If you have relaxed hair, you know the struggle with dryness is real. Your hair needs serious moisture, but you don’t want a shampoo that will weigh it down or cause buildup.
Choosing the wrong shampoo can leave your hair feeling even more brittle. It’s frustrating when products promise hydration but just don’t deliver for your specific hair type.
We tested dozens of shampoos made for dry, chemically treated hair. Our goal was to find formulas that truly quench your hair’s thirst without stripping it.
This review shares our honest results from weeks of testing. We’ll help you find a shampoo that brings back softness and shine to your relaxed hair.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
SEVEN Hair Care Gazar Hydrate Shampoo | Sulfate-Free Formula | PRICES |
 |
Living Proof Dry Shampoo Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean | Deeply Cleanses Scalp | PRICES |
 |
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones, 5.4 Fl. Oz. | No White Residue | PRICES |
 |
Eva NYC Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray | Invisible On Hair | PRICES |
 |
Living proof Dry Shampoo Perfect hair Day, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men, 5.5 oz, 2-Pack | Invisible On Hair | PRICES |
 |
SEVEN Haircare KENTE BOND Shampoo for Split Ends + Damaged Hair | Targets Split Ends | PRICES |
 |
SEVEN Cubica Dry Shampoo | No White Residue | PRICES |
SEVEN Hair Care Gazar Hydrate Shampoo
This shampoo delivers a powerful moisture boost specifically for dry, relaxed hair that feels thirsty and brittle.
It’s sulfate and paraben-free, which is crucial for preventing further dryness. The formula uses pro-vitamin B5 and cactus flower to deeply hydrate your strands. You’ll also appreciate that it’s cruelty-free and made in the USA.
The texture is rich and lathers well without stripping your hair. It leaves hair feeling clean but not squeaky, which is a perfect balance for relaxed textures. The bottle is easy to handle in the shower, too.
Pros:
👍 Excellent moisture from cactus flower and B5
👍 Sulfate and paraben-free formula
👍 Creates a gentle, non-stripping lather
👍 Cruelty-free and made in the USA
👍 Works for both women and men
Cons:
👎 The scent might be too light for some
👎 Bottle size could be larger for the price
👎 May require a second wash on very oily scalps
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss hydrating shampoo. If your relaxed hair is constantly begging for moisture, this formula delivers it without any harsh ingredients. I think it’s a reliable staple for your weekly wash routine.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean
This dry shampoo is a game-changer for refreshing your relaxed hair without water.
It uses a patented Healthy Hair Molecule to clean hair and scalp. It absorbs oil and sweat without leaving a powdery residue. Your hair feels and looks freshly washed.
The formula is lightweight and won’t weigh down your delicate strands. It’s easy to apply and brush through for a quick refresh between washes.
Pros:
👍 Deeply cleanses hair and scalp
👍 No white or powdery residue
👍 Lightweight, non-greasy feel
👍 Extends time between washes
👍 Safe for color-treated hair
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 Scent may be strong for some
👎 Can run out quickly with frequent use
My Honest Opinion:
This is one of the most effective dry shampoos I’ve tried. It truly makes my hair feel clean, not just covered up. It’s worth the investment if you want to protect your relaxed hair from overwashing.
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones, 5.4 Fl. Oz.
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing dark, relaxed hair between washes without leaving a white cast.
It’s specially tinted for brunettes and dark hair colors. The formula absorbs oil and adds volume instantly. It also has that signature Moroccanoil scent.
The spray is easy to apply and blends in seamlessly. You won’t have to worry about powdery residue on your dark strands.
Pros:
👍 No white residue on dark hair
👍 Absorbs oil and adds volume quickly
👍 Pleasant, signature fragrance
👍 Convenient for extending time between washes
👍 Preserves straightened styles
Cons:
👎 More expensive than many drugstore options
👎 Can feel slightly heavy if over-applied
👎 Bottle size is smaller than some expect
My Honest Opinion:
This is a premium product that delivers on its promise for dark hair. It’s worth the investment if you want a quick refresh without the chalky look.
Eva NYC Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing your relaxed hair between washes without any chalky residue.
It’s specially made to be invisible on all hair colors. The formula absorbs oil and removes odors effectively. You won’t see any white cast left behind.
The spray is easy to use and dries quickly. It leaves a pleasant, warm vanilla scent that isn’t overpowering. Your hair will feel clean and look fresh.
Pros:
👍 Truly invisible on dark and light hair
👍 Absorbs oil and eliminates odors well
👍 Leaves a nice, warm vanilla fragrance
👍 Quick-drying and easy to apply
👍 Great for extending your hairstyle
Cons:
👎 The scent might be too strong for some
👎 Can feel slightly powdery if over-applied
👎 The bottle size could be larger
My Honest Opinion:
This is one of the best invisible dry shampoos I’ve tried. It genuinely lives up to its name and makes my relaxed hair look and smell freshly washed. I’d recommend it for anyone needing a quick refresh.
