The Right Way to Use Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo has gained notoriety due to it’s quick and easy approach to hair care. Who doesn’t love a product that gives you the appearance of clean hair, without having to actually clean your hair?! So it makes sense that dry shampoo is all the rage right now. For someone who dreads the daily routine of washing, brushing and drying their hair – this is an appealing alternative. But as we all know, great things come with great responsibility. Yes, we’re putting our foot down (metaphorically) because a little self-discipline is never a bad thing.

How Dry Shampoo Works

The powder-based substance is a topical application that can be used on hair in to absorb any oils. Which is why we use it on our unwashed roots. It removes the natural oil that gathers on our scalp when we’re too lazy to wash it, solving our greasy hair dilemma one spray at a time. Simply spray the dry shampoo on your roots and comb! The product tends to come in an aerosol can – allowing us to use as much and as little as we’d like. Do you remember the self-discipline we talked about earlier? Well, this is where it gets put to the test.

The Cons

Dry shampoo (when sprayed) creates a white powdery debris that attaches to our hair. If this debris is used in excess it will start to accumulate on our scalp, weighing down our hair strands and clogging up our hair follicles. This provides a perfect habitat for fungal bacteria to grow and thrive. Too much of this powdered buildup can also lead to skin irritations like dry, flaky patches on the scalp and, yep – dandruff. Large amounts of it can cause blockage of hair follicles that can result in scalp tenderness, hair thinning and even breakage. Once this happens, you can start to experience hair loss (which none of us want).

How To Avoid The Cons

Don’t overuse the product by applying it to your hair everyday. Instead, go for every other day or twice a week if you’re up for the challenge. When using the dry shampoo, it’s best to lightly spray it about 10-12 inches away from the roots of your hair. Part your hair into 2-inch sections to ensure you get even coverage. There will be some white residue, but you can use your fingertips to blend it into your hair. If you’d like to brush out your hair after the application, go for a hairbrush with tourmaline bristles to avoid any static buildup.

So, like most things in life there are pros and cons to using dry shampoo. Now that you know the right way to use it, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about – you’re ready to take over the world, unwashed hair and all.