Helpful Tips for Using Dry Shampoo on Dark Hair

Everyone who has ever had dark hair and uses dry shampoo has run into the dreaded appearance of white powder or residue in their hair.

Seriously, so frustrating…

Some dark haired friends have sworn off dry shampoos altogether due to one bad experience too many.

If you have dark hair and are experiencing issues with dry shampoo and still have not yet found the perfect product, follow these helpful tips before throwing in the towel.

How to Properly Apply Dry Shampoo to Dark Hair

Make sure the dispenser is at least 6 inches away from your scalp and really try to dispense the product into your roots and not directly on to the top of your hair.

Focus on individual sections of your scalp as you apply the dry shampoo and work in the product.

Really get your fingers into your scalp and spend some good time teasing your hair.

This will help shake out the initial excess amount of powder that may accumulate in your hair.  After teasing thoroughly, use a brush, similar to a boar bristle brush, to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair.

If you are still experiencing the appearance of powder or if you accidentally applied too much dry shampoo to one area, use a blow dryer with light heat and a brush to work out the excess product.

You can also use a towel to work the dry shampoo into your scalp and hair to remove excess amounts if you initially applied too much of the product.

Dry Shampoo is Great for Quick Fixes

The benefits of using dry shampoo on dark hair go beyond just revitalizing your strands.

The product can do so much more than just providing you with a quick fix when you don’t have time to jump in the shower for a wet lather.

Dry shampoo will freshen your hair after a workout at the health club or when traveling on the road.

Dry shampoo is good at removing odors from your hair such as smoke from cigarettes and other types of unsightly fumes.

It’s a must have to store in your backpack when hiking and camping out.  You can also use dry shampoo between visits to your hairstylist to maintain your fashionable waves and curls.

If you have been down and out with the flu or are temporarily bedridden due to illness, dry shampoo will come to the rescue for a fast refresh.

Many hospitals provide their patients with dry shampoo as it is convenient while they are convalescing and recovering since often times they are unable to use the shower.

Styling Tricks to Add Fullness and Texture to Dark Hair

Dry shampoo is a great styling tool that you can use to add volume and texture to your dark hair.

The product works by coating the hair with a starch-like substance that adds thickness to the hair while absorbing impurities and excess oil.

If your dark hair is very thin and fine, dry shampoo will definitely give it an added boost.

To add bounce to your dark hair and make if fluffy, expert stylist Michael Dueñas suggests applying dry shampoo to slightly damp hair and then working it in followed by a blowout with your hair dryer.

This adds natural body to your dark hair without the added stickiness found in styling products such as mousses.

You Can Use Dry Shampoo on Color-Treated Hair

If your gorgeous dark locks are the result of hair coloring products, dry shampoo is one product that is safe to use.

Unlike a wet lather that fades the color in treated hair, dry shampooing is gentle and will not strip the rich deep color of your beautiful silky strands.

Dry shampoo does not saturate the hair shaft in the same way that wet shampooing does so your color-treated hair will remain vibrant.

Since the product goes on dry and is not wet rinsed from your hair, the color in your hair will last longer in between visits to your salon stylist.

Have dry shampoo on hand when you want to occasionally refresh and revitalize your hair without lightening the shade.

Good Housekeeping recommends dry shampoo as an alternative way to maintain the glorious beauty of your color-treated hair.

When it’s time for a wet shampoo, look for gentle products that are designed to protect your hair and not strip the color.

You Still Need to Wet Shampoo Your Dark Hair

Dry shampoo was not designed to be continuously used for a long period of time.

It’s a temporary way to remove surface impurities and excess oil from your hair.  Dry shampoo also does a good job of refreshing the hair and adding fullness and volume to otherwise limp, dirty hair.

Regardless of whether your dark hair is natural or color-treated, you still need to give your head an occasional wet lather in the shower.

The water does a much better job of thoroughly rinsing away the built up dirt, impurities, and oil from your scalp and hair.

Salon hair stylists recommend that their clients follow with a wet lather in the shower after using dry shampoo products for 2-3 days.

Expert hairstylist Larry Sims, who works with celebrity clients, tells his customers that after the third day of using a dry shampoo you really need to give your hair and scalp a thorough cleansing and head for the shower.

The Best Dry Shampoos for Dark Hair

Dry shampoos have come a long way since the old fashioned products that used white powder to freshen the hair.

Companies that manufacture dry shampoos today are now creating unique products for specific hair colors, some of which use a variety of tints to match your individual shade.

With all the advancements being made in beauty products, there are now dry shampoos available that have an invisible base that would be great for any hair color or style.

The wide variety of dry shampoos on the market includes spray on products as well as mousses that you can use to add texture for superb fashionable hairstyles.

For more information on what products work well for different hair colors and styles be sure to check out our ranking and reviews of the best dry shampoos!