Have you ever been in a situation when a sudden office party has been announced, but your hair is too oily and limp? Dry shampoo can come to your rescue.
Dry shampoos can be your go-to product if you do not have time or energy to go for a full cycle of washing, drying and styling your hair. Read this article to know all about dry shampoos and how they work wonders on your tresses.
Highlights:
What Is Dry Shampoo & How Does It Work?
Dry shampoo is the perfect quick-fix for hair, post a sweaty workout or a long day outdoors. It usually comes in the form of powders or aerosol sprays.
The active ingredient in a dry shampoo is a powder (like cornstarch) or alcohol that masks the sweat, oil and grime from your hair leaving it fresh and bouncy. As a result, you do not need to rinse your hair immediately, which saves the time for blow drying or restyling your hair.
The sebaceous glands adjacent to the hair follicles on your scalp secrete sebum. This has natural oils that protect your scalp and hair shafts.[1] But when there is excessive buildup of oil and sweat on your scalp it can attract both dirt and bacteria.
The starch or alcohol in the dry shampoos covers up the excess oil, while the added fragrance makes your hair feel fresh, till you are ready for the next wash. Dry shampoos even come in different shades to match or brighten up your colored hair.
Pros And Cons Of Dry Shampoo
Pros
1. Extends the fresh look
Dry shampoos are a blessing for jet setters, as they prolong the gap between wet washes. Most regular shampoos contain detergents which can strip oil from your hair if used on a daily basis.
2. Makes styling easier
Apply a bit of dry shampoo before using your curling irons for easy and lasting styling of your locks. Spraying some dry shampoo can also help in adding texture for that messy bun or braid and help it hold for longer.
3. Adds volume to hair
Application of dry shampoo followed by blow-drying is the perfect solution to add volume to the hair, especially if you have thin hair.
4. A blessing for coloured or bleached hair
Frequent use of regular shampoo can fade your hair colour. Bleached or coloured hair is a little more sensitive to drying and damage caused by regular washing and styling using heat. Using dry shampoo in between washes keeps your precious coloured hair fresh and ready for any style.
Cons
1. Not a cleanser
Though the name may suggest so, dry shampoos are not cleansers. If you use dry shampoo for several days in a row, there may be deposition of residue at the roots of your hair causing irritation and breakouts.
2. Excessive use causes hair damage
Using too much dry shampoo or using it too frequently, may coat your hair, giving it a coarse texture. Overuse of dry shampoo also blocks the natural oils from reaching your hair shaft resulting in your hair becoming dehydrated and brittle.
3. Can cause dandruff
Allowing the dry shampoo residue to sit at the root of your hair for more than two days, can make your scalp a breeding ground for germs. This may lead to white flakes all over your hair.
4.Added ingredients can cause irritation
Fragrance added to dry shampoo can cause irritation in your scalp if you are sensitive to it.
How To Use Dry Shampoo The Right Way?
The opinion seems to be divided when it comes to the correct usage of dry shampoos. Some experts advise using dry shampoo only at the most oily spots on your crown, while others recommend an all-over-the-head approach. Also the process of application differs depending on the type of hair and whether you are using powder or aerosol form of the product.
If you are using dry shampoo in the form of aerosol spray, follow these steps:
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Shake the can well before every use and hold it at least 30 cm away from your head while spraying.
- Start applying the dry shampoo from near the roots.
- Keep moving the can in a swiping motion to ensure you do not spray too much of the product in one place.
- Wait for a couple of minutes to let the product do its magic on your hair.
- Massage the dry shampoo all over your head to ensure even distribution.
- Use a comb or blow drier to get rid of the excess product from your hair.
- Never use dry shampoo on wet hair.
Bonus tip:
Use dry shampoo before going to bed. This will give the product ample time to act on your hair and you will wake up to fresh, bouncy hair in the morning.
How To Choose The Best Dry Shampoo For Your Hair?
1. Hair type -
Dry shampoos come in a number of variants for oily, dry or natural hair. Make sure to buy the right kind of dry shampoo that suits your hair type, or else you may end up with dried or damaged hair. You can take SkinKraft’s AI supported hair questionnaire to know your hair better.
2. Coloured hair -
If you have coloured your hair, make sure to buy tinted dry shampoos to match your hair colour.
3. Aerosol or powder -
While this is purely a personal preference, you can try both before deciding. The powder version however can add more texture and volume to particularly thin hair strands.
4. Ingredients -
Read the label on the product to ensure that it does not contain harmful chemicals such as propane, butane, etc.
5. Smell it before you buy it -
Dry shampoos often come with strong fragrances. It is always a good idea to check the smell of the product before purchasing it.
How Long Can You Leave Dry Shampoo On Your Hair?
Ideally you should not leave dry shampoo on your hair for more than 2-3 days. Experts recommend not to use dry shampoo more than twice a week. If you overuse dry shampoo or leave it on for too long, it can clog the pores on your scalp, causing inflammation.
You should wash your hair in the shower at regular intervals to remove the residues from your hair. This will ensure healthy and beautiful hair in the long run.
How To Get Dry Shampoo Out Of Your Hair?
1. Shower:
The best way to remove dry shampoo from your hair is to step into the shower and work up a lather. If excessive dry shampoo usage has caused a build up of residues on your hair and scalp, use a clarifying shampoo. However, do not use clarifying shampoo more than once in a month to prevent drying up your hair.
2. Use a blow dryer:
If you have accidentally used too much dry shampoo on your head, use a blow dryer on low heat settings and brush the excess off your hair.
3. Baking soda:
Exfoliate your scalp using baking soda to get rid of the build ups resulting from dry shampoo residues. Make a thick paste of baking soda in water and add some conditioner to it. Apply this mask on your hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo.
4. Lemon juice/apple cider vinegar:
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar from your kitchen can help you get rid of the dry shampoo in your hair. These ingredients also restore the natural pH of your hair to a healthy level. Dilute lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water before applying it on your hair and rinse it off well.
Some Handy Alternatives Of Dry Shampoo
There is no need to panic if you run out of dry shampoo! Here are a few alternatives that can be used to revive your hair:
1. Baby powder:
Sprinkling a little powder on the shiny spots on your head can help. Make sure to use very little amount of baby-powder, so that you do not end up looking like you had a flour bag dropped on your head!
2. Straight from your kitchen:
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can help to mask the excess oil on your hair. Just rub a little bit of the starch on your scalp or use a make-up brush to apply it to the parting of your hair.
You can also make your very own hair spray by mixing 1/4th cup of arrowroot powder in a cup of warm water with 1/4th cup of vodka. Add some cocoa powder if your hair is of a darker color and also add a refreshing fragrance.
3. Cornmeal and salt:
Sprinkle a mixture of half cup cornmeal with a teaspoon of salt and brush it well. This will take out all the dirt and oil from your hair and make it ready for any style you like.
4. Hand sanitiser:
Most of us carry a hand sanitiser in this time of pandemic. But did you know that rubbing a few drops of hand sanitiser on your hair can help you get rid of the oil or dirt in it? But use this solution in moderation, as the alcohol in the sanitiser can make your hair extra dry.
5. Paper towels:
Using a handful of paper towels can make a difference too. Part your hair into sections and run the paper towels through the roots of your hair to soak up the excess oil.
Wrapping Up
Dry shampoo can work wonders for your hair, eliminating the need of showering your head daily. It also prolongs the life of your salon styling and hair colours. But you should use dry shampoo in moderation and follow up with a wet wash within 2 - 3 days. This will prevent undesirable buildup of residues or itchiness of the scalp. Also do some research to ensure you have chosen the right dry shampoo for your hair.
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