How Does Dry Shampoo Clean Your Hair?

When dry shampoo first hit the shelves, it was the hair miracle so many of us had been waiting for. Now, there was no excuse to skip your lunchtime workout just because there wasn’t time to wash your hair afterwards. You could also go camping without sporting a ‘wet look’ for the entire trip. If you’ve never tried dry shampoo and wonder how it works (and if it actually does), we’ve got all the answers below.

What Is Dry Shampoo?

Unlike wet shampoo, dry shampoo comes in aerosol form and should be applied to dry hair. It doesn’t require water or rinsing. Dry shampoo is generally sprayed around the crown of your head where oil and shine are most visible and massaged lightly for even distribution.

Dry shampoo comes in large aerosol cans as well as mini travel size varieties. These smaller cans are great when looking for a quick fix on the go. There are also powder formulas available.

How Does Dry Shampoo Work?

Besides being the point of hair growth, the follicles on your scalp also produce sebum. This is the natural oil that keeps your scalp moisturized, and your hair soft. While sebum is necessary for a healthy scalp and hair growth, it also mixes with sweat and dirt, resulting in greasy buildup.

Shampooing your hair with regular shampoo effectively removes this dirt. However, it also removes some of the healthy natural oils. That’s why it is important to apply conditioner as a post-wash moisturizing solution.

Dry shampoo works slightly differently. It contains alcohols or starches that soak up the oils. This makes your hair appear less greasy and cleaner. If the dry shampoo contains fragrance, your hair is also left smelling fresh. There is, however, a catch. Dry shampoo is not a replacement for regularly washing your hair.

When to Use Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a great way to hold you over between washes or after a good workout. Dry shampoo doesn’t technically cleanse your hair, and using it too often can cause your scalp to become dry or itchy. It can also clog the pores on your head and cause rashes or breakouts. For the best results, it is recommended that you don’t use dry shampoo more than twice a week and that you don’t use it more than two days in a row. The effect it has on your hair will depend on your hair and scalp type.

Oily Hair

Dry shampoo works best with naturally oily hair. If you’re prone to having oily hair, it is recommended that you wash your scalp and hair as often as once daily. If you find a short workout or humid weather alone leaves your hair looking greasy, this is a great quick fix for you, allowing you to skip a day every so often.

Dry Hair

If your hair is on the dry side, look for a dry shampoo that is designed specifically for your hair type to prevent excessive dryness.

Curly Hair

Dry shampoo can be used on curly hair. However, you don’t want to comb your hair out after applying it as your curls will likely frizz instead of appearing fresh and bouncy.

Regardless of the hair type you have, when it’s time for shampooing, focus on the roots and scalp. This prevents your locks from drying out. Conditioner is best applied to the ends of your hair to keep them moisturized and shiny.