How Often You Should Really Use Dry Shampoo

By Leah Williams •  Updated: 08/27/22

You’re running late, and your hair’s oily. Luckily, you’ve got dry shampoo, a time saver that gets you ready in a jiffy!

I often reach for it when styling my clients. I’m a fan of it myself, especially on days when showering is next to impossible. My hair and scalp get ready from bedhead to volumized, fast!

Read on, our dear Curlies, on how to reap the benefits from this product and get clean, gorgeous strands. We’ll also try to know how often should you use dry shampoo.

How often should one use dry shampoo?

How often you need it depends on a few factors – hair types, hair texture, activity level, and desired results.

If you have oily hair like me, live an active lifestyle, or are looking for extra volume, you may need to use dry shampoo more often than someone with dry hair who’s not very active.

Don’t overdo it if you have fine hair, as it can sometimes weigh down thin hair strands.

African American hair tends to be on the drier side. You can use dry shampoo without worrying about excessive powder buildup if you have this kind of hair.

Got dandruff? Dry shampoo can actually help absorb excess oil and improve the appearance of dandruff.

Generally speaking, most people can use dry shampoo once or twice a week. However, it’s not for everyday care! Use it by no more than one or two days in a row.

How does dry shampoo actually work?

Dry shampoos soak oils on your scalp and hair.

Ingredients like clay, tapioca, and rice starch bind to the oils and help to lift them away from the strands. This action helps to give the hair a clean and fresh appearance.

Dry shampoo ingredients: what to look for

Some of my favorite dry shampoo ingredients include:

These ingredients are all great for helping to absorb oil and give you fresh, clean hair.

How to dry shampoo correctly

Dry shampoo is easy to use! It’s a product worth trying, even if you haven’t used it since.

First, you will want to shake the can or spray bottle of dry shampoo well before using it. Do this for even product distribution.

Next, hold the aerosol spray can about six inches away from your head and spray it onto the roots of your hair.

Be sure to focus on oily areas such as the forehead, temples, and crown.

Once you have applied the dry shampoo, use your fingers to let it soak into your scalp for about 30 seconds. This will help to ensure that the powder is evenly distributed. Comb or brush it through the strands. A gentle massage

What to consider in buying dry shampoos

Commercial dry shampoos are not equally made, so what works for some may not give fantastic results for your hair.

When buying a dry shampoo, you should consider your hair type and needs. For example, if you have oily hair, get a dry shampoo specifically designed.

If you have color-treated hair, look for a dry shampoo that is gentle enough to not strip away your hair color.

You should also consider the ingredients. If you have a sensitive scalp, choose one that is dermatologist-tested and free from alcohol.

Pros and Cons of Dry Shampoos

Although this product is impressive, nothing trumps washing with regular shampoo and conditioner in giving you clean, ready-to-style hair. Even hair pros admit there are cons in using it more than necessary.

The pros:

On the flip side, even the best dry shampoo can do these:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dry shampoo remove dirt on my hair?

No, it’s not meant to remove dirt or grime from your hair. Dry shampoo work to absorb excess oil, but the dirt stays.

You should use it only a few times a week, between washes. Too much of it, and fine hair will feel heavy. Washing hair is still the way to go!

Can I use dry shampoo on my curls?

Yes, you can use dry shampoo! In fact, it can be a great way to refresh your curls in between washing your hair.

Can dry shampoo cause hair loss?

Too much product stuck on the scalp can inhibit hair growth and eventually lead to hair loss. Use your dry shampoo sparingly to avoid this.

Wrap up

Real shampoo is still the best product to really clean your tresses. Your oily scalp may benefit from a spray of dry shampoo directly to it, but nothing beats the clean feel after you wash your hair.

Still, the right dry shampoo can be your saving grace on lazy days when oil weighs down your roots and tips. Try our picks for the best dry shampoo for all hair types.

Happy styling, dear Curlies!

Leah Williams

Leah Williams is the founder of Lucky Curl and has been in the hair care and styling industry for the last 15 years. Since then, she has developed incredible expertise and a deep understanding of how to treat and style the most difficult hair types and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with the readers of Lucky Curl.

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