There’s a lot of debate in the haircare industry right now about whether dry shampoo is good or bad for your hair. So many people use dry shampoo because it’s extremely convenient and it can be a great way to remove some dirt and debris from your hair without washing your hair in the shower.
But does it do more harm than good and is dry shampoo bad for your hair? This depends on numerous factors, including how often you use it and whether you use it in addition to or instead of conventional shampoo.
Join us as we reveal whether dry shampoo is good or bad for your hair and discover some expert tips that will help you get the most out of dry shampoo.
What is dry shampoo, and how does it work?
Dry shampoo is a hair product you can apply to your scalp to absorb grease, dirt, and excess oil. It’s popular because it’s an alternative to jumping in the shower and washing your hair with a traditional shampoo and leaving conditioner.
However, dry shampoo shouldn’t be exclusively used, and it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for traditional shampoo. You need to wash and treat your hair with both to fully nourish it and ensure that it is as healthy as possible.
Moreover, when used in excess, dry shampoo can leave residue on your scalp, which can cause your hair to look greasy over time.
Most dry shampoo products contain alcohol or starch, which can be sprayed directly on your hair when it’s dry. The product then soaks up the oil and grease on your hair, resulting in cleaner-looking hair.
How to use dry shampoo effectively?
The best way to look at dry shampoo is that it can be an effective way of treating your hair once in a while, but you shouldn’t use it as an alternative to traditional shampoo. At most, you can use dry shampoo two days in a row, but any more frequently than this, the build-up of residue will make your hair look greasy or dirty.
An example of when dry shampoo can be handy is after a workout when you don’t have time to wash and condition your hair. You can use it a couple of times a week after the gym, provided that you also wash and condition your hair in between.
Another thing to recognize is that there are numerous types of dry shampoo, so you should select a product that is suitable for your hair type. There are three main types of dry shampoo to be aware of:
- Powder: Powdered dry shampoo can be sprinkled on your hair and scalp, and it’s easy to massage through your hair. The main downside is that powdered shampoos can leave excessive amounts of residue, particularly if you don’t thoroughly massage it into your hair and scalp.
- Spray: A spray-based shampoo is the most convenient option. It’s extremely easy to grab the spray from your bag before applying it evenly to your hair.
- Paste: Another option is dry shampoo paste, which is handy for targeted application at the roots. The main drawback of a paste is that it’s not as easy to distribute the dry shampoo throughout your scalp.
When looking for a dry shampoo product, you should consider the form it comes in, as explained above, as well as its ingredients and features. Many dry shampoos are scented and some are even enriched with keratin (which is the best keratin shampoo?), which is an ingredient that stimulates hair growth.
Is too much dry shampoo bad for your hair?
Using dry shampoo too often can be bad for your hair, just like using traditional shampoo too frequently can cause you issues. The issues you will face if you use too much dry shampoo include:
Product build-up
The main problem with using dry shampoo too frequently is product build-up. Whether you use a powder, spray, or paste, the residue from the product will remain on your scalp until you wash it out. As a result, your hair will produce more sebum to try and clean itself, which can cause your hair to look excessively oil or greasy. Therefore, we recommend limiting your use of dry shampoo to once or twice per week for the best results.
Itchy scalp
For some people, the product build-up can lead to dandruff, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. You might even experience a flaking scalp, which is unsightly. If you have used too much dry shampoo in recent times and your scalp is itchy or irritable, cease using it and return to traditional shampoo to give your scalp time to heal.
Dry follicles
Another common complaint of people who use dry shampoo frequently is dry hair follicles. For some people, dry shampoo can suppress the sebum within hair follicles and can cause your hair to dry out. This can result in dry roots and ends and can make your hair frizzy. It can also lead to broken or brittle hair. Again, using dry shampoo in moderation can prevent this issue.
How bad is dry shampoo for your hair?
In itself, dry shampoo isn’t bad for your hair. In fact, when used as part of a holistic haircare approach, it can actually help your hair thrive, particularly when you don’t have time to wash and condition your hair. If your hair is blonde, pink, or other color, I also advise to get specific shampoos for colored hair because they will help you protect your scalp and hair roots.
But the main issue with dry shampoo comes when you see it as an alternative to conventional shampoo. Dry shampoo does not actually remove dead skin cells, pollutants, dirt, and debris from your hair. It essentially masks them and helps your hair to look better, without treating and nourishing it. Therefore, you should regard dry shampoo as a quick way to fix your hair up, rather than a long-term solution to washing and nourishing your hair.
If you use it sparingly and continue shampooing and conditioning your hair at regular intervals, dry shampoo shouldn’t have a negative impact on the health or appearance of your hair.
Is homemade dry shampoo bad for your hair?
Rather than buying a dry shampoo paste, spray, or powder, you can make your own at home. This saves money and means you can add natural ingredients that can help your hair grow and thrive.
You can use baking soda as the base of your homemade dry shampoo, which you can then supplement with ingredients like cinnamon or arrowroot powder, depending on what you hope to achieve.
Baking soda is a natural cleansing agent that can successfully remove product build-up from your hair, so it’s an excellent base for homemade dry shampoo. That said, you must use baking soda in moderation, as its high alkalinity can cause your hair to dry out.
Like shop-bought dry shampoos, homemade dry shampoo can help your hair, but you should use it in moderation and not regard it as a substitute for conventional shampoo and conditioner.
Key takeaways: How to use dry shampoo so it doesn’t damage your hair
So, as we’ve explained, dry shampoo is not necessarily bad for your hair, but you need to consider how frequently you use it to get the most out of it. Here are some key takeaways to remember if you’re planning to use dry shampoo on your hair this year:
✅ Decide which dry shampoo to use for your hair type, considering paste, powder, and spray. You can even buy dry shampoo that will specifically help oily, greasy, or dry hair.
✅ Don’t regard dry shampoo as an alternative to traditional shampoo and conditioner. You can use it between washes, but you shouldn’t use it instead of washing your hair.
✅ Limit your use of dry shampoo to once or twice a week and make sure you wash out its residue to prevent product build-up.
✅ If you opt for a homemade dry shampoo, use baking soda as its base, as it’s a great cleansing agent and will help to deal with residue build-up and dirt.
The bottom line is that dry shampoo, in itself, is not bad for your hair. But, like all hair products, you need to understand how to use it correctly to see its benefits. If you stick to the tips and steps listed in this article, you can incorporate dry shampoo into your haircare routine for happy and healthy hair.
