Asian hair is less prone to breakage than Caucasian hair but is far more prone to frizz and greasiness. Below, I found the 10 best dry shampoos for Asian hair, helping you to get on top of your hair concerns as easily as possible.
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In a rush? My top 5 Picks
1. BEST OVERALL
2. BEST FOR SENSITIVE SCALP
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
3. BEST FOR OILY HAIR
4. BEST DRUGSTORE
5. BEST BUDGET
How To Choose The Best Dry Shampoo For Asian Hair
The main concerns for Asian hair are thinning, frizz, and oiliness. As such, it’s important to choose the best dry shampoo for Asian hair possible that won’t exacerbate these issues.
Here’s what to look for:
Your hair type
Asian hair in general is very straight and strong but it can also be a bit oily as it tends to be low porosity.
If you are prone to oily hair, choose a dry shampoo that is more drying so that it can combat the build-up of oil and dirt on your scalp.
Powder or Spray
Dry shampoo comes in both aerosol and powder form. Fine hair probably works best with a powder as aerosols can be difficult to control. However, for Asian hair, it’s often not a problem.
Ingredients
Dry shampoos can contain harsh chemicals such as isobutane, propane, and butane. If you have sensitive skin, are allergic to any of these chemicals, or just want to go chemical-free, make sure you check the label.
The Smell
Always give your dry shampoo a smell first before buying. You’re going to have that scent around you all day so best make it one you like,
The 10 Best Dry Shampoos for Asian Hair
1. BEST OVERALL – R+Co Skyline Dry Shampoo
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What I liked
- The compact bottle means it’s great for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Designed for the oiliest hair
- Great fragrance
What I didn’t like
- The scent doesn’t last more than a day
Product Overview
The R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo listed below is good for those with normal to oily hair. For those with Asian hair who are after a dry shampoo that will tackle very oily tresses, this is the best.
Even if you haven’t washed your hair for three days, this will work, thanks to the mineral compound ‘diatomaceous Earth’, which absorbs impurities and adds texture and grip.
Jojoba seed oil also conditions, and burdock root extract works to minimize dandruff. It will also provide UV protection and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
2. BEST FOR SENSITIVE SCALP – Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
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What I liked
- Ideal for people who suffer from sensitivities
- 98% natural ingredients
- Safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, and other chemically-treated hair
What I didn’t like
- The bottle can be a bit tricky to use
Product Overview
This dry shampoo is best for those with Asian hair who suffer from slightly sensitive scalps.
It contains no sulfates, silicones, or parabens, and bursts with 98% gorgeous natural ingredients including deeply cleansing witch hazel, charcoal, clay, and tapioca.
These will absorb excess oil without stripping your scalp. There’s also biotin in here, a protein that helps with hair growth by stimulating the scalp. It’s also safe for those who’ve treated their hair with color, keratin, or other chemical treatments.
3. BEST FOR OILY HAIR – Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Dry Shampoo
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What I liked
A three-in-one product
Only a little amount of product needed
Boosts volume and body
What I didn’t like
Takes a while to wash out
Product Overview
This is a powder, rather than an aerosol, so if that doesn’t sound like it’s for you, turn away now.
However, this hair powder will work wonders for Asian hair – it’s a dry shampoo, volumizer, and style-extender all in one.
Add a little to your roots and watch the oil disappear thanks to the finely-milled powder. You’ll also note some serious volume and body.
4. BEST dRUGSTORE – Batiste Dry Shampoo, Divine Dark
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What I liked
- Designed for black and brown hair, so it won’t leave a chalky residue on your scalp or strands
- Very affordable price
What I didn’t like
- Can stain a bit
Product Overview
Batiste is one of the top dry shampoo brands, and this product is one of their best for Asian hair.
It’s very affordable – you can even find budget packs if you like it enough to use regularly – but is still powerful, providing body and grip and banishing excess oil. This shampoo is tinted for black and brown hair, so it won’t leave a chalky white residue.
Just be aware that the color might stain your hands, so be aware of this when applying it.
5. BEST BUDGET – Dove Care Between Washes Dry Shampoo
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What I liked
- Budget-friendly
- Removes grease
- Choose from different scents – there’s a coconut, fresh and floral, and unscented option
What I didn’t like
- The aerosol can sometimes be a bit tricky to use
Product Overview
Add volume to your roots and remove excess grease and oil without breaking the bank.
This dry shampoo is the best for daily use on Asian hair, as it won’t stretch your budget, but will get the job done. refresh hair between washes or just add a little texture and body to your strands.
6. R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
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What I liked
- Great for adding texture to Asian hair
- A green choice, with minimal chemicals
- Beautiful packaging and scent
What I didn’t like
- Has a strong scent that may be overpowering for some
Product Overview
R+Co is a company of expert hairstylists with a growing clan of dedicated followers, and it’s easy to see why.
This dry shampoo will absorb oil thanks to its ingredients of rice protein and silica, and vitamin E and B5 boost your hair’s nutrients and work to thicken and condition.
R+Co products are all cruelty-free and vegan-friendly too, and don’t contain mineral oil, petroleum, or chemicals like sulfates or parabens. The packaging is also designed eco-consciously.
7. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray Set
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What I liked
- The sprays have the Oribe scent, which is divine
- Color and keratin-treatments safe, and contains no chemicals like sulfates or parabens
- Won’t strip hair of its shine
What I didn’t like
- Can leave hair feeling a little dry
Product Overview
Typically, dry shampoo adds a mattifying effect to hair – but if you want to maintain your shine, then this set of Oribe products is for you.
It’s a little on the steep side cost-wise, but Oribe is an incredible haircare brand with serious cult value.
The sprays smell great and will work to add texture and volume to your hair without sacrificing shine. Just be aware that it’s probably not the most powerful product on the list, but will work well if you’re after a touch-up.
The zeolite crystals absorb oil at the roots without creating that powdery residue that no one’s after, and the spray is dermatologically tested, so it has no nasty chemicals.
8. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo & Dry Volume Blast
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What I liked
- Goes on without any residue
- Cleanses hair of residue and odor, rather than just covering
- No nasty chemicals
What I didn’t like
- Not the best for fine hair
Product Overview
This dry shampoo is best for Asian hair if you’re after a product that will actually cleanse your hair, eliminating oil, sweat, and odor, as well as boosting volume.
This set will double down on these benefits, powered by the brand’s Triple-Action Cleaning Technology.
It’s formulated without nasty chemicals like parabens, silicones, and phthalates, and is safe for color-treated or chemically treated hair.
It also smells great, thanks to the fact that the brand’s sophisticated technology works to minimize odors rather than just covering them up. Boost volume further by using a hairdryer, too.
9. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
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What I liked
- Smells amazing
- Feels lightweight
- Lasts for several days
What I didn’t like
- Not the best for dark tones
Product Overview
This is another of the best dry shampoo for Asian hair as it’s designed for users with darker hair tones. It’s got Moroccanoil’s beautiful fragrance to recommend it, and will leave your strands soft and nourished.
Rice starches absorb oil without leaving residue, and will also protect against UV damage. Refresh and revive your hair with this argan-oil infused product.
10. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
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What I liked
Plant-based product containing no nasty chemicals
Blends into hair without leaving a residue
Soothes sensitive scalps, and won’t cause irritation
What I didn’t like
Not the best for brunettes
Product Overview
This is an award-winning favorite with hairstylists as it is specifically designed to soothe your scalp. It’s fast-absorbing and virtually invisible – so is therefore a great dry shampoo for Asian hair.
It will add texture and volume without any added parabens or sulfates. Corn and rice starch are powerfully cleansing, silica absorbs excess oil and odor, and oat milk soothes and protects your hair and scalp. It’s also formulated for dark hair – and the packaging is recyclable.
How To Use Dry Shampoo on Asian Hair
You need to be using dry shampoo correctly on Asian hair in order to ensure you see the results.
It’s not about spraying it all over your hair – rather, you need to be following these steps to ensure you don’t end up dumping too much product on your strands:
- Hold the can around eight to twelve inches from your head. Spray your whole head, but do it section by section.
- Be sure to have shaken up your dry shampoo before use, if the product advises you to do so.
- Leave it to do its thing for at least five to ten minutes. You need to let the product sink in so that it can actually work.
- Take your fingers – just be aware they might add oil to your strands – or a brush. Use whichever tool you prefer to work the product through from your roots to your ends.
It’s also a good idea to follow these tips in order to ensure that your dry shampoo is doing its best for your Asian hair:
- Consider applying the shampoo at night. You’ll have minimal residue and the product will better absorb. Just brush out in the morning.
- Don’t use dry shampoo straight after dyeing your hair
- Don’t go overboard – otherwise you will see white residue. Inevitably, dry shampoo is a product, which can contribute to build up, which is Asian hair’s worst enemy. It’s all about using it infrequently and as little as possible, which is why you need an excellent product.
- Apply from underneath. If you flip your hair sections over and spray the dry shampoo from underneath, you’re minimizing the chance of getting that chalky residue on your strands.
It’s also important not to over-use dry shampoo, as this will have the same impact as overwashing. This will result in your hair becoming greasier as it tries to overcompensate for all the oil being stripped from its strands.
Plus, if you have super dark hair, dry shampoo can cause streaks of white. This is because of the starch ingredient that’s often added.
Using a tinted or colored product can help with this, but so can correctly using dry shampoo for Asian hair in the first instance.
Don’t use too much, and brush it through your hair as thoroughly as possible. That way, you won’t face any chalkiness.
Why Should You Use Dry Shampoo on Asian Hair?
Asian hair has specific qualities and characteristics. Known as hair type 1A, it’s the rarest hair type, and is typically very fine and straight.
Compared to Caucasian hair, Asian hair lies very flat to the scalp and tends to be very shiny and silky smooth if properly cared for. It’s stronger in structure too and is, therefore, less prone to breakage, but can become frizzy or thin easily.
Asian hair isn’t very porous and absorbs oil easily – which can result in greasy roots. Over-washing is bad for all hair, however, as it strips your scalp and strands of the natural oils they need to stay balanced.
It’s for this reason that dry shampoo is such a godsend for Asian hair, helping to minimize the overall feel and look of greasiness without weighing hair down.
How Long Does Dry Shampoo Last?
How long – or not – dry shampoo lasts will depend on the brand, the product, and your own hair.
If you’re working out, this will add extra sweat and oil build-up to your scalp, which may mean you need more dry shampoo.
Alternatively, some products are only designed to cover up residue, rather than cleansing, in which case you will need to wash hair sooner.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.
