Dry shampoo has become one of those
Times have changed and dry shampoo is part of my beauty routine. I just can’t imagine not having this in my beauty arsenal. Dry shampoo is great to help combat excess oil and can also revitalize your hair and help make it smell great. But my question to you is, are you using it correctly?
How To Properly Use Dry Shampoo
While restocking my favorite dry shampoo a few months ago at Sephora, the saleswoman sat me down and showed me the right way to use it. Sure you are just spraying dry shampoo in your hair and rub it in, right? Sorta.
There are a few key steps to ensure you’re getting the most out of this product and really making sure your hair looks its best. Plus, since it’s so pricey, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the can and not wasting any product.
How To Put On Dry Shampoo Step by Step
First, let’s chat about HOW to use dry shampoo. There’s definitely a way to use it to get the best results and so you aren’t going through can after can of this stuff.
Don’t make these common mistakes like applying it too close to your scalp, or only using it on dirty hair! You can use it to revive clean flat hair too to add some volume.
Here is my step by step tutorial on how to properly use dry shampoo for refreshing your hairstyle.
Step One – Shake The Can
Shake the can vigorously to mix it up. Almost every bottle I’ve ever used requires this. This ensures that all of the ingredients are properly mixed and will spray more evenly and effectively into your hair.
Step Two – Section Your Hair And Spray
Section your hair around your face to spray dry shampoo into your part. You’ll then spray about 8-12 inches away from your hairline in small bursts. You don’t want to get TOO close to your scalp so be sure to leave some space.
Also, you don’t need a TON of product. Apply dry shampoo, then move on to the next section. Repeat!
Step Three – Repeat With Other Sections
Move to the next section and repeat these steps until each section has basically turned white. Most dry shampoos will turn white, it’s totally normal.
I have dark hair and although you can buy dark dry shampoos for various hair colors, I don’t like them one bit. I’ve had only bad experiences with them as they can dye your skin or clothes with the color. If you’re using dry shampoo correctly, as in following steps 4 and 5 below, you won’t mind the white on your dark hair.
Step Four – Let It Sit
Leave it! Yup, don’t touch it. Just let it sit there and wait a few minutes for it to settle in to your scalp.
Step Five – Tap The Dry Shampoo Into Your Hair
Tap it in with your fingers. You want to tap your head with your fingertips until the dry shampoo has been absorbed. If tapping doesn’t get all the white residue absorbed, you can gently rub it in. However, I always recommend tapping it in first.
You can also brush it out if you like to remove any residual white powder. For someone with nearly black hair though, Klorane doesn’t leave any white residue after I follow these steps.
When Should You Apply Dry Shampoo?
It’s a common misconception that dry shampoo is to only be used on dirty hair. Not true! Especially with volumizing dry shampoos, you can apply this on clean hair to revive and add volume. While I would personally keep this to a minimum, as living on dry shampoo isn’t GREAT for your hair follicles (more on that below), it can be a good volume boost.
You’ll also benefit the most from absorbing oil in your scalp by applying dry shampoo at night for optimal results. Spray it before heading to bed so it soaks up the oil as you sleep. This way, you wake up looking refreshed with cleaner looking hair.
My Favorite Dry Shampoo
Over time I’ve tested and tried out lots of dry shampoo brands and have a growing collection of favorites. You can check out this post on some of my favorites as they vary from price point and results. I will tell you though, there is one stand-out brand that I swear by, Klorane Dry Shampoo. As in, if I was stranded on a deserted island and I had to pick one dry shampoo, this would be it. It does the best job of absorbing oil and smells amazing.
While Klorane is my go-to dry shampoo, there are several others I do like and use. I have this entire post on some of my favorite dry shampoos at every price point. I really love Living Proof Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo, and for a good drugstore brand, Kristin Ess is also a great option for oily hair!
Klorane Dry Shampoo Review
There are several different types of Klorane dry shampoo you can buy. I go with their basic one. They do have a dark hair one but I just prefer the regular and have never had issues with white residue lingering.
They also have a volumizing dry shampoo and even a detox dry shampoo for super oily scalps. There are lots of options to choose from. But I’m an originalist and love this classic one.
I always keep a full size bottle in my hair drawer. And when I travel, I love their mini travel size one. And if you’re heading to Paris, yes, you should buy some while you’re there because it is significantly cheaper!
Why You Don’t Want To LIVE On Dry Shampoo
You’ll hear some people say that their life is just dry shampoo and coffee. Right? They use it every single day and rarely wash and blow dry their hair because of it. They think that they’re practicing better hair care by saving their ends and growing them out. Wrong. Adding a ton of dry shampoo to your hair every single day is actually DAMAGING your hair. Here’s why.
You Need Oil
Your hair and scalp need oil. It’s there to hydrate your skin, nourish the
Which, yes, it’s what the product is supposed to do and is fine to use to extend a day or two. But using it every single day in place of hair washes with a heavy hand over time will do more damage than good.
Dried Cuticles Aren’t Fun
Because you’re removing all the oil with dry shampoo, your cuticles will get dried out. When the cuticle gets dried out the hair isn’t as healthy and strong and it can break off. So the whole thought process of less washing, and more dry shampoo means longer hair since I’m not putting heat on it is totally wrong! Just wash your hair and try a no heat hairstyle to keep the
My hairstylist’s tip…
My beautician recommends you should wash your hair every 3-4 days. So if on day 3 you need a little dry shampoo that’s fine. But she doesn’t recommend adding it for 3 additional days so you can go a whole week out of your style. This will help ensure your follicles stay healthy and you aren’t stripping your scalp of those essential oils.
