How does dry shampoo work?
The starchy ingredients in dry shampoos work by absorbing the oil from the scalp—almost like a sponge. Each particle has a porous surface which traps the oil and makes the hair appear cleaner (a similar effect to applying a mattifying powder on top of a glossy foundation).
Of course, this isn’t the same as a traditional hair wash using a liquid shampoo, which encapsulates the oil and dirt and then gets washed away with water. Basically, dry shampoo gives the appearance of cleaner, fresher hair, but it sticks around on the scalp (meaning it will build up if you use too much or repeat the process day after day).
How to use dry shampoo
While most of us will hit our roots with a quick spray and frantically rub it in and run out the door, it actually pays to spend a little more time distributing your dry shampoo throughout the hair.
Step 1
Section the hair inch by inch starting from the nape of the neck. “Sectioning your hair while using dry shampoo gives you the best results, as it helps eliminate as much oil as possible,” says Marlon Hawkins, artistic director at Brooks & Brooks. “By working in one-inch sections, you will really guarantee a fresh result,” she says. For most people, it’s useful to focus on the hairline, nape, and roots at the top of the head.
Step 2
Apply less than you think you need—and not too close to your head. “Spray lightly at the roots only; about 20–30 centimeters away,” says Ryan Forsythe, Artistic Education Director at Trevor Sorbie. “Less is more. You can always add more if needed,” he says.
Step 3
Wait a moment to let the dry shampoo get to work. “The key is patience—let the product do the work,” says Sam McKnight, MBE, session and celebrity hairdresser and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight. “Let it sit for a minute to absorb the oil. Don’t aggressively rub it in; that’s just rubbing the starch into your scalp and follicles.”
Step 4
“For the best results, blast your hair with a cold hairdryer to remove as much of the dry shampoo as possible,” McKnight says. “Use cool air rather than hot because heat will soften the oils and will leave your hair feeling heavy and greasy again. It’s a great trick to get the most out of dry shampoo.”
Step 5
Repeat with each section until your whole head feels fresh.
Step 6
If it works for your hair type and style, brush the hair through from root to tip to make sure the dry shampoo is fully distributed and to remove any excess product.