Dry shampoo is a game-changer. It soaks up excess oil within seconds and adds instant volume to hair. As popular as dry shampoo is, it is not always the easiest product to use.
Have you ever walked confidently into work only for your co-worker to inform you about some white, chalky stuff on your hair? If so, you are not alone. This happens to the best of us when we don’t fully understand how to use this product.
In this guide, we will save you the embarrassment and give you all the intel, from which product to use and how to apply dry shampoo.
Choosing the Right Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo comes in several variations. You have spray, aerosol, foam, or powder. The one you choose makes a difference, so choose wisely. ALWAYS read the details and product description before purchasing.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- – For fine hair, it’s recommended to use spray or aerosol versions. These dry quickly and add volume! Using a powder version will feel heavy on your hair and weigh it down.
- – For oily hair, a powder dry shampoo will work best. You’ll notice it will soak up your hair oils without weighing it down.
- – For thicker hair, you probably want to avoid anything that will add volume. Any type of dry shampoo should work fine as long as you use it properly and in moderation.
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Choosing the best dry shampoo for your scalp and hair isn’t too difficult. Just pinpoint what you struggle with (dryness, oiliness, not enough volume?) and keep this in mind when looking for the right product.
The Application Process
After you pick out your dry shampoo, you need to learn how to apply it correctly. Applying it the right way means you won’t end up with white roots or super stiff strands of hair.
Follow these 4 steps for the best results.
1. Prep the Spray
If you’re using spray, aerosol, or foam dry shampoos start by shaking the bottle. This will evenly distribute and blend the formula which is important to get an even distribution on your scalp. If you’re using a powder version, there is no need to shake the bottle.
2. Part Hair Into Sections
When applying dry shampoo, you want to part your hair into sections starting with the oiliest section of your hair. You can move horizontally or up and down depending on where you start. Once you get comfortable with the parting process, move onto step three.
3. Aim Directly at the Roots
The goal in this step is to spray the product directly on the roots. Part a section of hair and hold the bottle 4 to 6 inches away from your roots. Distance is important because if you spray too close, you may be left with difficult-to-remove residue. If you’re using powder, sprinkle it near your scalp. Avoid applying the powder directly to your part as this will leave hair looking chalky.
When you do apply the dry shampoo, only apply to the oily areas. DON’T apply to your entire scalp. If you have very thick hair, you will need more product to fully soak up the hair oils. For fine hair, less product is necessary.
4. Massage the Scalp
Dry shampoo works super quickly and offers immediate results. However, before running out the door, let the dry shampoo sit in your hair for a few minutes. Once it dries completely, you’ll be able to tell if any areas need to be brushed out.
It also helps if you massage your scalp with your fingertips. This will help break down and activate the ingredients known to soak up hair oils. Plus, there’s nothing like a nice little scalp massage to get your day started.
If you notice buildup or white streaks in your hair, run a brush through it. Combining through from root to tip will help disperse any buildup, eliminating residue. Once you’ve massaged the product in and styled your hair, all that’s left to do but enjoy healthy, oil-free hair!
Can Dry Shampoo Be Used Every Day?
Dry shampoo will never replace real shampoo. It’s not meant to!
Relying on dry shampoo to get through your days can impact the health of your scalp negatively. Think about it – you wash your hair to remove any dirt, residues, or products. Using dry shampoo every day will cause buildup over time. This will clog up hair follicles and trap hair oils. In return, this can lead to other issues like bacteria and dandruff.
Dry shampoo is not meant to be used every single day. At most, it should be used 3 times per week. If you plan to use dry shampoo, make sure you’re shampooing your hair at least twice per week. To maintain proper scalp health, emphasize washing your hair more often instead of using your dry shampoo every day.
Conclusion
Dry shampoo is wonderful – as long as it’s used correctly. This includes shaking the bottle before use, spraying it safely, massaging the scalp, and not overusing it. One last tip I’ll leave you with: consider using dry shampoo before bed. Your hair will absorb the oils as you sleep, and you’ll wake up looking refreshed in the morning!
