Figuring out how to get rid of dandruff and dryness on your scalp can feel impossible without some help. Does using dry shampoo make dandruff less noticeable, or is it going to make the problem worse? We are also quite curious about this topic and have done plenty of research to find you the answer. Let's discuss.
When it comes to whether or not dry shampoo helps with dandruff, it may be doing more harm than good. Using dry shampoo on your hair every once in a while will not cause dandruff to worsen, but prolonged use definitely will. Dry shampoo should not take the place of an actual hair washing and should be used sparingly. A great way to help alleviate dandruff would be deep conditioning and trying a hair mask on your scalp.
As we dive into this post, we will be sharing the best ways to help fight dandruff and how to use dry shampoo properly. We have also tagged some super helpful products to get your hair and scalp feeling fresh and flake-free. With that said, let's get this post started!
This article may include affiliate links and elements that were carefully created by our team using advanced ai to help you envision the best style advice.
What Is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a water-free way to give your hair a freshly washed look without having to do all the work. A typical dry shampoo is made from an alcohol or starch base and is sprayed onto your hair between washes. Most dry shampoo's come in an aerosol spray can but can also be applied as a powder directly to hair.
How Does It Work?
Dry shampoo essentially works to absorb the oil in your hair and gives you a matte look after use. The alcohol or starch base works to absorb excess oil and give your hair a softer, bouncier look. It would be best if you sprayed a dry shampoo about two feet away from your head to avoid a white coating on your hair.
Waterless Dry Shampoo With Mini Dry Conditioner
Here is a dry shampoo and conditioner kit from the Waterless Store that is perfect for those dealing with dandruff. This product promises to be residue-free and does not contain sulfates or parabens.
Check out this dry shampoo and conditioner set on Amazon here.
Is Dry Shampoo Beneficial To Hair?
When it comes to dry shampoo benefiting overall hair health, we would say no. Any product that is drying oils from your hair is not healthy for long-term use. Most dry shampoo products contain harsh chemicals and alcohols, which are not beneficial to overall hair and scalp health. Many long-time dry shampoo users have complained of hair loss or breakage due to how dry the product over-dried their hair.
How Many Times Per Week Should I Use A Dry Shampoo?
If you are an avid dry shampoo user and this post has scared you, don't panic yet. Using a dry shampoo 2-3 times per week will not cause irreversible damage to your hair and is relatively safe from what we have found. We recommend using a deep conditioner alongside your spray in or after you shower to hydrate your potentially dry hair and scalp.
Marc Anthony Grow Long Hair Mask for Dry Damaged Hair
Here we have a deep conditioning hair mask from Marc Anthony that will help with dandruff and hair breakage. This conditioner is made with Argon oil, Keratin, and Caffeine to boost hair growth and deeply moisturize your scalp.
View this deep conditioning hair mask on Amazon here.
Can I Use Dry Shampoo If I Have Dandruff?
If you find yourself still needing to use dry shampoo but suffer from dandruff, we would recommend against it. Applying an oil-drying product to already dry hair is going to end up making your scalp feel worse, and none of us want that. If you are in a hair emergency and your dry shampoo is the only way out, that is an exception to this rule. Although it may sound crazy, hair with dandruff needs as much oil and hydration as it can get.
How Often Should Hair With Dandruff Be Washed?
Properly washing your hair and giving it the much-needed hydration it requires is going to depend entirely on your hair. According to the web, an ideal hair washing schedule should be every other day or three times per week. Making sure to shampoo your scalp while washing your hair is also a huge part of tackling your dandruff issue. Dandruff starts at the scalp and wreaks havoc on your entire head of hair, so giving it some extra TLC is not going to hurt.
New York Biology Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Here is a tea tree dandruff fighting shampoo and conditioner set from New York Biology. This product is also made with Argon oil and peppermint and is sulfate, paraben, alcohol, and cruelty-free.
See this deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner set on Amazon here.
Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle
Here is another set of shampoo and conditioner from Head & Shoulders that will help with dandruff. This product is made with Argon oil and rose essence and is free of phosphates, parabens, and dyes.
View this set from Head & Shoulders on Amazon here.
What Causes Dandruff?
Figuring out the cause of dandruff is a great way to tackle the issue and get your hair feeling back to normal. Dandruff occurs when your scalp becomes dry and irritated and begins to "flake" throughout your hair. Flaking can be caused by poor hair washing and even a bacterial infection on the top layer of your scalp. Dandruff is most common among young children and teens and is not usually considered an underlying symptom of a more severe condition.
How Is It Treated?
Getting dandruff under control is best done using a gentle shampoo and a leave-in conditioner during hair washing. Finding a product targeted towards dandruff is your best bet to getting rid of your dandruff. We suggest finding a product with natural ingredients like tea tree oil or peppermint due to their healing and dandruff fighting qualities.
Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir Treatment
Here is a dandruff-fighting scalp treatment from Head & Shoulders that will help hydrate your hair. This elixir is made with cooling menthol and peppermint and is sulfate, paraben, and dye-free.
View this cooling menthol and peppermint oil scalp treatment on Amazon here.
Dry Shampoo Alternatives
For those of you who are not comfortable using dry shampoo, there are other options. Even switching your current product for an organic one is a great way to achieve a bouncy look without damaging your hair. Finding and solving the root of your dandruff problems can save you a ton of time and money in the long run. We suggest starting with all-natural shampoo and conditioner and then working from there. Ingredients can make or quite literally break your hair, so keep an eye out for harsher ones.
Do Hair Masks Work?
If you consider a hair mask to help with dandruff and hair breakage, we say go for it! A hair mask is essentially a deeper, more powerful conditioner that works to hydrate your hair follicles and scalp. Dandruff can make hair feel oily and dry simultaneously, so trying out a deep hair mask might solve both these issues. The more moisture, the better!
Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo
Here is a great plant-based dry shampoo alternative from Act+Acre that naturally fluffs hair. This shampoo is made with rice powder and fulvic acid and is alcohol, chemical, and preservative-free.
View this plant-based dry shampoo on Amazon here.
MAJESTIC PURE Avocado and Coconut Hair Mask for Dry Damaged Hair
Here is another natural product from MAJESTIC PURE that promises to hydrate damaged hair deeply. This hair mask is made with pure avocado and coconut oil and is both sulfate and cruelty-free.
See this avocado and coconut oil hair mask on Amazon here.
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Here we have a natural alternative to dry shampoo from BELLISSO that promises to stop dandruff at the source. This shampoo and conditioner set is made with apple cider vinegar, Argon, avocado, and coconut oil and is antifungal and bacterial.
Follow this link to see this natural set on Amazon.
The Wrap Up
Using dry shampoo on hair with dandruff is not recommended, according to what we found. The harsh drying chemicals often found in dry shampoos can end up making dandruff worse and cause your hair extra unneeded trouble. Making sure to hydrate your hair deeply is the first and most crucial step to getting dandruff under control. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based and organic hair products that can help heal and strengthen both your scalp and hair follicles. Remember only to use dry shampoo a few times per week and show your scalp some love!
Need some more hair care advice? Check out these helpful related posts!
When To Apply Hair Serum [You'll Want To Know This Answer!]
