Think dry shampoo simply won’t wash? Think again. These tips will help you tame oily tresses
Dry shampoo is, it is fair to say, one of the beauty heroes that really pulls its weight. That bottle can, unlike most products, buy you a lie-in on a weekday, or free up an evening so you can do something other than wait for your hair to dry. What mascara or moisturiser boasts that claim to fame?
But that humble can of powdered shampoo might not be doing as much for you as it could if you’re not using the right technique. If you simply give a quick spritz around your hairline in the morning, and find that by mid-afternoon your roots are greasy again, it could just be a sign of a shoddy application method rather than your hair type.
So what is dry shampoo? For the uninitiated, it’s a popular hair product that claims to remove oil and grease from hair, prolonging its freshness and allowing you to go longer without washing your locks. It can be particularly handy for those with fringes, or for revitalising strands after a workout.
It usually either comes as a powder in a bottle or in an aerosol can, though some cutting-edge formulas are also concocted in mousse or foam form. It can be applied to dry hair and doesn’t need to be washed out, hence the term “dry” shampoo. Most formulas use starch as the absorbent property, while some contain talc or clay.
Many people tend to use it between washes – whether that’s the day after a fresh shampoo or a little later depends on how quickly your hair feels oily (thicker-haired people can typically go a little longer). You can also use it on clean hair if you want to add a little volume and texture.
But remember, while a dry shampoo absorbs oil, it doesn’t actually clean your hair. It might help a blow-dry last longer, but it’s not a replacement for washing your hair entirely. A lot of aerosol formulas contain alcohol, too, which can leave hair feeling dry, so don’t go crazy on this stuff – it’s a BandAid, not a fix-all solution.
Sure, a quick spritz and a ruffle to the roots of a fringe might suffice, but it won’t necessarily have the long-lasting effect you’re after.
If you’re using a spray, liberally douse your roots – all over, not merely around your parting – and massage in with your fingertips. Shake the product before application so the ingredients are properly dispersed.
“Keeping the proper distance between your hair and the aerosol bottle is so important,” hairstylist Chris Appleton told
Allure this month. “You don’t want to spray the product too close to your scalp because it will leave a residue that’s hard to remove.”
According to a now-viral TikTok video, you should then leave the product in your hair for about 10 minutes, to let the powder do its magic.
“It’s really crucial to let the dry shampoo sit for a few minutes so it can work its magic properly,” Appleton says. “After you’ve let it sit, you can massage it into your scalp with your hands to really activate the ingredients that soak up the oil.”
The popular grooming product removes oil and grease from the hair, prolonging its freshness
Then, brush the dry shampoo thoroughly through your hair, which should help get rid of any visible signs of residue. Some brands sell tinted formulas suited to darker locks, to help get rid of that tell-tale white cast.
If you’ve got fine hair, opt for a spray formula, which distributes a thinner, more even coating. People with thicker hair types can use either aerosols or pure powder formulas, which should be sprinkled directly on the scalp. Batiste, which you can find for about Dh35 at most pharmacies in the UAE, is the king of the genre, and is available in a wide range of scents and hues.
Ouai, by celebrity stylist Jen Atkins, also has a couple of options that you can find at Sephora – Dry Shampoo Foam (from Dh60) or the classic Dry Shampoo (from Dh60). Sephora also has its own brand option for Dh55.
And, if push comes to shove, a little cornstarch or baby powder will do the trick, though will probably leave a noticeable white tint.