Dry shampoo is one of those inventions that we don't know how we ever lived without it! When you don't have time to wash your hair, it's an absolute lifesaver. It's also great for adding volume and giving lifeless locks an instant boost. I use the best dry shampoo after exercise, when just that front part of your hair is a little sweaty. It's a great way for soaking up any moisture and oils, giving your hair a clean and refreshed look.
But, are you actually using dry shampoo in correct way? Should you be using it everyday? And can it damage your hair and scalp over time? These are just some of the questions I wanted answers to so I consulted two hair experts, Trichologist Samantha Stewart and Hair Stylist Olivia Jones.
How to use dry shampoo step by step
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Be sure to always start by shaking your bottle of dry shampoo well. This will not only mean you'll have less white powdery residue on your roots but it helps mix all the contents up, meaning your dry shampoo will be more effective.
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Next, divide your hair into medium sized sections using a clips, so that you can apply the dry shampoo to your hairline and at the root.
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Keep the can about eight inches away from your hair and spray evenly over any greasy areas. Wait at least 30 seconds for the dry shampoo to activate and cleanse.
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Gently massage the dry shampoo into your scalp and the roots of your hair with your fingers. This helps accelerate absorption so that any white residue begins to disappear. If you don't want to use fingers you can use a brush to comb it from root to tip.
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Finally, style your hair as required and you are ready to go with refreshed, revived and volumised hair.
How often should you use dry shampoo?
"It depends on your hair type and how often you usually wash your hair," says Trichologist Samantha Stewart. "Dry Shampoo can be used for 2-3 days in between washes as long as you are washing your hair as often as it is needed to ensure that the scalp microbiome remains balanced, and the hair receives the hydration and moisture required to keep it healthy. If your hair starts to feel weighed down or itchy, it's a sign to wash it with regular shampoo instead of using a dry shampoo."
How long should it sit in your hair after applying?
For the best results Samantha recommends applying the dry shampoo and waiting at least 30 seconds for the powder to activate and absorb the excess oil, then gently massage the dry shampoo into your scalp and the roots of your hair with your fingers before combing it through.
How close should you hold the can to your scalp?
"A lot of people make the mistake of spraying too close to the scalp, which leaves visible white patches. If you hold the can at least eight inches away, it’ll spread more evenly." says hairstylist Olivia Jones.
Should you only apply it to greasy parts of your hair or all over?
"You only need to target the greasy areas, typically the roots and crown, rather than applying all over," says Samantha, "Overuse on dry areas that don’t need it can cause unnecessary buildup, make your hair look dull and dry out the hair shaft."
Can it be bad for your scalp and exacerbate dandruff?
According to trichologist Samantha dry shampoo itself will not damage your hair or scalp but if you stop cleansing your hair and scalp as often as your hair type needs then problems could occur.
"It’s important to remember that you can’t have healthy hair without first having a healthy scalp and you need to treat the skin on your head with the same TLC that you give your face and body, so that your hair has a great environment in which to flourish," she says. "Properly cleansing your scalp is the first step in a good scalp care routine and on the occasions when you don’t have time to wash your hair, ensure you are opting for a scalp kind, dermatologically tested dry shampoo like the Peptide Puff."
What happens if you overuse it?
"Using dry shampoo regularly in your hair care routine is fine, busy lives make it an essential for most women", says Samantha. "But if you substitute washing your hair with dry shampoo on a too frequent basis then this can lead to issues as you are not cleaning your hair and scalp regularly and this can cause a build-up of dirt, dead skin cells, sweat and oil which can trap bacteria and lead to problems such as inflammation of the scalp, blockage of the hair follicles, flaking and itching - which if persistent - can cause longer-term issues including breakage, thinning and increased hair shedding."
Should you massage it into the hair or use a brush to comb it through?
For best results Samantha recommends, massaging it into your scalp and roots with your fingers first, then comb or brush through to distribute it evenly. This ensures the oil-absorbing ingredients are activated while preventing product buildup.
Some people like to use it at night before bed. Would you recommend this?
"Yes," says Samantha. "Your scalp continues to produce sebum and sweat as you sleep, and dry shampoo can soak up that build up, leaving you with fresher-looking hair in the morning. This is especially helpful for people with oily scalps. use your dry shampoo on your roots before bed and then brush it through in the morning."
Would you recommend using dry shampoo before a workout?
Samantha recommends using dry shampoo before a workout as it can help absorb sweat and oil as it forms, keeping your hair fresher for longer. "It’s great to use post-workout too," she says. "Particularly if you are heading out after but don’t have time for a hair wash. However, it’s worth noting that it may not be as effective if your hair is heavily saturated with sweat."
How do I find the right dry shampoo for me?
When picking the right dry shampoo, fine or oily hair usually does well with a lightweight, volumising formula—something with rice starch or tapioca, which soaks up oil without weighing your hair down," says Olivia. "If your hair’s thick or coarse, go for a stronger formula that can handle more oil, and if it’s dark, a tinted dry shampoo will blend in better.
"For different types of curly hair, choose something moisturising and aerosol-free to avoid messing with your curl pattern. Foam or powder-based formulas work best. And if you colour your hair, look for a sulphate-free, colour-safe option. Some even have UV protection to help keep your colour intact. If your hair feels dry after using dry shampoo, just apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to the ends to keep it soft and shiny."
Should dry shampoo be used for styling hair?
"Dry shampoo is great for styling because it gives you instant volume at the roots, adds texture for braids or updos, and extends a blowout without weighing hair down," says Olivia. "When used the right way, it’s a secret weapon for effortless volume and fresh-looking hair."
What ingredients should you look for in a good dry shampoo?
Always opt for a dry shampoo with ingredients that benefit your scalp.
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Rice starch – Effective in absorbing excess oil at the root without irritation and refreshing the scalp without weighing down the hair.
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Betaine – Helps with oil control and scalp health.
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Botanical extracts like Red Clover – Great for soothing sensitive scalps.
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Avoid products with talc, sulfates, and high alcohol content, as these can be harsh on the scalp.
Olivia Jones is the Manager and a Hairdresser at MacleodBradley, a conscientious hair company dedicated to sustainability through the use of clean, eco-friendly products.
Samantha Stewart MIT is a Consultant Trichologist and Hair Gain Brand Ambassador. Samantha has more than 30 years’ experience at the London-based Spencer Clinic, one of the most established and trusted hair loss clinics in Europe.
Claire Tapley is a digital editor for Yours.co.uk. She is a journalist with over 16 years' experience writing for women over 50. She is extremely passionate about all things health related, specifically fitness and healthy eating. She has a huge amount of knowledge on all areas that interest women over 50 including health, wellbeing, finance, food, tech, beauty and fashion.