If you’ve ever wanted to extend your blowout for another day or two, or you’ve simply skipped a wash, then you have likely reached for dry shampoo. Not only can dry shampoo freshen up your roots in between washing, it can also help add volume and shine to your strands. These days, there is an ever-widening variety of different dry shampoo formulas to choose from, from mousse to powder to aerosols, and many utilize natural ingredients that both absorb oil and impurities while also promoting overall hair health. Not sure which type of dry shampoo to invest in? Consider this your guide to all things dry shampoo, including what it is, how it works and how to use it correctly.
How does dry shampoo work, exactly?
Dry shampoo works by literally absorbing excess oil from the roots of the hair and on the scalp, and it doesn’t need to be rinsed out—hence its name. “Dry shampoo is typically a powder that absorbs oils and slightly ‘cleanses’ the hair,” explains celebrity hair stylist Michael Dueñas. Most dry shampoo formulas contain ingredients such as rich starch or silica, which “attach themselves to excess oil, and are shaken out when the hair is moved or brushed,” Dueñas says.
What are the different types of dry shampoo?
You’ll find that dry shampoo is no longer just in spray form; today’s formulas come in mousse, powder and even spray-powder varieties. All of them, however, should be applied mainly to the roots of the hair, where they work to absorb excess oil, sweat and other impurities that would typically be rinsed away during a wash. Read more
