Let’s face it—we don’t always have the time or energy to wash our hair as much as we’d like to or should, especially those with longer locks! For some people, one missed wash means greasy hair and an itchy scalp, which can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, dry shampoo has saved a lot of time and rescued many from countless bad hair days. Here’s everything you need to know about using dry shampoo if you’re looking to reap the benefits of this hero invention or get more out of this hair care product.
What Is Dry Shampoo and How Does It Work?
Dry shampoo is a hair care product that typically contains alcohol or starch-based ingredients to absorb excess oil or sweat from the hair. The idea is to make the hair look less greasy between washes, so you and your hair can feel refreshed if you don’t have time to wash up. Many dry shampoos contain fragrance, so your hair can smell as clean as it looks. While your hair may smell and appear clean, dry shampoo is not a substitute for washing your hair.
Many shampoos and conditioners contain moisturizing ingredients to keep your hair from becoming too dry. Additionally, dry shampoo cannot remove dirt, bacteria, and yeast in the same way that a normal wash can.
What Are the Different Types of Dry Shampoo?
While dry shampoos have similar base ingredients, they can come in various forms. You can find dry shampoo spray, powder, mist, gel, and mousse. What you use is entirely up to you.
Dry shampoo mist and gel are great for people who experience oily roots and need a refresh after an intense workout. Aerosolized dry shampoo, or dry shampoo spray, is the most commonly available version of dry shampoo. It’s the easiest product to use if you want to spray and go. Dry shampoo powder is the best option for individuals with fine hair, as it won’t weigh down your hair like other products. If you have thick hair and want to add texture without making your hair look flat, dry shampoo mousse or foam are your best options.
What Should I Look for in a Dry Shampoo?
Choosing the right dry shampoo for you depends on your hair texture and how often you wash your hair. As stated above, different dry shampoo formulations and textures are better for certain hair types. However, if your hair is generally on the dryer side, you should avoid using alcohol-based dry shampoo, as it can remove too much moisture. Your choice also depends on your scent preference, as some people can be very sensitive to smells, especially in aerosolized forms.
Overall, you want to avoid dry shampoos that contain propane, butane, and isobutane. These ingredients are propellants used to spray dry shampoo from the bottle. However, they can irritate the lungs.
Does Dry Shampoo Cause Buildup?
Unfortunately, dry shampoo can cause buildup in any of its forms and is a large part of why it cannot replace regular shampooing and conditioning. Over time, the product will accumulate and clog pores and follicles on the scalp. This buildup also makes it difficult for the scalp to breathe, which can result in itchiness and rashes.
Buildup can also damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. However, getting rid of this buildup is easy and only requires the occasional use of a clarifying shampoo—about once or twice a month—depending on your hair texture and the amount of buildup on your scalp.
Tips for Applying Dry Shampoo:
Apply Where Your Hair Is Greasy
Oil tends to build up near the roots of your hair, close to the scalp. This means the ends of your hair likely aren’t greasy, so you don’t have to apply the product throughout your hair. If you do, you’re essentially wasting product, as too much will cease to work well.
Let It Sit
Dry shampoo, in all forms, takes a bit of time to work, and it won’t instantly absorb the moisture in your hair. Don’t immediately brush or shake your hair after applying, regardless of the formulation of dry shampoo you use. In order to let the product work its magic, wait about three to five minutes before massaging the product through your hair.
Massage Dry Shampoo Into Your Hair
If you don’t massage the product into your hair, it will sit atop your hair instead of blending into the roots where the oil is. You can massage the product into your hair with clean hands to move the product throughout your hair with a brush. This will get rid of any chalkiness that may appear. If you still see excess product after, you can use a blow dryer to remove it.
Avoid Using Dry Shampoo Every Day
As mentioned previously, dry shampoo can cause buildup; using it daily is your ticket to fast buildup. Everyday use will make your hair look dry and likely worse than it did when it was greasy. Use dry shampoo one or two times a week. Individuals with extra oily hair can bump that number up to three times a week if they choose.
Don’t Use Too Much Product at Once
Using too much product at once, especially in a concentrated area, can make the color of your hair appear dull. It can also make your hair look stiff, and when you run your hand through your hair, you’ll likely feel a layer of grit. To prevent this from happening, apply a little bit of the product and wait a few minutes to see if it has the intended results. If not, apply a little more at a time, waiting a few minutes between each application.
Now that you have the ultimate guide on everything you need to know about using dry shampoo, you’re ready to tackle any bad hair day and keep your hairstyle on lock for longer. Essential Wholesale and Labs sells body powder to help you get rid of excess oil from head to toe. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a gentle dry shampoo without harsh ingredients!
