Dry shampoo can be a very handy tool to have in your hairstyling kit. Not only can it soak up excess oil to give your hair a fresher appearance, it can also give your style more volume and extend that blowout for an extra day. But how can you get the best from this wonder product? Discover how to pick the right one for you and how to use dry shampoo to its best advantage with these 5 simple rules right here.
Rule 1: Match your product to your needs
The starch or alcohol base in dry shampoo helps to absorb the sebum your scalp produces that can make your hair look greasy. It typically comes in an aerosol can for easy application, but you can also get it in foam format or as a loose powder. There’s plenty of choices these days, so you can tailor your dry shampoo to your particular hair type, texture, and end goal.
Thicker, oilier hair can take the weight of powder, whereas fine hair tends to require the lightness and fast-drying action of an aerosol, which can also add more volume. Some dry shampoos are formulated with particular hair types in mind, whether that’s adding moisture to curly hair, or texturizing fine hair, or providing oily hair with a super-absorbent formulation. You can even get tinted products to blend in with your hair color, and scented products to match your particular aroma preference.
Typically, hairstylists favor aerosols, as you tend to get an even, more controlled application thanks to the nozzle and the pressure. This mode of application is also helpful for adding volume and texture, too.
Rule 2: Apply to your roots at bedtime
A key aspect of how to use best shampoo for dry hair is when to use it and where to use it. First of all, the timing. Make sure your hair is dry – it won’t work on wet hair. And try to apply it the night before (if you aren’t using it in one of those ‘agh I overslept’ emergencies). By letting it sit overnight, it will have more time to absorb the oil in your hair.
Second of all, the placement – where on your head you should use it. Remember not to cover all your hair with dry shampoo. It’s your scalp that produces the oil, so the likelihood is it’s your roots that look greasy – not your mid-lengths or tips. So focus on the top couple inches. Otherwise, you run the risk of making your strands look stiff. You can figure out where it needs to go by parting your hair into sections to reveal your roots and scalp.
Rule 3: Shake up and spray from a distance
When using a can of spray-in dry shampoo you have the perfect opportunity to evenly distribute the product across the necessary areas. When you’re ready to apply, make sure you shake the can so that the starch (or alcohol) base is evenly spread out, as it tends to settle right at the bottom of the bottle.
If you spray too close to your scalp you can end up with flakes of residue that are hard to remove. So make sure you hold the can at least six inches from your roots as a standard guide, but it can be as much as 12 inches – follow the instructions on your product. Aim directly at the roots of a thin section of hair, and spray from behind.
This distance helps you apply a light, even layer, as does use a sweeping motion. If you continuously spray one section, you’ll get a build-up that’s hard to blend in. So keep the can moving backward and forward for a thin layer of coverage. You don’t need lots of product, otherwise, your hair will end up looking dull, stiff, and discolored.
Rule 4: Be patient and let it do its thing
You’ll be able to tell if you’ve used enough product by letting it sit for a while. It takes time to absorb the oil, so you don’t want to use dry shampoo in a rush. If you can’t use it the night before, then leave it to work its magic for at least a few minutes.
Rule 5: Work it in – and out – by massaging and brushing
Once you’ve waited a while, massage the product through your roots. Use your fingertips to work it into your scalp, so that it doesn’t just sit on the surface of your hair. This helps even absorption of oil and also helps avoid that chalky look. If it feels (and looks) like your hair is still greasy, you can go ahead and apply some more product.
You can further protect against that giveaway white residue look by brushing or combing the dry shampoo through to the ends of your strands.
Whether you’re looking for men’s hair care tips or women’s, best dry shampoo is a great product to know about. However, although it’s a useful option to use now and then, it doesn’t replace your usual wet shampoo. Washing your hair helps you remove dirt, chemicals, and pollutants and unclog your follicles, keeping your scalp and strands healthy.