Dry shampoo is meant to be a convenient option to prevent over-washing hair, or maintain hair styles. However, dry shampoos for my sensitive scalp always ended up dry, itchy and irritated. I set out to find some natural options that wouldn’t do this.
With a budget in mind, this list contains the ultimate list of dry shampoos for sensitive scalps. Ideally this list can help others to find soothing, non-irritating dry shampoo products. Whether it’s for travelling or everyday use, dry shampoo has its place.
Some of the parameters that helped me find a dry shampoo for sensitive skin, is an awareness of aerosol products. I found in the past—that although convenient—the products inside aerosol cans irritated my scalp more. This might not be the same for everyone, though it definitely helped my scalp.
These dry shampoos help me with volume, irritation, and of course an oily scalp. They are also mostly natural, and budget-friendly. However, I must disclose, everyone has sensitivities to different things, if something is irritating your scalp then stop using the product. What works for my sensitive scalp may not work for you. All prices are quoted in US dollars.
One of my friends suggested this product to me and I gave some serious eye brow raises. Only because, Bumble and Bumble has forever been a boujee, high-end hair care brand that I’ve been terrified to fall in love with. This dry shampoo is truly amazing though! The ingredients are seemingly simple and to the point, but it feels and functions so much better than other products I’ve used.
The brand has many other dry shampoo options on the site, including tinted, aerosol and more. This is the only one I have used, and I love it. The scent is light and non-irritating, and the application is straight forward and easy to use. It’s nice using a brand that’s so reputable and established in hair care already— it’s really clear why the brand is so popular. The link on the text above has free shipping (you’re welcome!)
Beauty by Earth Organic Dark Dry Shampoo $22
The bottle on this Beauty by Earth Organic Dark Dry Shampoo is easy to use and direct on the scalp. This powder is a good alternative to aerosol products that could cause irritation, while still targeting specific areas.
It has a nice light smell, but it’s not overwhelming and I don’t notice the scent the entire day. As I’m prone to getting headache, mild scents are important to me.
This product is also all natural and USDA organic certified, which is better for the environment than alternative products. My hair is dark brown, so having a tinted dry shampoo works wonders, without the powdery haze. I do have to be careful with my bedding though as it can get on the sheets.
Lulu Organics Hair Powder $28
Lulu Organics’ hair powder is really the all-in-one dry shampoo. It can also be used as a body powder for those sweaty days, or to refresh after working out. There’s six different scents and an unscented version. Those scented options are only lightly scented, not over powering. My favourite is the lavender and clary sage, but I also go for the unscented sometimes.
Behind the product is a small woman-led business, which hand-makes the products. Applying the product, it can be spread directly onto your hair, or on your hands first. Rub it in, then brush out any excess powder.
There’s also travel-sized versions of this hair powder in all the different scents. This is a great clean natural option for dry shampoo for sensitive scalps.
Briogeo Charcoal Biotin Dry Shampoo $25
Briogeo has loads of natural products, and this unscented dry shampoo is great for sensitive scalps. It has similar ingredients to the organic options below, but with a different mix of starches.
The applicator on this product might look like an aerosol can, but is is not! It’s a different spray method, which has mixed reviews. Personally, I like the option of being able to spray, but I always use my hands at some point to apply to powder. I found this product soothing, and non-irritating to my sensitive scalp, making it a good dry shampoo option.
Klorane Clear Oat Milk Dry Shampoo $20
Klorane was the first dry shampoo that made a difference for my sensitive scalp. What attracted me was that it uses a clear formula that doesn’t leave a white fade, and it’s made with plant-based ingredients. They started using oat milk before it was ever a thing. I don’t know if that’s what made the biggest impression on my scalp, but I’m grateful.
As mentioned above, aerosol cans generally aren’t my favourite, but this one is an exception. The aerosol can definitely makes it easy for applying. It’s lightly scented, and has an array of different options for hair types and colours. It would be ideal if there was a scentless option, as I do find the scent on this one strong at times.
Klorane is also available in most drug stores globally, and I find it a better option than other drug store brands.
Interested in no-poo methods for fine hair? Check out this complete guide on how it went for me!
