshing dry shampoo. Want more? The formula is infused with nourishing ingredients like avocado, witch hazel, bamboo, and peppermint, which are all hair-friendly and purify the dirt and odor out of your tresses. Multiple reviews assert that the product is easy to use and feels soothing on the scalp, and is a must-have for a quick fix for a good hair day. Furthermore, the gel formulation makes it very travel-friendly, so why miss it?

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 4 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Pros

  • Organic-infused dry shampoo for braids and twists
  • Does not leave white residue
  • Quick-drying formula
  • Absorbs sweat, oil, and grease
  • Cleanses and refreshes effortlessly
  • Suitable for sensitive scalp
  • Suitable for dry to natural hair types

Cons

  • Not ideal if you are sensitive to smell

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply the dry gel shampoo to the scalp and cleanse one area at a time using a small, wet towel until the entire scalp has been covered and cleansed.

4. Best Vegan:Dollylocks Dry Shampoo

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3.8

The Dollylocks Dry Shampoo is infused with organic ingredients to absorb excess oil from the scalp and remove all dirt and grime. It refreshes your scalp and keeps the dreadlocks tight and fresh. This revitalizing dry shampoo helps lock unruly hairstrands into the braid. It stimulates and rejuvenates the hair follicles, and is suitable for all hair types. Additionally, no animal testing is conducted on the product, which makes it ideal for people seeking ethically conscious options.

Hair Type: Oily | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: 1 Ounces

Pros

  • Oil-absorbing formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Alcohol-free

Cons

  • Might be sticky

5. Best Color-Safe:Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo

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4.4
Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo Image: Jamaican Mango & Lime

The Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle is a fortified shampoo infused with natural ingredients like manuka honey that moisturizes and nourishes the hair and reverses scalp damage. In addition, the moringa seed oil is infused with vitamins that improve the texture of the hair, help remove product buildup, and prevent itching of the scalp. Moreover, this moisture-locking dry shampoo is suitable for color-treated hairand keeps your locks long and strong by strengthening the hair follicles. Reviewers have praised the refreshing scent of the product.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.03 x 0.71 x 8.8 inches | Weight: 8.32 Ounces

Pros

  • Organic
  • Prevents split ends
  • Paraben-free
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the best scent

protip_icon Pro Tip
Wash your braids every 2-3 weeks to maintain them and eliminate scalp issues.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 729 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

For the love of braids, get a dry shampoo today! There you go, those were the 5 best dry shampoos for braids you must try in 2024. And if you are wondering how to use it, we’ve explained the steps in our buying guide below.

How To Use Dry Shampoo For Braids?

It may vary on the type of dry shampoo you are using. You can either brush it out or cleanse it with a damp cloth. Here are some simple steps for you:

  • Apply it generously on the scalp and tresses or areas where you feel the dirt, oil buildup, or grease.
  • Let it sit for a minute.
  • Next, you can brush it out with a hair brush or wipe it gently with a damp cloth for the best results.

Infographic: Tips To Use A Dry Shampoo The Right Way

Dry shampoos work wonders for oil absorption and sebum elimination during no-wash days. However, using them incorrectly might weigh the hair down and cause greasiness. Check out the infographic below for essential tips to use dry shampoos the right way.

Tips To Use A Dry Shampoo The Correct Way (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Dry shampoos are a savior in our busy lifestyles and work as the perfect quick fixes for those busy days. or after a sweaty workout in the gym. These super mild dry shampoo sprays can be used to make your hair appear shinier and voluminous in an instant. The Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder is a clean and eco-friendly option. It absorbs excess oil, revitalizes the hair, and adds volume. The ORS Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo is suitable for dry and itchy scalps and helps extend the time between washes. The best dry shampoos are especially useful for treating braided hair. With the help of dry shampoos, you can remove excess oil from your braids while deeply nourishing your scalp. It is better to use dry shampoos that can make your strands look thicker and healthier after each use. However, avoid the ones that are too drying on the scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dry Shampoo Good For Braids?

Yes, absolutely! When your braids feel flat and dull, you can use dry shampoo to refresh, cleanse, and tighten them without opening. Plus, these dry shampoos will add a sweet scent to your braids too.

Does Dry Shampoo Work On Braids?

Yes, it does. Dry shampoo can eliminate the grease, dirt, excess sebum, or any build-up effortlessly without disturbing the braids or any other protective style.

Is It Okay to Braid Your Hair After A Shower?

Yes, it is safe to braid your hair after a shower. However, since the roots are fragile when damp, you need to take extra care while braiding the hair to avoid breaking or harming the scalp.

Do You Wash Your Hair When You Get Crochet Braids?

Yes, for the crochet braids to last longer than just a few weeks, you must cleanse the scalp and hair a few times. Hence, dry shampoo is advised to make the task effortless, and your braids to last longer than usual.

Can I use dry shampoo on braided hair?

Yes, dry shampoos help keep your braid and scalp clean and make your braids look tighter. Moreover, it absorbs excess oil and makes your braid shiny.

How do you use dry shampoo on twists?

Here is how you can use dry shampoo on twists:
• Shake the can before applying.
• Apply the shampoo close to the root.
• Gently massage the crown of your head with your fingertips.
• Blow dryer your twists.

How long do braids take to dry after washing?

With a hooded dryer, it takes around 30 minutes to dry braids, whereas it takes one full day to air dry them.

How effective is dry shampoo?

Dry shampoos effectively absorb oils and is a great way to freshen up your hair and scalp between washes. However, it is not a replacement for washing.

How can I make my braids smell good without washing them?

There are multiple ways to keep your braids smelling good without washing them.
• Use scented dry shampoos.
• Spray a hair perfume.
• Spray rose water.
• Use a scented mousse, moisturizer, or hair protectant spray.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Medha Deb, is a hair care fiend who loves discovering products that transform your locks from drab to healthy and beautiful. She studied many reviews to bring you this list of the best dry shampoos for braids. She chose these products because they absorb excess oil, sweat and dirt, and have additional benefits like color protection and scalp soothing properties.

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Lindsay Loo
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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