Dry Shampoo

If your hair gets greasy on days that you don't shampoo it, dry shampoo is a great way to make your hair look and smell fresh without washing it in the shower. Not only will it save you time and hassle, but it can also help cut down your carbon footprint by decreasing how often you shower.

What is dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo is an absorbent powder that creates the look of freshly washed hair. It's typically applied out of an aerosol spray bottle, spray pump, powder bottle, or jar. Dry shampoo, popularized by brands like Klorane and Batiste, works by absorbing dirt and oil from your hair and often comes with a scent to deodorize your hair and scalp.

Because dry shampoo powder is made from finely milled powders such as cornstarch, kaolin clay, and rice starch, it can effectively absorb scalp oils that can make your hair look and smell greasy. With a few spritzes of dry shampoo, you can extend your hairstyle past just one wash.

How do use dry shampoo

Most dry shampoos come in an aerosol format. To use these products, shake a can of dry shampoo, hold it about 10 inches from your hair, and spray small amounts through the roots of your hair. Don't be afraid to lift and part your hair with your other hand to reach every part of your head.

Let the dry shampoo sit in your hair for at least two minutes, then use a blow-dryer, brush, or your hands to move and massage your hair until you can no longer see any residue from the dry shampoo. That's all you need to do!

How does dry shampoo compare to normal shampoo?

Dry shampoo and normal, in-shower shampoo are very different products with different purposes. Regular shampoo contains detergent, soap, or other cleansing agents. Shampoo goes into wet hair in the shower to break down scalp oils, grime, and old hair products so that they will rinse out of your hair and off your scalp. In-shower shampoo is usually a liquid soap that comes in a bottle, but it may also come as bar shampoo or powder shampoo from eco-friendly or airline-friendly brands. These shampoo preparations are also applied to wet hair or mixed with water to form a liquid soap.

Dry shampoo works differently. It doesn't break down oils and dirt in your hair and doesn't help you wash anything out of your hair. Instead, dry shampoo absorbs scalp oil, odours, grease, and dirt to reduce their appearance.

Can I use dry shampoo on freshly washed hair?

Absolutely! An old hairstylist's trick is to apply dry shampoo to the roots of freshly washed and dried hair before creating an updo. Dry shampoo naturally has a slightly gritty texture, so it helps intricate styles stay in place on hair that might otherwise be too smooth and slippery.