Dry shampoo is a convenient alternative to the regular kind if you find yourself in a hurry. This product also does wonders for thin or dull hair making it voluminous and shiny. Some of the best sellers on the market are Batiste, Aussie, and Klorane. If you're not sure whether or not dry shampoo is your style, then this article is for you. Here we explain how dry shampoo works, how to use it, the best brands, and where you can buy them.
What is dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a hair product that helps to keep your locks clean for longer. On top of this, it will make your hair more radiant and give you some extra body. But, you should keep in mind that it is more effective if you apply it before your mane gets too greasy or dirty.
Although this product can save us a lot of time in some situations, take note, that this is by no means a replacement for proper hair hygiene. Regular shampoo with active ingredients combined with water is necessary for proper scalp care in the long-term.
With that being said, this product can help us to extend the period between washes, making sure our hair is still always looking its best. Dry shampoo can also be used as an alternative to hairspray to set and give more volume to your hairdo without having to plaster it to your head. You can also use it in the following situations:
For perfect bangs
For flawless hair, while traveling
To take care of your hair during a hospital stay
For those with back problems that make it difficult to wash hair without assistance
The powder in dry shampoos absorbs the hair's grease which revitalizes your look making your locks seem less dirty and more attractive. But, the result isn't the same as freshly washed hair. This hair product comes in many different forms from aerosols or sprays to powders which are applied directly to the scalp.
From this list of options, we suggest the first since this type is the most convenient and easiest to use since it leaves little room for error. Even if you do make a mistake, there's an easy fix. You just have to brush the area that you're unhappy with until the unwanted results disappear. A hairdryer can also be used to streamline the process, but set it to the cold air mode if possible to avoid heat damage.
How does it work?
Dry shampoo is a miracle product that is a total life-saver in many situations, but you still need to use your common sense when deciding to apply it. If you want to promote your hair's health by using dry shampoo, it's essential that you keep the following in mind:
It doesn't clean hair - it simply absorbs grease
It's not the same as washing your hair
You can use it as often as 2 or 3 times per week
Misusing this product could damage your hair
We recommend natural, chemical-free options
Products that contain oatmeal are the best for your hair
Also, you can use natural, sulfite and chemical-free alternatives that don't damage hair after getting keratin, botox, hyaluronic acid or certain straightening treatments.
How to use dry shampoo
Below we share our top recommendations and advice for applying dry shampoo to achieve the desired effect. If you listen to these tips, you'll be able to banish this product's telltale white residue and keep your hair from looking even dirtier than it was to start.
1. Before applying
First of all, your hair needs to be dry. Don't use this product if your hair is still damp or if it has hairspray or gel in it. Then, wrap a towel around your shoulders to avoid staining your clothing. The talc from this product can be hard to remove, and it would be silly if you spent more time cleaning your shirt than washing your hair. After this step, take a wide tooth comb made of natural materials if possible (this prevents split ends) and brush your hair until it's smooth and tangle free.
2. Apply the dry shampoo
First, shake the can to mix the ingredients well. Then, spray several times about 15 to 30cm away from your hair. Separate your hair into different sections and apply the spray to each one. If you want to use it on your bangs, spritz the underside to keep them from sticking to your forehead, which helps achieve a more natural look.
3. If you just want volume
If you're trying to give your hair more body, apply the spray at the roots and the middle of your hair to set it. For specific hairstyles apply it immediately after blowdrying your hair and just mist a few areas around the roots lightly - this will give your hair volume and keep your hair from looking greasy for longer.
4. Let it work
It's important to let the product sit for a few minutes so that its oil-absorbing effect can take hold. Once you do this, massage your hair with your fingertips or use the towel from before to get rid of the leftover residue. To finish, brush your hair again with a natural bristle brush.
The best dry shampoo brands
Batiste
This one is a worldwide best-seller. Batiste dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types. This brand also offers scented versions of its product that includes aromas such as Cherry which will have your hair smelling just as fantastic as it looks. It's available in two sizes 200ml (on Amazon) and the 400ml version (available in Boots) if you want to get more bang for your buck.
Bumble & Bumble
Prêt-à-Powder is one of the best options out there, but also the most expensive product from this New York brand. It's a powder and is made of clay and oat flour, both natural ingredients. Also, it really sets your hair and gives you that extra volume that you've been looking for. You can find it in either of its sizes - 85 or 23g at Sephora's online store.
Schwarzkopf
Gliss Dry Shampoo has some extra nutrients beyond those that other products of its kind offer. It gives hair volume and gets rid of that oily shine that gives away dirty hair. You can find Schwarzkopf's version of this hair product on Amazon. This shampoo comes in other styles as well that touch up the color of your roots (available in blonde, brown, and black).
Klorane
This extra gentle dry shampoo with oat milk hydrates your locks and is appropriate for all hair types. Its micro powder gives it the absorption power needed to eliminate oil from the scalp. The powder version is available in a 50g format, and the spray comes in a 150ml can. It costs between 10 and 18€, and you can purchase it at pharmacies or online at Klorane's official website.
Lush
Lush offers us another natural option. Their product called 'No Drought' is available on Lush's website. It has ingredients like grapefruit and lime that revitalize hair and give it a matte finish, while the talc and cornstarch it contains work to absorb grease and soften your mane.
This inexpensive powder option is 100% vegan and not tested on animals. Also, to give you even more peace of mind, this company only purchases ingredients from providers that don't do animal testing either.
Aussie
Aussie, an Australian hair product brand, is famous for the wide variety and effectiveness of its products, including its dry shampoo, called Miracle Dry. This one comes in 3 different styles that give your hair body, protect dyed hair, and make your hair feel immediately refreshed. This product is widespread, and you can find it in many stores and locations. If you want to purchase it online, you can find Miracle Dry on Amazon in its 180ml format.