Dry Shampoo is any item that refreshes hair without water, making it a must-have for people on-the-go.
This wonder product usually contains corn or aluminum starch to soak up visible grease at the roots—the telltale sign that hair hasn't been washed.
Although available in many forms, it is most commonly found as an aerosol or loose powder. After being massaged into the roots, dry shampoo gives the appearance of cleaner hair.
Those who are too busy to wash their hair every day, or purposely avoid washing with liquid shampoo for hair care reasons, tend to love dry shampoo.
“The great thing about dry shampoo is there’s no wrong way to use it—it’s one of the most versatile products in the hair care world, and formulas are evolving to multitask,” says Pureology artist Emily Alders.
Which is the Best Dry Shampoo
What you consider the best dry shampoo will depend on your needs. But for a truly versatile option, look no further than Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo.
Washing hair too frequently can cause a new hue to fade faster, so it's wise for those with color-treated hair to become BFFs with a dry shampoo. There's just one problem: certain dry shampoo formulas can leave strands feeling dry and gritty and make hair color look dull.
Enter Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo. This lightweight, residue-free multi-tasker contains rice starch and works on both natural AND colored hair. Featuring AntiFade Complex and UVA/UVB sunscreen, it helps hair color last. And on clean hair, it adds movement and texture, making hairstyles like updos easier to achieve.
Is it OK to use dry shampoo everyday? How many times a week should you use dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo comes with a plethora of benefits, but overuse can cause problems. Too much of the product can leave a buildup of residue on the scalp, clogging hair follicles and limiting hair growth. That's why most dry shampoos should only be used once between hair washes.
With Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo, pesky residue is less of an issue. “Because Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo is a lightweight formula, you don’t have to worry about product buildup," Alders explains. "But as with any styling product it’s always a good idea to apply a little at a time until you reach your desired look."
How To Use Dry Shampoo: If You Need To Refresh Your Hair
To make the most of your next spray, take a peek at Alders' dry shampoo pro tips and pointers on how to use dry shampoo correctly.
Step 1. Hold the dry shampoo four to six inches away from hair and spray it directly at the roots. Start where hair feels oiliest (for most women, that’s along the hairline, the nape of the neck, and the crown of the head), spritzing one section of hair at a time.
Pure Artist Tip: “Because Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo is a lightweight formula, you don’t have to worry about product buildup. But as with any styling product it’s always a good idea to apply a little at a time until you reach your desired look,” says Alders.
Step 2. Using your fingertips, massage the product into roots and scalp so that the oil-absorbing action can take place evenly across the head. For extra lift, try flipping your head upside down while massaging the product into hair.
Pure Artist Tip: Looking to correct a kink or flatness in your hair from sleeping on it funny or finishing a sweaty workout? “After applying the dry shampoo, take a blow-dryer and blast cool air at your roots to help change the direction of hair or build volume,” says Alders.
Step 3. Smooth out hair with a brush or comb, or grab your hot tools for a restyle.
Pure Artist Tip: “If you notice your ends are feeling dry or they’ve lost their shape, try adding a little bit of On The Rise Root-Lifting Mousse to them and restyle,” says Alders.
Five More Pro Tips On How To Use Dry Shampoo:
1. Add Hold And Texture to Fresh Hair:
Clean hair, especially if you have fine or silky texture, doesn’t always hold a style well. Before attempting a braid, waves, or a messy bun, try lightly spraying dry shampoo evenly throughout hair for some added grip. “Hair will still look fresh and you’ll get a little bit of that touchable grit that’s helpful when holding a shape,” says Alders.
2. Make A Blowout Last Longer:
There’s nothing more exasperating than washing your hair, blowing it out, and applying product—only to realize you’ve gone overboard with that shine spray or heavy moisturizing serum. If hair is starting to feel heavy due to an overly generous squeeze of styling cream, spray it into trouble spots to soak up some of the damage.
3. Help Bobby Pins Stay In Place:
Add grip to slippery bobby pins or clips that don’t want to secure hair by spritzing them with dry shampoo before popping them in.
4. Prevent Oil Buildup:
Looking to shorten your morning routine? Apply Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo at night before bed to wake up with less oil and grease. (The same goes for heading to the gym—a spray before your workout can cut back on some of the damage control you’ll have to do when class is over.
5. Help Repair and Protect Your Hair:
It sounds counter-intuitive but applying a little dry shampoo on ends that feel dry can take away some of their static and brittleness. “Because Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo is a non-drying formula and has other conditioning ingredients, your ends will feel softer,” says Alders.
With UV ray protection built in, Pureology’s dry shampoo also protects color-treated and natural hair from sun damage —a major bonus during the summer.
To see more hair care and styling tips like how to use dry shampoo and get sneak peeks at new hair product launches, follow @pureology on Instagram!