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This article was co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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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
How to Apply Dry Shampoo
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![Step 1 Spray dry shampoo over your roots, sectioning your hair if needed.]()
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] 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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![Step 2 Let the shampoo sit for 5 to 10 minutes.]()
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]Advertisement -
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]
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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.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan dry shampoo damage your hair?
Laura MartinLaura 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.
Licensed CosmetologistDry 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. -
QuestionCan you use dry shampoo on dry hair?Laura MartinLaura 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.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, 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. -
QuestionHow does dry shampoo work?Laura MartinLaura 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.
Licensed CosmetologistDry shampoo is a very fine powder. It works by coating your hair in an absorbent layer that adds volume and soaks up oil.
Tips
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Smell dry shampoo before buying it to ensure you like (and can tolerate) the scent.[9]Thanks
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
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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