Dry Shampoo - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Washing your hair every day is not a good idea. Over-washing strips hair of moisture, strips color and causes frizz. Absorbing excess oil and adding texture and volume to strands, dry shampoo is a great way to go longer between washes.
However, there are so many dry shampoos on the market that choosing the right one can be a challenge. How do you find the best dry shampoo to extend your style without leaving a powdery residue?
At Real Indian , we give you the information you need to make the best purchasing decisions. We do extensive research, test products in our labs and in the field, question the experts, and collect feedback from existing customers to compile our reviews. We also buy all of our products, which means our recommendations are 100% unbiased.
If you're ready to buy a dry shampoo, take a look at the product list above for our top recommendations. For more information on how to choose the right shampoo for dry hair and some styling tips, read on.
What is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo contains starches, clays, vegetable powders, or oil-absorbing chemicals. When dry shampoo is applied to hair, it absorbs oil, so strands appear cleaner and fresher. Dry hair shampoo also adds texture to the hair, which helps increase volume.
Benefits of Dry Shampoo
- Dry shampoo allows you to refresh hair without water.
- Dry shampoo can prolong the life of color-treated hair because you can go longer between washes, which fade hair color.
- The dry shampoo has a fragrance that refreshes the hair.
- Dry hair shampoo adds texture to hair, making it easier to style.
- The shampoo for dry hair increases the volume of the hair, making it ideal for fine and thin hair.
How to use Dry Shampoo
Apply the dry shampoo directly to the roots of the hair, which is where the hair gets the oiliest. Pull hair up in two-inch sections, and spritz or sprinkle on dry shampoo, being careful not to apply too much. Let the dry shampoo sit for five minutes. Then use your fingers to gently blend it in and remove any powder residue. Brush the dry shampoo to the ends of the hair.
What to Look for when Buying a Dry Shampoo
- Formula
Dry shampoo comes in two formulas: spray or powder.
Spray : Spray formulas are faster and easier to apply. They allow dry shampoo to be sprayed precisely and coat the hair evenly. But it's easy to overapply a spray shampoo.
Powder : Powdered dry shampoo requires more care and finesse to apply, but typically doesn't waste as much product. Powder also tends to be lighter in texture, so it may be a better choice for fine or thin hair.
- Colour
The biggest complaint with dry shampoo is the visible white residue it can leave on your hair. This white discoloration usually happens because you have not selected the right shade for your hair color. Many "colorless" shampoos for dry hair are white, so if you don't mix them well enough, your hair can look discolored. This is not a problem for light hair, such as blonde, gray or silver.
However, if you have dark or red hair, look for a dry shampoo that's formulated specifically for your hair color. It will be lightly tinted so it blends more easily with your hair and doesn't leave any telltale residue.
- Ingredients
Many dry shampoos are formulated with harsh chemicals that may not be good for the long-term health of your hair. If you prefer products that don't contain chemicals, look for a shampoo for dry hair that contains natural ingredients like rice powder, blue yucca root, and bamboo extract to absorb oil.
- Smell
Part of the appeal of dry shampoo is that it rids hair of unpleasant odors. The fragrance of the dry shampoo refreshes the hair without the need to wash it. There are a wide variety of scents, so this is likely to be an option that appeals to your nose.
Dry Shampoo Tips and Tricks
With a dry shampoo spray, be sure to hold the bottle 10 to 12 inches from your roots to avoid visible powdery residue.
Don't use too much dry shampoo because your hair can end up looking dull and discolored. Start with a small amount, let it sit for a few minutes, then add more if your hair still looks oily.
When you put dry shampoo on your hair, it's better to use a bristle brush than a comb.
If you need help mixing dry shampoo, run a blow dryer through your hair after applying it. Make sure the dryer's on the lowest heat setting, and use your fingers to work the dry shampoo into your hair.
Using dry shampoo too often can lead to residue buildup that can clog your hair follicles. Try to limit your use to once or twice between regular washes, not every day.