Dry shampoo may sound like a miracle product. Companies claim that it will end the build-up of oil in your hair while also making it more voluminous. For those who struggle with greasy hair, this is the dream, but is it the quick fix that it seems to be? We've done the research to help you determine whether dry shampoo is a product you should have in your hair care collection, and if so, when and how to use it.
Dry shampoo is a product you should have in supply if you have naturally oily hair that needs a quick spruce after workout sessions or time outdoors, but it does have its limits. It will not prevent your hair from producing oil. You will also still need to regularly cleanse your hair with wet shampoo for a healthy scalp and head of hair.
So how does dry shampoo work, and when should you use it? This product is fantastic for specific times and places and not so great for others. Keep reading to learn more about dry shampoo and how it can help you keep the grease away!
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How Dry Shampoo Works
People curbed greasy hair by brushing corn starch through their locks or pouring baby powder on their heads. Haircare companies have made this much more convenient by creating dry shampoo and packaging it as an aerosol spray.
Dry shampoos are spray products formulated with a starch or alcohol base. These mediums naturally dry and absorb liquids. When the dry shampoo is sprayed into your hair, the starch and alcohol will work by soaking up the oil in your hair and on your scalp. The result is hair that looks cleaner.
Many dry shampoos may also include a volumizing agent as well as perfumes. An excess of grease can leave your hair flat and maybe even with an unpleasant smell. So these ingredients are to add to the look and feel of freshness.
When To Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is convenient, and there are many times when it is appropriate to use it instead of wet shampoo. One example is if you like to exercise in the morning before heading off to work. You most likely will not want to wash, dry, and style your hair again, so this is a great time to bust out the dry shampoo to give your hair a little pick-me-up.
Other times would be when you are anticipating a hospital stay and will not be able to easily bathe when you're camping or out and about on a humid day.
Dry shampoo can also occasionally be used to make your wash last longer. You can add it to your morning routine the day before you usually need to wash your hair. Spray in, brush out and go on with your day. This prevents too much oil from building up on your scalp, which is where hair first begins to show the shine of grease.
Click here to learn more about this dry shampoo on Amazon.
When Not To Use Dry Shampoo
One thing dry shampoo is not appropriate for is replacing wet shampoo altogether. Many are moving away from traditional shampooing, as it can strip natural oils from your hair. This may seem like a way to curb grease without doing so.
However, this isn't the greatest idea. Dry shampoo is great for a temporary fix, but it is not truly purifying your hair and scalp. Hygiene is essential to the health of your skin, and your scalp is no exception. You must wash your hair to remove the dirt and bacteria that you pick up from the environment.
How Many Days In A Row Can You Use Dry Shampoo?
Can you use this dry shampoo several days in a row? The short answer is no. The starch and alcohol in dry shampoo may also dehydrate your skin and hair. This is not a product you want to use daily as it could make your hair brittle and cause scales to form on your scalp.
How Long Does Dry Shampoo Last In Hair?
For the same reason that you do not want to use dry shampoo for several days in a row, it also can be left on the scalp for no longer than two days. This is also about as long as it will help keep your hair looking and feeling fresh. Leaving the dry shampoo on your scalp may also cause your hair follicles to overcompensate by producing more oil, making the dry shampoo ineffective.
How Do I Make My Hair Less Greasy Without Dry Shampoo?
Go back to the old ways.
So what did people use before dry shampoo? Corn starch and baby powder! Either of these products can most likely be found in a cupboard in your home. They may not be as convenient as dry shampoo, but they are effective.
Don't condition your roots.
If you have an oily hair type, your hair follicles are most likely already producing plenty of oil and don't need the help of a conditioner. Try only conditioning the ends of your hair for softness and detangling.
Use a mild shampoo for every day and a purifying shampoo occasionally.
Many times, purifying shampoos are marketed as "for oily hair." A certain amount of oil is necessary to the health of your hair and scalp, and if you continuously strip the natural oils from your hair, your hair follicles may go into overdrive and produce even more oil. Try using a mild shampoo for regular washing, and use a quality purifying shampoo only occasionally when you feel you have a build-up of grease and product.
Click here to learn more about this purifying shampoo on Amazon.
In Conclusion
Dry shampoo is a must-have item for those with oily hair type, but it is not a miracle product. It's great for a quick posh-up when you're in a bind. Nonetheless, it will not keep your hair from producing and accumulating oil, and cleansing with wet shampoo will always be essential to keeping your skin and hair beautiful and healthy.
Want to learn more about how to use hair care products? Check out these related posts.
