Introduction

With our daily lives being busy enough as they are, we may not always have time for elaborate hair care routines. If only there was a way to make simple things like washing our hair less time consuming… Enter dry shampoo! If you’re in a rush and need a quick hair wash, this product is a game-changer. Dry shampoo has minimized the need for using water when washing our hair and thus it’s able to save us time.

But what exactly is this magical product, and how do we use it effectively? In this blogpost we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dry shampoo. From how often to use it, ingredients to avoid and to look for, and we’ll even throw in a DIY recipe you can try for yourself! We’re here to answer all your dry shampoo questions!

What Is Dry Shampoo?

What is dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo has had major effects on the hair care industry. It’s revolutionized the way we look after our hair, and has provided us with a quick and convenient alternative to clean our hair without the need for water. It’s become an indispensable tool for people who need a quick post-workout cleanse, people who are on-the-go in the morning and for many others out there. 

Applying dry shampoo to the scalp and hair to remove extra oil, dirt, and sweat, leaving your hair looking and feeling fresher. It’s available as a spray, powder, or foam and can be found in most supermarkets and stores. If you’re looking to extend the time in between your hair wash days and still keep your hair fresh and textured, dry shampoo may just be your new best friend! 

Is Dry Shampoo For Everyday Use? 

Be careful of over-washing your hair.

Just like anything in life, you can over-do dry shampooing by using it every day. If you intend to use dry shampoo daily, you may find that it weakens the strength of your hair. This is because of how dry shampoo works. Instead of actually cleaning your hair with a lather, dry shampoo uses starchy ingredients which soak up all the dirt and excess oils in your hair. 

When you use dry shampoo too often, it can obstruct your hair follicles which may result in damage to your hair. Additionally, this product buildup can cause flakiness, itchiness and even more serious scalp issues such as dermatitis and infections. It’s generally recommended to use dry shampoo one-to-two times a week, possibly three times a week if you have very oily hair. 

Considerations For Different Hair Types 

When it comes to hair care it’s no secret that everybody is different and has their own unique needs. Therefore, in order to really tap into the benefits of using a dry shampoo, the more you do your homework and find a formula that is best suited to you as an individual, the more successful your results with dry shampoo will be. Let’s take a look at some considerations to think about when using dry shampoo for different hair types. 

Normal, Dry And Oily Hair

Dy shampoo for dry, normal and oily hair.

If you have normal hair then you should avoid using dry shampoos that are made for people with oily hair. The same goes for formulas made for people with dry hair. Dry shampoos made for oily hair tend to contain extra cleansing ingredients which may strip away too much moisture from your hair leaving it dry and limp. Using a dry shampoo formulated for thin, dry hair may give your hair too much moisture. Too much moisture in your hair will weigh it down and draw away from its natural texture. However, if you have dry or oily hair, then choosing a dry shampoo specifically formulated for your hair type will do you a world of good!

Curly And Wavy Hair 

In general, curly and wavy hair requires more moisture as they are prone to dryness. If you’re browsing the shelves looking for a dry shampoo for your curly hair, try to find a product that has extra moisturizing properties. Shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil and glycerin are all moisturizing ingredients. They will give your curly locks the extra hydration that they need. Additionally, if your curls are prone to frizziness and you constantly have to deal with flyaways, I’d recommend using an anti-frizz dry shampoo. This will keep your frizz under control and make your life a whole lot easier!

Straight Hair 

If you have fine, straight hair, opt for using a dry shampoo that is aerosol or spray-based. Using a powdered dry shampoo on straight hair may weigh it down, causing your hair to appear limp and lifeless. Aerosols and sprays also tend to dry faster and add more volume to your hair, giving it a healthier-appearance. Straight hair is usually prone to oiliness and so when you’re searching for the right dry shampoo for you, look out for formulas with extra oil-absorbing properties. These properties can be in the form of rice powder, charcoal powder, oat flour, clays and starches.

Choosing The Right Dry Shampoo Brand

There are so many different shampoo brands on the market. It can be exhausting to find the right one for you. You may be wondering if it’s even worth scanning the aisles up and down. You may also be considering a more DIY hands-on approach as a better choice. The truth is, most of the time both options can be great fits! When you use a branded dry shampoo instead of a DIY one, you get the benefits of quality assurance, convenience, consistency, and formulations that better suit individual hair types. Additionally, professionals formulate branded products, so the results are likely to be more impressive.

However, that’s not to say that creating your own DIY dry shampoo can’t also be beneficial. Creating your own dry shampoo is cost-effective, you’re likely going to use more naturally-based ingredients and you have the potential to customize the formula according to your preference. We recommend trying both and seeing which you prefer for yourself!

Ingredients To Look For

Lookout for plant-based ingredients

When you’re shopping for hair care products, we always recommend searching for plant-based products that contain naturally-derived ingredients. Certain formulas contain essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and tea tree essential oils. These can be beneficial for our scalp as well as add shine and luster to our hair. Additionally, essential oils like lavender can provide a naturally-based fragrance. Lavender is a great scent that is pleasing on the nose and gentle on the skin. 

Furthermore, dry shampoos that contain aloe vera can be refreshing and soothing on the scalp, whilst providing beneficial cleansing properties. Other ingredients found in dry shampoo that you should keep an eye out for include rice powder for its oil-absorbing properties. Oat flour also has soothing properties and silica can promote a softer, shinier appearance. 

Ingredients To Avoid 

Commercial hair care products have a broad spectrum of potentially-harmful ingredients. Many products in our supermarkets and online are full of preservatives, synthetic fragrances and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Parabens are used in formulas as a preservative and sulfates are used as chemical detergents. They may be potentially-harmful because they strip your hair of its natural oils and this can lead to damage, dryness and even itchiness if you have a sensitive scalp. 

Additionally, petrochemicals derive synthetic fragrances, and they typically consist of potentially unsafe, disease-causing substances. You should also avoid BHAs, as personal care products frequently employ them, and they might be human carcinogens.

DIY Dry Shampoo 

Follow this recipe to create your very own DIY recipe in just 10 minutes! Prepare 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (adjust for hair length) and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for dark hair. Optionally, consider adding 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance, like lavender or peppermint. Mix the cornstarch and cocoa powder together in a bowl, adjusting the amount of cocoa for lighter hair. Then you can add the essential oil for a pleasant scent. 

Transfer the mixture to a clean container, a small glass jar with a lid usually works well. Now you can apply a small amount of the mixture to your roots, massaging it into your scalp and hair. Keep doing this for 2-3 minutes to allow all the oil, dirt and grime to be absorbed. Monitor the results and remember you can always adjust ingredient proportions based on your hair type. We also recommend performing a small patch test on your hair before applying the mixture entirely. This way you can monitor how your hair reacts and avoid any adverse reactions! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of dry shampoo offers a convenient solution for our hectic lives, providing a quick alternative to traditional hair washing. Remember that moderation is key, as excessive use can lead to potential scalp issues. One cannot understate the importance of finding the right formula for your specific hair type. Do your research and you’ll find the results to be much more pleasing! By understanding the nuances, you empower yourself to make choices that align with your hair’s health and your personal preferences, all while saving a whole lot of time in the process!