Everything you wanted to know about dry shampoo

Dry shampoo has earned a rightful spot on some of the top beauty must-have lists, and for very good reasons. Most may not be aware, but dry shampoo has been on the beauty scene longer than most cosmetic items. It has gained new popularity in recent years thanks to beauty experts and bloggers who recommend going a few extra days without washing your locks to keep them healthy and shiny. But what exactly is dry shampoo and does it work for everyone?

What is dry shampoo?

Most dry shampoos found on the shelves come in powder, liquid, or aerosol form. They are typically made from drying agents, conditioning agents, and solvents. These ingredients work by absorbing debris, odors, and excess oils from the scalp in between washes. Dry shampoo is not meant to replace traditional shampooing, it is just meant to freshen up the hair in between washes. Dry shampoo does leave a white residue, so it’s best to choose one that is closest to your natural hair color.

How to apply dry shampoo

Dry shampoo should only be applied to the scalp and roots of the hair, which is where most of the excess oils lie. If you are using an aerosol formula, hold it 10 inches away from the scalp. Use your fingers to part the hair. Spray the dry shampoo where the hair parts. Let the formula absorb into the scalp for a minute. Massage shampoo into the scalp and finish off by brushing it into the hair.

How often should dry shampoo be used?

Depending on how oily the scalp is dry shampoo can be used for one or two days in between regular washes. Dry shampoo does tend to build on the scalp and may start to flake and become itchy. Even if your skin is not sensitive to the product buildup, it’s best not to use it for more than three days, otherwise, it can start to look like a powdered mess.

Is there a natural alternative?

If the solvents and chemical agents in dry shampoo is not your cup of tea, you can make a natural alternative at home. For light hair, mix one tablespoon of baking powder into a quarter cup of cornstarch and apply it to the scalp. For darker hair, mix two tablespoons of cocoa powder and one tablespoon of baking soda into a quarter cup of cornstarch. Pain talcum powder or rice flour will also do the trick.

Are all dry shampoos the same?

Like most things in life, not all dry shampoos are created the same. There are various formulas designed for different types of hair. There are dry shampoo formulations for dark hair, treated hair, and for thick hair. Some formulas are unscented, which is better suited for people with sensitive skin. Before grabbing the first bottle off the shelf, take a look at the description to find out if it will work best for your hair type.

Dry shampoo is perfect for defining curls, boosting volume, and keeping bobby pins in place. It’s also convenient to have on hand after a long session at the gym. If you are still deciding on whether to add dry shampoo to your beauty routine or not, just remember that astronauts have been using it for decades to freshen up their locks too.