Introduction

If you are a fan of multitasking beauty products then without a doubt dry shampoo is the MVP of hair care products. Dry Shampoos come in super handy when you don’t have the time or want to avoid washing your hair frequently but still want to effectively manage the sweat, grime and dirt build up in your scalp which can give it a greasy look.

How does Dry Shampoo Work?

With constant dirt and pollution around us, it is difficult to keep hair clean and healthy at all times. It’s not just about the time being invested in caring for your hair but washing hair on a daily basis can strip the scalp of natural oils in the long run. Dry Shampoo is a saviour when it comes to reducing oil, grease and dirt in the hair and unlike wet shampoos and conditioners, it can be applied to dry hair - hence the name.

Our scalp is covered with hair follicles which produce sebum, the natural oil that protects the scalp and gives hair its texture. Sebum is essential for a healthy scalp but everyday activities like working out or stepping outside to work can lead to an excessive buildup of oil and dirt in your hair. That’s where dry shampoo comes in. It uses alcohol or starch-based active ingredients to soak up the oil and sweat from the roots, making the hair appear cleaner and fresh. Our pick is the Bare Necessities Mason & CO X Bare Dessert Dry Shampoo
, all-natural and aerosol-free, it’s the perfect way to remove oil and dirt that camouflages well with brown Indian hair.

Dry Shampoo comes in both dry powder and fast-drying spray forms and it is even available for coloured hair. Cleaner-looking hair without an actual wash? Dry Shampoo may sound like a miracle worker but it’s not a replacement for wet shampoo. Your hair and scalp needs to be washed and rinsed intermittently to keep it clean. So stick to your shampooing schedule and don’t miss reading our article to avoid common mistakes while using a shampoo. The cleansing is minimal with dry shampoos but it does freshen the hair by removing excess oil and sweat. 

What are some Major Benefits of using Dry Shampoo?

1. Time Saver

Dry Shampoo is a godsend on days when you are short on time for a wash-condition-style routine. If you are travelling or your hair gets super greasy post a workout, a dry shampoo can be your new BFF. For quick tips on pre and post workout do’s and don’ts for hair, click here.

2. Preserves coloured hair

We all know that coloured hair requires special care to prevent it from fading quickly. Frequent washing and conditioning, even if you are using a professional grade colour-safe shampoo, that colour or highlights will fade sooner than you’d like but dry shampoo can help prolong the life of your coloured hair and even avoid damage that frequent washing and conditioning might cause.

3. Adds volume to your hair

Want to head out for the evening but worried about your damp and greasy hair? We have all been there. Spraying dry shampoo and following it up with a quick blow dry is the quick fix that will give your hair a fuller and voluminous look and have you ready in no time.

4. Prevents hair from becoming too dry

Natural oils in the scalp are beneficial for keeping the hair hydrated and soft but often, these oils don’t reach the entire length of the ahir and start building up on the scalp instead. Using a dry shampoo gives the oils time to moisturize the rest of the strands before they are stripped away during a hair wash.

How Do I Use Dry Shampoo?

1. Frequency

It may be tempting to use Dry Shampoo everyday but dermatologists recommend that it shouldn’t be used more than two days in a row. Dry Shampoo can leave a residue on the scalp which needs to be washed off with regular shampoo.

2. Apply on greasy areas

Section your hair and spray or apply dry shampoo only on the oily areas of the scalp and massage your scalp to evenly distribute the product down to the roots. 

3. Spray from a distance

If you are using it in aerosol form, keep the spray can at least six inches away from the scalp while spraying. Avoid spraying the hair ends to prevent excessive dryness.

4. Comb it out

After applying dry shampoo, wait for a few minutes for the product to take effect and then gently brush or comb your hair. If the tips feel too dry then consider applying a little coconut oil.

Does Dry Shampoo work for all types of hair?

1. Oily Hair

Dry Shampoo is the most effective for hair that naturally holds a lot of oil. If your hair gets greasy after a quick workout or even during regular commute then dry shampoo is the perfect solution for you to avoid that greasy look. Managing an oily scalp on the regular can be quite the challenge but we’ve got you covered with this guide.

2. Curly Hair

Dry Shampoo can help bring back the bounce and freshen up curls but be mindful of not combing out your curls after you have applied dry shampoo. Look for a shampoo that has moisturizing elements which can further protect your curls, combine this with a few essentials from our curly hair routine guide. For regular curl cleansing, True Frog’s Shampoo For Curls, defines and moisturises hair, and adds shine. It is suitable for wavy and curly hair and helps hair hold moisture so it doesn't dry out. 

3. Dry Hair

If you have hair that is naturally on the drier side then we’d suggest you use a dry shampoo that is made especially to cater to your hair type. Choose a shampoo that is suited for your hair type; otherwise, a dry shampoo may leave your scalp drier and flakier than usual. If you are looking for ways to manage the frizz, read our guide on fighting that frizz.

Precautions while using Dry Shampoo

 

When used properly, dry shampoo can temporarily revive your hair until you find the time for a regular hair wash. Dry shampooing definitely has its advantages and just like any other product, you need to understand Dry shampoo thoroughly to ensure that it's serving you right.

1) Avoid using dry shampoo on wet hair and don’t use heat based styling tools after using dry shampooing your hair.

2) Extensive use can dry out or irritate the scalp. It can even result in a rash or clogging of hair follicles. Use dry shampoo only as a stopgap, it does absorb serum but not completely. If your scalp is prone to dandruff, try these handy tips before using a dry shampoo.

3) Don’t use too much of the product. You may want to use a generous amount on the greasiest areas of the scalp but applying too much dry shampoo can leave your hair dry and stiff instead of fresh and clean. Click here to know about the right amount of products required.

4) Remember that only a wet shampoo can truly cleanse the scalp by removing the dirt, bacteria and yeast build up on the scalp. Opt for gentle, safe and SLS Free shampoo for a good regular cleanse. Accompany it with a good conditioner but make sure to avoid these conditioner crimes. For healthy hair and scalp, it is advisable to wash your hair at least once or twice a week. 

In Conclusion

The only and most important thing to keep in mind when using dry shampoo is: it is not a permanent substitute for wet shampoo but good for temporary hair revival and dry shampoo comes in handy when you are on the move, running short late or simply want to skip that shower but still want a free and grease-free hair. 

- Srishti Verma