· By Briana Dunning
What Does Dry Shampoo Do? The Lowdown on Dry Shampoo
We all know that feeling - you're running late, your hair's looking a bit greasy, and you don't have the time to wash it. Dry shampoo can feel like a little miracle (or a BIG one). But what does dry shampoo do? Can you use it in place of regular shampoo, and is it really good for your hair?
I'm a celebrity hair stylist, and these are the questions my clients ask me most often.
What Is Dry Shampoo & How Does It Work?
Do dry shampoos work like a normal shampoo? Dry shampoo is a hair product that absorbs excess oil and grease from your hair. Make no mistake - dry shampoo isn't actually a shampoo. The idea is that you use it between washes to freshen up and make your hair look not greasy, and NOT to clean it.
It comes in aerosol sprays, powders, or even foams, and you don't need water to activate it like a wet shampoo. It's great if you're in a rush, need a refresh, or you're sick of staring at oily roots in the mirror between washes.
Dry shampoos are usually fragranced to mask odors from the hair and scalp. They're often made from starches (like rice or corn starch) or silica, which is what gives dry shampoos their oil-soaking powers.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dry Shampoo?
Although dry shampoo can help you out in a pinch and may be a savior on busy mornings, I don't recommend using it. The reason for this is that there are SO many disadvantages to dry shampoo, and it can end up harming your hair more than helping it. Here's what you should know:
- It Can Clog Follicles: Yes, dry shampoo is great for absorbing oil, but that comes at the cost of clogging your hair follicles. It builds up on the scalp, especially if you're using it multiple days in a row! This leads to dandruff, scalp irritation, scalp acne, and even hair loss.
- It Causes Breakage: Yep - dry shampoo is responsible for that "B" word. Here's another B word: brittle. if you have highlighted or fine hair, dry shampoo will strip your hair of all its moisture and make your hair feel dry and fragile.
- It Weighs Your Hair Down: Dry shampoo is made from powders which, sure, are fantastic at absorbing oil. But this means that too much dry shampoo will build up and weigh down your hair. You can kiss goodbye to that fresh, voluminous do and hello to heavy, flat locks.
- You Get That Wiggy, Matte Finish: Dry shampoo strips your strands of their shine, giving you a powdery, matte finish, and making it look like you're wearing a wig.
- You Breathe in Aluminum: Many aerosol spray dry shampoos contain aluminum. Research is still ongoing, but it's suggested that aluminum can cause health issues.
What Is the Healthiest Dry Shampoo? Dry Shampoo Alternatives
I've just listed a whole load of reasons why you should avoid using dry shampoo. But what do you do when your hair looks like a greasy mess and washing isn't an option? Luckily, there are a few fantastic dry shampoo alternatives on the market at the moment that will freshen up your hair WITHOUT all the nasty drawbacks of typical dry shampoo.
Skip Day – Ideal For Fine Hair
If you need a good dry shampoo for fine oily hair, then Skip Day is The One. This spray uses finely milled tapioca starch instead of the heavy powders you'll find in traditional dry shampoo.
Here's why I personally recommend it:
- It will add volume (and KEEP it) in the hair without weighing it down
- You can spritz it multiple days in a row to keep your scalp and strands feeling fresh - it won't make your hair feel heavy!
- It won't leave a residue, which means your hair stays soft to the touch
- You get NO RISK of brittleness or breakage. Just a natural, lightweight feel
- It's a non-aerosol spray, so there’s no risk of breathing in any nasty chemicals
The Sweaty Hair Refresher – For Textured Hair
My textured hair clients LOVE the Sweaty Hair Refresher as a good alternative to traditional dry shampoo. It's the perfect dry shampoo for curly or wavy hair. It's not a spray or powder - it's a lightweight mousse that also acts as a serum for textured strands.
Here's why you'll love it:
- It deodorizes your hair, neutralizing smells
- It contains amino acids that make your hair stronger
- It has green tea and chamomile to soothe the scalp and calm irritation
- You can use it to restyle your hair, unlike a dry shampoo
KEEP IN MIND: The Sweaty Hair Refresher won't make your hair less greasy, but it WILL give you definition between wash days.
FOR CURLY, TEXTURED OR WAVY HAIR
SWEATY HAIR REFRESHER
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Shop NowDoes Dry Shampoo Clean Hair?
No! Dry shampoo should NOT be used to replace shampooing. If you stop shampooing entirely, you'll be left with clogged pores and an irritated scalp. To keep your hair clean, you need to use a regular shampoo that suits your hair texture.
I recommend washing your hair 1 - 2 times a week, especially if you want healthy hair growth. (Need more info? See my full article on how often to wash hair.)
Can You Use Dry Shampoo After Working Out?
Nothing beats killing your workouts, but it often leaves us with oily hair. And if you're a busy girly, you likely won't want to wash your hair after a workout - not every time, at least.
You might be tempted to reach for dry shampoo for a quick fix after a workout, but it won't give you the miracle you need. You'll end up with brittle strands and powdery residue that weighs down your hair.
Go for dry shampoo alternatives instead, like Skip Day, which will absorb oil and add texture without the problems that come with aerosol cans. Alternatively, the Sweaty Hair Refresher is GREAT if you have a curly or textured hair type.
How Often Should You Use Dry Shampoo?
Traditional dry shampoo? I'd say never. But if you choose to use Skip Day, a dry shampoo alternative, then go to town! You can use it multiple days in a row between washes to keep the oil at bay and your hair feeling fresh.
Can I Use Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair?
I don't recommend using aerosol or powder dry shampoos on wet hair. The powder in the dry shampoo will mix with the water and your natural oils, clumping your hair together and making it even more heavy and weighed down.
But if you're using Skip Day or the Sweaty Hair Refresher, you can ABSOLUTELY use them on wet hair! Hit your hair with heat after or feel free to let your locks air dry.
Dry Shampoo: The Verdict
Dry shampoos are supposed to absorb oil so you can go longer between wash days. But the verdict's in: dry shampoo might seem like a miracle working in a pinch, but if you want healthy hair, it's time to ditch it. Traditional dry shampoos WILL leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, susceptible to breakage, weighted down, and just looking like a whole hot mess. Instead, reach for dry shampoo alternatives like Skip Day, which will soak up that oil without weighing it down or leaving behind that powdery residue.
DON'T FORGET: dry shampoos aren't a replacement for traditional shampoo. Treat your hair to a proper wash when it needs it!
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