Spray Your Way To Clean-Looking Hair Anywhere

What is dry shampoo used for?

Dry shampoo is a starch or alcohol-based product that absorbs natural oils and adds volume to make hair look clean. It comes in both spray and powder form. 

This product is designed to refresh dirty hair, not clean it. In fact, dry shampoo contributes to product build-up. We recommend using it only once before your next hair wash to avoid scalp irritation. 

Product recommendations 

Powder products are ideal for thicker, more oily hair because they absorb better. Aerosol sprays smell great and often come in travel sizes so you can enjoy refreshed hair anywhere — but the aerosol format might lead to less product directly at the scalp.

Here are some of the best dry shampoos for every hair type.

• Living proof PhD Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo tackles oil and sweat while conditioning hair for a soft, shiny finish.

• CLEO+COCO Dry Shampoo in Lavender Vanilla is so versatile you can use it on your skin, perfect for post-gym touch-ups. It features a fresh lavender and vanilla scent.

• Playa Pure Dry Shampoo Texturizing Spray is great for fine hair because it adds volume and leaves hair looking clean without any white residue or build-up.

• R+Co BLEU Vapor Lotion To Powder Dry Shampoo transforms from lotion to powder for easy application.

• I DEW CARE Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder removes oil while boosting volume instantly.

• BeautyBio Healthy Scalp Dry Shampoo is alcohol and starch-free, so you can worry less about build-up and irritation.

How to use dry shampoo

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to get the best result. 

1. Section your dry hair, exposing the scalp and focusing on the oiliest areas.
2. For spray: Shake the bottle for a few seconds and spray onto your scalp, holding it at least six inches away from your head. 
3. For powder: You can either shake some powder onto clean hands and apply or gently distribute the powder directly onto your scalp. Wear a towel around your neck and hang your head over a sink or tub to avoid getting powder on the floor and your clothing.
4. Repeat, applying the product to different sections. 
5. Massage it in with clean hands. 
6. Let it sit, giving the product time to absorb excess oil. 
7. Brush your hair thoroughly. You can also give yourself a quick blow-dry for an even cleaner, more voluminous blowout hairstyle. 

Tips and tricks

Here are a few reminders for enjoying this product to the fullest. 

• Don’t apply too much. Doing so could result in irritation and a powdery-white look you can’t massage out. Start small, building up as needed. 
• Apply it at night. If you have naturally oily hair, letting dry shampoo sit overnight can help prevent greasiness the next day.
• Only apply to your scalp. Using this product on the ends of your hair can dry them out and cause split ends. 
• Match your hair color. White dry shampoo is the most common, but shades exist for other hair colors. Find a product that will easily blend into your hair if yours is particularly dark. 
• Try different types. We recommend trying sprays, lotions, and powders to find the right product. 

People also ask

How often should you wash your hair?

This depends on your hair type, activity level, and styling products. Straight, fine hair should be washed more frequently — about every 2–3 days — because it looks oily and loses volume faster. Thick, curly hair usually does well with a wash every 4–7 days. 

Regardless of your hair type, we recommend washing your hair after a really sweaty workout or if you used several styling products that day. If you’ve already applied dry shampoo since your last proper shampoo, wash your hair before using this product again. 

How do you get rid of hair build-up?

The best way to remove product and elemental build-up is by washing your hair properly. We recommend shampooing twice, ensuring you get a good lather both times. Finish by using conditioner only on the ends of your hair. 

You can also use a hair mask or scalp treatment semi-regularly to remove build-up. 

To avoid accumulating build-up, use sulfate-free, pH-balanced products. Try to use a moderate amount of hair products, and don’t apply them daily. 

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Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?

Using dry shampoo occasionally shouldn’t cause any hair or scalp damage. If used multiple times before your next hair wash or applied too abundantly, you may experience scalp irritation and dryness. 

If you notice irritation, stop using your dry shampoo and wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. Follow with leave-in conditioner and hair oil to lock in moisture and ease discomfort and dryness. 

Luseta’s Biotin and Coll Leave-In Conditioner is great because it strengthens hair without weighing it down. And Playa Ritual’s Hair Oil will do wonders for damaged hair. It’s formulated with vitamin E and healthy antioxidants to nourish and hydrate after a single use. 

If irritation persists, see your dermatologist.

Fresh hair anywhere

Dry shampoo offers peace of mind that you can enjoy a great hair day no matter what. It’s an accessible, affordable lifesaver. 

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