Hairdressers reveal the secret to perfect hair with dry shampoo – are you doing it right?

Dry shampoo is the “it girl” of time-saving beauty products. It’s perfect for when you just don’t have time to wash in between everything else on your to-do list, but still want to give your hair a boost.

Meet our experts: Kieron Fowlescelebrity stylist, clint dunlapNew York and Florida based stylist and colorist

These days, you can find dry shampoo in a number of forms, including dry liquid, dry foam, or a spray, which is the most common option. You can even buy tinted dry shampoos in case your colorist he is too reserved and busy to write it down.

As convenient as dry shampoo is, there is still some debate about the correct way to apply it, with some experts arguing that you should only apply it to the roots, while others argue that all your hair is fair game. Not to mention the long struggle of ending up with roots that look like they’ve just been chalked on.

If you want to know exactly how to apply dry shampoo along with some other pro tips, read on for all the details.

What is dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo is an absorbent spray composed of starch or alcoholic components that remove and absorb excess natural oilgrease, dirt and sweat or odor produced by hair follicles called sebum,” says celebrity stylist Kieron Fowles.

Think of it as a waterless powder spray that will give your hair a fresh smell, look and feel between washes. But to be clear, it’s not the same as current shampoo, so while it can be a convenient alternative to a full wash day now and then, it’s also important to know when it’s time to break the lather.

What are the benefits of using dry shampoo?

According to Fowles, there are many reasons someone might invest in a dry shampoo that aren’t just limited to convenience.

• It can save your time from having to wash your hair frequently.
• Preserves natural oils.
• Serves as a quick solution to refresh hair.
• add volume and texture to fine or fine hair.
• Improves the smell of your hair between washes.
• You can cover hair growth between color appointments.

While all of these points are promising, it’s important to remember that hair products don’t work for everyone, so be sure to do your own research before purchasing one. “Dry shampoo isn’t a one-size-fits-all,” says stylist clint dunlap. “It’s all about finding the one that works best for you, your hair type, and your needs.” To experiment with different products, she recommends purchasing travel-size versions of dry shampoo to get a feel for the product before purchasing a full-size one.

How often can I use dry shampoo?

While dry shampoo is supposed to refresh you, it can also be the source of buildup if you’re not careful. “If you use too much dry shampoo, your hair can become more vulnerable to breaking or feeling dry and brittle,” Fowles explains. “The health of your scalp could be affected by product buildup and start to itch, cause dandruffor inflammation”.

To keep your scalp healthy, she suggests using dry shampoo just one or two days a week or using it as a finishing spray for a little touch of volume. You can also wash your hair two or three times a week and use dry shampoo between days to prevent hair from falling out due to oiliness.

If you have an active lifestyle or busy schedule, you might also be prone to greasy hair from frequent movement, says Dunlap, so consider timing your use with your schedule.

How to apply dry shampoo the right way

Dry shampoo is fairly easy to use and requires no prep time if you’re sporting your hair on the second day. Here’s how it works in three easy steps.

Step 1: Once you’ve selected your preferred dry shampoo, shake the can or bottle well and hold it six to ten inches from your hair.

Step 2: To dry hair, apply product in large sections using a sweeping motion to target oily areas at the roots. You can also spray it on the mid-lengths and ends if you want volume and texture after styling.

Step 3: Wait about 30 seconds before massaging your hair with your fingers or brushing it. Giving it a few minutes to sit after the initial application will allow it to activate and cleanse your hair. You can apply more if you like, just be careful not to overdo it.

Can anyone use dry shampoo?

Unfortunately, some people will benefit more or less from dry shampoo than others. Fowles notes that dry shampoo will likely help those who get oily or greasy scalps easily. On the other hand, people with sensitive scalps, hair loss, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis you may not benefit as much.

If you’re not sure if dry shampoo will work for you, see a hairstylist or dermatologist to address any concerns.