For those with curly or coily hair, wash day can be a time-consuming ritual—cleansing, detangling, and styling each strand into shape. But when life gets busy or you simply want to stretch the time between washes, dry shampoo may offer a convenient alternative. While often associated with straight hair types, dry shampoo can absolutely be part of your hair care steps—even for textured hair. We spoke with hairstylists Stanley Nolan and Sophia Emmanuel to uncover expert-backed hair care tips for using dry shampoo on curls and coils.
What Is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a waterless product designed to refresh the scalp and hair between washes. “It absorbs sebum, odors, and sweat,” explains Emmanuel. While it doesn’t replace regular shampoo, it can extend the life of your hairstyle and minimize the appearance of buildup. Available in sprays, powders, and foams, it’s a versatile solution for refreshing hair without a full wash. “It’s a quick fix that leaves your hair looking and feeling fresh,” adds Nolan.
Can Textured Hair Types Use It?
Yes—dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including curly and coily textures. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to Emmanuel, those who use heavier styling products like creams or gels may notice a white, powdery residue if dry shampoo isn’t applied carefully. Her advice? Focus application directly on the scalp to avoid product sitting on the hair strands.
“If you plan to use dry shampoo, consider switching to lighter styling products in the meantime,” she says. Nolan echoes this, suggesting users “apply dry shampoo lightly and target the roots to minimize buildup and maintain freshness.”
Choosing the Right Dry Shampoo
With countless options available, it’s important to choose a dry shampoo that works for textured hair. Here are three key factors to consider:
Lightweight Formula: Nolan advises choosing lightweight or texturizing formulas to avoid weighing down curls. These also help add volume and maintain definition.
Easy Application: Emmanuel recommends aerosol cans for better precision. “How easy it is to apply the product should guide your choice,” she explains.
Clean Ingredients: Look for ingredients that refresh the scalp, such as rice starch, tapioca starch, kaolin clay, or silica. Soothing additions like lavender, chamomile, aloe, or witch hazel can further benefit hair health.
How to Maximize the Results
Getting the most from your dry shampoo depends on how you apply it. “Apply it near the scalp, section by section,” Emmanuel says. Let it sit for one to two minutes so it can absorb oil and sweat before brushing through. To remove excess, a cool blast from your blow dryer can help.
Moderation is key—overuse can lead to buildup that defeats the purpose of refreshing your hair. Nolan recommends focusing only on greasy areas and suggests flipping your head upside down and shaking your hair out for added volume after application.
Dry shampoo is a game-changer for textured hair when used correctly. By selecting the right formula, applying it carefully, and pairing it with lightweight styling products, you can keep your curls or coils fresh between wash days. Add it strategically to your hair care routine to refresh without compromising your style.
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