the best non-toxic dry shampoo that actually works – review and how-to

Need a great non-toxic dry shampoo? Read on! This post contains affiliate links, and product sent for review, although I was under no obligation to post. All opinions are my own.

Just looking for a discount code for Primally Pure? Use ” JENN10 ” for 10% off your purchase!

On a recent birthday, as I picked up my free gift at Sephora (my only goal for the trip), a lightbulb went off in my mind. 

“Oh yeah! I’m looking for a dry shampoo. Do you guys have any recommendations?”

Immediately, the three people behind the counter started chattering about this one brand’s dry shampoo, that it was amazing, that I would love it. You all know that I typically go for non-toxic products, but in this case, they were so emphatic, I felt it was worth a try. So I bought a can and took it home.

Let’s be real – it works brilliantly. It’s like a blowout in a can – like my hair not only has been washed, but dried and styled along with it.

Unfortunately, even its brilliance can’t win out over the cloud of scent that sits on your head after you use it.

It’s nearly suffocating. And it leaves me woozy and with a headache for hours. So basically I’ve been on the hunt for a good one ever since.

A Smarter Solution

Fast forward to a couple months ago. I’m scrolling through Facebook, and stumble upon an ad for – wait for it – a non-toxic dry shampoo. YESSSS.

I’d seen reviews for Primally Pure here and there, but never tried it. Immediately I liked all of their pages on social, and sent them an email, saying I was too stinking excited to find a non-toxic dry shampoo.

They kindly sent me their dry shampoo to try, along with a few more of their products. Here’s a review of Primally Pure dry shampoo, and why it’s a smarter solution for the aerosol version with questionable ingredients.

The Basics

Primally Pure Dry Shampoo is a powder formula that comes in two versions – one for light hair and one for dark hair. It’s $12 for the 1 ounce container (which lasts a few months), and $28 for the 4 ounce (which should last 6-12 months).

They both contain arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, baking soda, and essential oils of grapefruit, lavender, and peppermint. The dark hair version also contains cocoa powder. Many of the ingredients are organic.

Kaolin clay and arrowroot powder are meant to absorb moisture, add texture, and give some volume. The essential oils, along with smelling pretty and not being overpowering, also add cleansing properties, soothe the scalp, and even stimulate hair growth.

How to Use

First thing, I would say you should use this product over your sink. And not over the outfit you’ll be wearing out. The powder really get everywhere. That said, I still prefer the powder to aerosol – better for the environment and your lungs.

You can apply directly to your scalp, and work it into the roots. Blend, blend, blend. I found that I had to work to get it through my hair about the same amount as I did with my aerosol dry shampoo.

Primally Pure actually encourages use before bed to absorb through the night. But you can also use in styled hair, or in my case, my whatever-my-hair-looks-like-before-I-head-out-the-door.

My Experience

I have the 1 ounce Dark Locks Dry Shampoo. But I’m sure that the 1 ounce is going to last me at least a few months, even though it takes about a quarter-size amount to get my hair feeling and looking the way I want it to.

I tried both ways – before bed, and then after styling. Both ways worked well. Pro tip: the longer it’s been in your hair, the better it looks and feels. It takes a little time.

Here’s a review of what I personally loved:

– The scent is light, pleasant, and not overpowering.

– Your hair becomes smooth to the touch, not crunchy like a spray can make it.

– It truly does absorb grease.

– It gives your hair volume! There was a noticeable difference for me.

– Results get better with time. My hair seemed to gain volume, feel softer and cleaner, and look glossier as time went on.

Here’s what I do miss:

– The convenience. Spray is just more convenient for me than powder. Again, the aerosol isn’t good for the environment and your breathing, so it’s a worthy swap. But I’m hoping maybe Primally Pure will develop some kind of safe spray!

– The results are not instant. It takes a bit of time for the formula to work – but work it does, and again, without harmful ingredients. Again, worthy exchange.

So what do you think?

Could you use a little non-toxic in your life?

If you can – get 10% off your dry shampoo (and whatever else you might like – I recommend the gua sha stone and the deodorant). Just be sure to use the Primally Pure discount code ” JENN10 ” to get your deal.