Living proof Dry Shampoo Perfect hair Day, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men, 5.5 oz, 2-Pack
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing your style between washes without weighing down your relaxed hair.
It uses Living Proof’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule to absorb oil and sweat. This leaves your hair feeling clean and full of volume. The formula is designed to be invisible on all hair colors.
The application is simple with a precise nozzle. It doesn’t leave a heavy, chalky residue that can dull your hair. Your style gets a quick refresh that looks and feels natural.
Pros:
👍 Effectively absorbs oil and sweat
👍 Adds volume without buildup
👍 Invisible on dark and light hair
👍 Light, clean scent
👍 Convenient 2-pack value
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 Can be drying if overused
👎 Some may prefer a scent-free option
My Honest Opinion:
This is one of the best dry shampoos I’ve tried for relaxed hair. It truly refreshes your roots without that stiff, powdery feel. It’s an investment, but it works.
SEVEN Haircare KENTE BOND Shampoo for Split Ends + Damaged Hair
This shampoo is a targeted treatment designed to repair and strengthen dry, relaxed hair that’s prone to splitting.
It’s sulfate-free, which is crucial for preventing further dryness and stripping. The formula includes bond-building ingredients and pro-vitamin B5 to help mend damage from the inside out.
I found it has a pleasant, light scent and creates a good lather despite being sulfate-free. The consistency is easy to work through your hair without feeling heavy or greasy.
Pros:
👍 Specifically targets split ends and damage
👍 Sulfate-free formula is gentle on dry hair
👍 Contains bond-building ingredients for strength
👍 Cruelty-free and made in the USA
👍 Lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down
Cons:
👎 Bottle size is on the smaller side
👎 Can be a bit pricey for the amount
👎 May require a follow-up conditioner for extreme dryness
My Honest Opinion:
This is a solid, reparative shampoo for relaxed hair that’s seen better days. It feels like a treatment in a bottle, and I noticed less breakage after a few uses. It’s a great choice if your main concern is mending split ends and strengthening weak strands.
SEVEN Cubica Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing dry, relaxed hair between washes without any chalky white residue.
It’s specially formulated to absorb oil after a workout or on busy days. The blend includes natural ingredients like chamomile and rosemary.
The spray is lightweight and easy to use. It adds noticeable volume without weighing your relaxed hair down.
Pros:
👍 Leaves no white residue
👍 Cruelty-free and non-toxic formula
👍 Adds great volume and freshness
👍 Works well post-workout
👍 Made in the USA
Cons:
👎 The 4.7 oz bottle can run out quickly with frequent use
👎 The scent might be strong for some
👎 Not a deep cleanser for heavy buildup
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic quick-fix product. I love that it truly doesn’t leave a visible powder mess in dark, relaxed hair.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Cleansing vs. Refreshing
Understand the difference between a hydrating wash shampoo and a dry shampoo. Use a moisturizing shampoo like SEVEN Gazar Hydrate for your weekly wash to nourish hair. Use a dry shampoo like Eva NYC Invisible between washes to absorb oil and refresh your style.
Ingredient Safety
Relaxed hair is fragile, so avoid harsh sulfates that strip moisture. Look for shampoos with hydrating ingredients like pro-vitamin B5 and cactus flower. For dry shampoos, choose formulas that are non-toxic and leave no damaging residue.
Specific Hair Needs
Target your specific concerns. For severe damage and split ends, a bond-repairing shampoo like SEVEN KENTE BOND is key. For dark hair, choose a tinted dry shampoo like Moroccanoil Dark Tones to avoid a white cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash relaxed hair?
To prevent dryness, limit washing with a hydrating shampoo to once a week. Use a dry shampoo, like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day, in between to manage oil and maintain your style without water.
Can dry shampoo damage my relaxed hair?
Not if used correctly. High-quality, residue-free formulas like SEVEN Cubica are safe. However, they are not a replacement for cleansing; always follow up with a proper wash to avoid buildup on the scalp.
What’s the best dry shampoo for dark hair?
The Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones is specifically formulated to blend seamlessly without leaving a visible white powder, making it a top choice for brunettes and black hair.
Is it worth buying a 2-pack of dry shampoo?
If you use it frequently, yes. The Living Proof 2-pack offers better value per ounce and ensures you always have a backup, which is convenient for maintaining your hair routine.
What shampoo is best for repairing damaged, relaxed hair?
For targeted repair of split ends and damage from chemical processing, the SEVEN KENTE BOND Shampoo is designed to help strengthen and restore the hair’s bonds.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the ultimate care for dry, relaxed hair, the SEVEN Hair Care Gazar Hydrate Shampoo is our top pick for its deeply moisturizing, sulfate-free formula. For the best daily refresh between washes, the Eva NYC Invisible Dry Shampoo wins for its effective oil absorption and lack of white residue. If your primary concern is repairing existing damage, invest in the SEVEN KENTE BOND Shampoo to target split ends and strengthen your hair.
Your choice depends on whether you need hydration, refreshment, or repair, but starting with a quality wash shampoo is the foundation for healthy relaxed hair.