Honestly, the celebrity hair care world is getting crowded. It’s a lot to keep up with. When Blake Lively dropped her line, Blake Brown, at Target in August 2024, the internet basically had a collective heart attack. Some people were obsessed with the "no conditioner" rule. Others were just there for the aesthetic. But the one product that seems to have a life of its own is the Blake Brown dry shampoo.
Is it actually good? Or is it just a pretty bottle with a famous name on it?
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Most dry shampoos are just glorified cornstarch in a can. You spray it, you look like a Victorian ghost for ten minutes, and eventually, the oil disappears—along with any hope of your hair feeling soft. This one is different. It’s technically called the Amber Vanille Dry Shampoo, and it’s marketed as a "texturizing" dry shampoo. That's a key distinction.
The Reality of Blake Brown Dry Shampoo
Most of us use dry shampoo as a last resort. It’s for that "I haven't showered in three days and I have a Zoom call in five minutes" vibe. But Blake’s philosophy is a bit more intentional. She apparently uses it on clean hair. Yeah, you heard that right. It’s meant to add volume and grit before the oil even starts to show up.
The scent is the first thing you’ll notice. If you hate strong fragrances, stay away. Seriously. It’s heavy on the Amber and Vanille (hence the name), with notes of bergamot and even a little bit of watermelon. It smells expensive. Like, "I own a brownstone in Manhattan" expensive.
What’s actually inside the can?
Unlike the cheap stuff that uses talc—which has been controversial for years due to asbestos concerns—this formula is talc-free. Instead, it uses a mix of:
- Alcohol Denat: This helps the product dry instantly so you aren't left with wet roots.
- Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate: A mouthful of a word, but basically it's what soaks up the grease.
- Zeolite: A mineral that helps with the texturizing part.
- Silica: Adds that "lived-in" grip that makes your hair look thicker.
It’s vegan and cruelty-free. No sulfates, no silicones, no parabens. It’s a very "clean" ingredient list for an aerosol.
Does it leave a white cast?
This is the deal-breaker for anyone with dark hair. You spray a cheaper brand like Batiste and suddenly you’ve aged 40 years. Blake Brown claims to be invisible.
In practice, it’s about 90% there. If you hold the can two inches from your scalp and blast it, you’re going to see white. If you follow the actual directions—shaking it for a full 10 seconds and spraying from 8 to 10 inches away—it blends in remarkably well. Even on brunettes.
But here’s the thing: because it’s a texturizer, it feels "product-y." If you want your hair to feel silky and touchable, this isn't it. It’s for the girlies who want that messy, undone, voluminous look. It gives your roots a lift that doesn't just fall flat by noon.
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The Mixed Reviews: Why Some People Hate It
If you look at the Target reviews, they're a rollercoaster. It’s currently sitting around a 3.8-star rating. Why the hate?
It mostly comes down to hair type. If you have thick, coarse, or naturally dry hair, this stuff might make your strands feel like straw. One reviewer mentioned that it made their hair feel "instantly like straw." That’s because the starch and zeolite are very effective at absorbing moisture—not just oil.
On the flip side, if you have fine, thin hair that gets greasy six hours after a wash? This might be your holy grail. It provides a structural support that fine hair usually lacks.
Price vs. Value
It retails for about $19.99 for a 5.8 oz can.
That puts it squarely in the "mid-range" category. It’s more expensive than your drugstore brands, but cheaper than the high-end salon stuff like Oribe or Living Proof.
How to actually use it for the best results
Don't just spray and pray.
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- The Shake: You really have to shake the can. The minerals settle at the bottom. Ten seconds of vigorous shaking is the minimum.
- The Distance: If you're too close, you get a concentrated white patch. Keep it a foot away.
- The Wait: Let it sit for 30 seconds before you touch it. Let those starches do their job.
- The Massage: Use your fingertips to work it into the scalp. Don't just brush it out immediately. Use the warmth of your hands to help the oils and the powder mingle.
The Scent Longevity
Kinda surprising detail: the smell lasts. Most dry shampoos lose their scent after an hour. This one lingers. You’ll catch whiffs of vanilla and sandalwood throughout the day. For some, this is a "perfume for your hair" win. For people with migraines or scent sensitivities, it’s a total "no-go."
Actionable Next Steps
If you're thinking about grabbing a bottle, check your hair's current state first.
- If you have fine hair and love volume: This is a solid buy. It’ll give you that "Blake Lively mane" texture without the heaviness of a mousse.
- If you have very dark, dry hair: Proceed with caution. You might find the texture too gritty.
- If you’re sensitive to smells: Go to a Target store and sniff the tester (if they have one) or the hair mist from the same line before committing to the aerosol.
The Blake Brown dry shampoo isn't just a basic refresh spray; it's a styling tool. If you approach it like a texturizer that happens to clean your hair, you’ll probably be much happier with the results.