Dry shampoo has become a beauty essential for many, offering a quick and easy way to refresh hair between washes. But for those of us with highly textured or natural hair, the question looms: Can it really work for us? Does it address our unique needs—oil control without moisture loss, residue-free application, and compatibility with our styles like silk presses or protective styles?
Recently, I put two popular dry shampoos to the test on my 24-day-old silk press, which had reached the point of sticking to my scalp from oil buildup. My goal? To find out if dry shampoo is a viable option for women with textured hair. Here’s how it went.
Understanding Dry Shampoo and Textured Hair
Dry shampoo works by absorbing oil and dirt, refreshing the scalp and strands without water. While this sounds perfect for busy days, textured hair presents a unique challenge. Unlike straight hair, textured hair produces less oil and requires products that maintain moisture without causing dryness or buildup. For those of us with silk presses, the stakes are even higher—our dry shampoo needs to absorb oil without causing reversion.
The Experiment: Amika vs. OLAPLEX
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo promises to absorb oil and leave no residue. It lived up to its no-residue claim, and the fruity scent was delightful. However, while it absorbed some oil, it left my hair feeling sticky—not as sticky as before, but not exactly fresh. My silk press looked slightly better but didn’t feel clean or lightweight.
Verdict: A decent option in a pinch, but it didn’t deliver the refresh I was hoping for.
OLAPLEX Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
OLAPLEX’s Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo is marketed as a no-residue, volumizing, and detoxifying product. This one delivered on every promise. It absorbed all the oil, leaving my hair feeling fresh and weightless. Unlike the Amika, it even cleared up the stickiness left behind. My silk press felt revived, bouncy, and clean, and it didn’t revert to its natural curly state—a huge win for textured hair.
Verdict: The clear winner. Gentle yet effective, it’s perfect for refreshing textured hair without any downsides.
Dry Shampoo Tips for Textured Hair
If you’re considering dry shampoo for your textured hair, here are my top tips:
1. Choose the Right Formula: Look for products designed for darker hair tones or those labeled residue-free.
2. Avoid Drying Ingredients: Pick formulas with moisturizing ingredients.
3. Use Sparingly: Dry shampoo is a great tool but not a replacement for regular wash days.
4. Test for Reversion: If you’re wearing a silk press, test on a small section to ensure it won’t revert your hair.
Final Thoughts
So, is dry shampoo made for women with highly textured hair? The answer is yes—with the right product. While Amika Perk Up had its strengths, OLAPLEX Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo emerged as the champion for textured hair, delivering fresh, clean, and non-reverting results.
If your silk press is looking oily, or you need a quick refresh between wash days, OLAPLEX is a fantastic choice. And for those hesitant to try dry shampoo, this might just change your mind.
