Follow our step-by-step instructions, and you should get great results. Another helpful hint: shake that can. Shaking will distribute the product within the can, which will help prevent that dreaded white residue.
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Updated April 18, 2024
Dry shampoo is a convenient powdered hair product that absorbs greasiness, but it’s crucial to use it correctly. In this article, we’ll explain how to use dry shampoo to get the best results, whatever your situation.
In a nutshell
- Dry shampoo is a great tool for minimizing greasiness between washes.
- Dry shampoo shouldn’t replace your normal washing routine.
What is dry shampoo?
This haircare product consists of oil-absorbing substances such as kaolin clay and cornstarch, usually suspended in an aerosol and applied via a spray, to visibly rescue greasiness in unwashed hair, thus buying extra time between washes.
When to use dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is ideal for busy people who struggle with finding time to wash their hair, but there are many other reasons to limit hair washes, too. If you have dyed hair like me, you know that every wash fades your color a little, pushing you one step closer to your next salon appointment. Washing your hair too much will also strip out your natural oils and leave your hair dry (although overusing dry shampoo will do that, too).
“Dry shampoo can be a great way of refreshing your hair in between washes,” says Arran Isherwood, senior trichological expert at FUE Clinics. “It’s designed to absorb excess oils, which your scalp naturally produces to protect your hair and hydrate your scalp.”
So, the best time to use dry shampoo is when you can’t take a shower or your hair begins to look visibly oily. Isherwood also advises reaching for dry shampoo before styling your hair, “as the removal of excess oil will make it easier and give more grip for braids and updos.”
Other benefits of dry shampoo include added volume and sometimes even a pleasant smell.
How to use dry shampoo the right way
When applying dry shampoo, focus on the very bottom of the hair follicle at the root, close to the scalp, to tackle the oils (sebum) at their source. “The root is also where dirt, sweat and product buildup occurs,” reiterates Isherwood. In other words, it’s ground zero for all the substances that make your hair look dirty.
Step 1
First, divide your hair into smaller sections to ensure the product distributes evenly and stays close to the root around your entire head.
Step 2
Dry shampoo typically comes in an aerosol spray can, so to reduce the potential for creating white residue, hold the can about 12 inches away from your head and point it directly at the root.
Step 3
Once you’ve applied the product evenly to all of your hair sections, simply massage it around until it absorbs.
Do’s and don'ts of dry shampoo
When using dry shampoo, the last thing you want is to look like you’ve dumped a bunch of powder on your hair — the goal is to look like you have less product in your hair, not more!
Do's
Don’t
Stop washing your hair. “Dry shampoo isn't a substitute for wet washing with shampoo, and you shouldn't use it instead of washing your hair,” warns Isherwood. Dry shampoo is a quick fix to help your locks stay fresh when you can’t wash them, but not a permanent replacement. Yes, it’s effective for removing oil from your hair, but it’s no magic wand, and it can’t get rid of bacteria, dead skin cells, or dirt. Eventually, you’ll need to wash all of that away. According to Isherwood, “It's imperative that wet washing remains a regular part of your hair routine to keep it clean and healthy.”
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When you’re between washes, dry shampoo can refresh greasy hair, add volume and help you look (and smell) groomed and pulled together. Just remember that even the best dry shampoos are not a replacement for washing your hair with water and shampoo.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to use dry shampoo every day?
No, don’t use dry shampoo every day. “Overusing dry shampoo can clog your hair follicles and residue can build up on your scalp, potentially blocking hair growth, causing irritation and dandruff and worsening the challenges of dryness and brittleness,” warns Isherwood. Allowing too much product to build up on your scalp also increases the risk of developing folliculitis, “a bacterial or fungal infection which occurs in the hair follicle and causes red bumps and itching.”
In summary, don’t use dry shampoo every day, and make sure to wash it out regularly so that you don’t accumulate a build-up. You shouldn’t overuse it or use it to replace your normal hair-washing routine, as you could end up with more hair problems than you started with.
Which is the best dry shampoo?
We recommend Living Proof Advanced Formula as our favorite dry shampoo. I use this brand myself, and I find it creates minimal build-up while delivering a lovely scent.
Best for softness and shine
Living Proof Advanced Formula
How do you get the best results from dry shampoo?
Isherwood lays out very clear instructions for achieving perfect results with your dry shampoo: “Only use dry shampoo when you aren’t able to wet-wash your hair with shampoo and your hair is visibly greasy. Don’t spray all over your hair, but concentrate application to the roots at the top of your head.”
The exact amount of product to use depends on your hair texture. “Thicker hair may need more product to have an effect,” Isherwood explains. As a dry shampoo user myself, I’ll add that if it’s your first time using it, go slow and apply a little at a time until you see the results you want.
Do you use dry shampoo before it gets greasy?
No, don’t use dry shampoo as a preventative measure. Isherwood is clear on this: “If you use dry shampoo when your hair isn’t greasy, it could dry out your scalp, which will then create more oil to combat this, leaving your hair more oily than it would have been before.” Plus, if you’re using it prophylactically, it’s probably safe to say you’re overusing it, which means you’re creating scalp build-up.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.