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Plus, how to choose the right dry shampoo for your hair type
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If your hair looks greasy and you’re just not in the mood to wash it, dry shampoo may be the perfect product for you! Dry shampoo is like deodorant for your hair. With a quick spritz or pat, you can have fresher-looking hair in no time. But how do you use it, and how do you know what product is best for you? Read on to learn everything there is to know about dry shampoo and how to apply it.
Things You Should Know
- Hold the dry shampoo bottle 6 in (15 cm) from your hair and spray along the roots. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then massage into your scalp until it blends with your hair.
- Use dry shampoo to refresh your hair between washes or to give your hair more texture and volume when styling.
- Avoid using dry shampoo as a long-term substitute for regular shampoo, as the product could dry out your hair and cause breakage.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
How to Apply Dry Shampoo
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Spray dry shampoo over your roots, sectioning your hair if needed. Shake the dry shampoo bottle and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hair. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Then, spray the product liberally to the roots of your hair until the product is visible, focusing on the areas with the most grease. Flip sections of your hair up or back to ensure all of your roots are covered in the shampoo.
- It's okay if your hair looks chalky after applying dry shampoo, especially if you have darker hair. Excess residue will disappear when you work the product in later.
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Let the shampoo sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry shampoo needs time to absorb the oils in your hair, so leave the product be for at least 5 minutes. The longer you wait, the more oil the dry shampoo will absorb. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Massage the shampoo into your hair with your fingertips. Work your fingers through your hair as you would when washing it in the shower. Rub the dry shampoo throughout your scalp and roots until it blends into your hair and you can no longer see it. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Brush away any excess shampoo. Some dry shampoo might linger in your hair after you've rubbed it in. If this is the case, use a brush to distribute the shampoo throughout your hair and remove excess powder.
- If your hair remains chalky, blow dry your hair on a cool, low setting.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan dry shampoo damage your hair?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Dry shampoo can't damage your strands, but it can clog your follicles. Dry shampoo can also interfere with your hair's natural oil production if used too frequently.
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QuestionCan you use dry shampoo on dry hair?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Yes, in fact, you should always apply dry shampoo to dry hair. If your hair is dehydrated, you may want to use dry conditioner instead. It will also add volume and hold, but hydrates hair as well.
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QuestionHow does dry shampoo work?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Dry shampoo is a very fine powder. It works by coating your hair in an absorbent layer that adds volume and soaks up oil.
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Tips
- Smell dry shampoo before buying it to ensure you like (and can tolerate) the scent. [9] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-dry-shampoo-actually-keep-your-hair-clean
- ↑ http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/hair-tricks-dry-shampoo-tips
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-dry-shampoo-actually-keep-your-hair-clean
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-dry-shampoo-actually-keep-your-hair-clean
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/powder-versus-aerosol-which-dr
- ↑ https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-dry-shampoos.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-issues-voluntary-us-recall-select-dry-shampoos-due-potential-presence-benzene
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201460/
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-choose-the-right-dry-shampoo/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To use dry shampoo, separate a 2 inch section above your forehead from the rest of your hair. Then, holding the bottle 6 inches from your head, start spraying from the roots to the tips. Repeat this with the next section of hair, working your way down to the nape of your neck. Let the shampoo sit for 10 minutes, then use your fingers to massage it in. To finish, brush away any excess shampoo with a paddle brush. If there is any visible shampoo left, try blow drying your hair on the cool setting to get rid of it. For tips from our Beauty Reviewer on picking the right dry shampoo, read on!
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