HOW TO USE DRY SHAMPOO TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL
We get it, some days your mane just doesn't want to cooperate. You wake up and realise your morning coffee is about to compete with the battle of the bedhead. But don’t worry, that’s where dry shampoo comes into play.
Whether you're a busy bee or just too cosy to shower your hair (we’ve all been there), dry shampoo can revive your roots, refresh your lengths and grant volume without a single drop of water. But what does this styling saviour actually do? And more importantly, how do you use dry shampoo?
Well, here at Cult Beauty we’ve done the research for you and unlocked all the best top tips and tricks on how to use dry shampoo – without any white residue.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is dry shampoo
- What does dry shampoo do
- How to use dry shampoo
- Best dry shampoos
- How to use dry shampoo FAQs
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS DRY SHAMPOO
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to use dry shampoo, it’s important to understand what it actually is. In short, dry shampoo is a hair care product that helps absorb excess oil and refreshes your lengths – prolonging your in-between wash days. It typically comes in spray or powder form and works by soaking up the oils on your scalp and strands, giving it a cleaner, fresher appearance. Dry shampoo is not only useful for extending the time between washes, it can also add volume and texture to your tresses too.
WHAT DOES DRY SHAMPOO DO
A quick, convenient way to refresh your locks when you're short on time or need a break from shampooing, conditioning, drying and styling, dry shampoo is designed to absorb excess oil and freshen up your hair without needing water. But that’s not all, this multitasking marvel also:
Absorbs oil: by soaking up the oils that accumulate on your scalp and hair throughout the day, it helps to make your mane look less greasy.
Refreshes hair: giving your tresses a cleaner, fresher appearance. By eliminating the shine and limpness caused by oil buildup, it gives the illusion that your tresses have just been washed (even if you’re on day four or five).
Amps up volume and texture: to boosts body, especially at the roots, giving your hair more structure and shape.
Extends time between washes: making it ideal for those times when you’re short on time or want to skip washing your strands completely. By reducing the frequency of hair washing, dry shampoo also helps preserve your lengths’ natural oils, keeping your scalp healthier while preventing dryness or damage.
Tames flyaways: by absorbing excess moisture from the hair and scalp.
Improves your mane’s manageability: as the formulas offer your locks more grip and texture, making it ideal for creating updos.
Scents your strands: and if all the above wasn’t enough these fame formulas also neutralise any unpleasant smells, making it ideal post workout and travelling.
HOW TO USE DRY SHAMPOO
How to use dry shampoo is simple… all you have to do is follow our step-by-step guide below to discover how easy and efficient it truly is.
- The first (and often missed) step when uncovering how to use dry shampoo is to shake the can. If you’re using a spray dry shampoo, make sure to give it a good old shake to the minimise the risk of white residue.
- Then, divide your strands into medium sized sections, to get the spray or powder on all the roots where oil typically accumulates.
- Next, hold the can about 8–10 inches away from your scalp and spray directly onto the roots. For powder dry shampoo, sprinkle lightly onto your scalp. This distance helps the product fall evenly where it should (and doesn’t leave you looking like you’re wearing a wig).
- Using your fingers, gently massage the product into your scalp. This not only helps the dry shampoo to absorb excess oil but distributes it evenly, preventing any residue buildup.
Once the product has absorbed, use a brush, comb or your fingers to work the product through your lock to prevent it from looking powdery. And, if you’re wanting to add extra volume, flip your mane upside down and lightly shake your roots before brushing. Finally, after your hair is refreshed, style it as you please. Oh, and did we mention that the dry shampoo will give your hair extra grip? So your braids, ponytails and messy buns are instantly improved. We’re thinking a slick backed how about you?
BEST DRY SHAMPOO
207
£25.00
10
£48.00
30
RRP: £39.00Current price: £27.30
41
£25.50
12
£15.00
3
£45.00
40
£28.00
24
£26.00
6
£30.00
11
£13.00
HOW TO USE DRY SHAMPOO FAQS
Should you use dry shampoo on clean or dirty hair?
Dry shampoo is typically most effective on dirty or oily hair rather than clean hair. It works by absorbing excess oil and refreshing the scalp, giving the appearance of freshly washed hair without the need for water. You can use dry shampoo on clean hair to add texture, volume, or a bit of lift, but it's primarily designed to extend the time between washes and freshen up strands that start to look greasy or limp.
How long should you leave dry shampoo in?
You should leave dry shampoo in for 2 to 5 minutes to allow it to absorb excess oil and refresh your scalp. During this time, the formula works hard to soak up oil and residue. For extra volume or texture, you can also gently massage your scalp to ensure the product is fully absorbed. If you’ve used a generous amount, a little extra brushing may be needed to ensure it doesn't leave any residue behind.
Do you shower after dry shampoo?
No, you don't need to shower after using dry shampoo as the formula is designed to refresh your hair without water. It’s ideal for when you're looking to extend the time between washes or quickly freshen up your hair without getting it wet. However, if you feel like your scalp still has product build up or you're uncomfortable with the texture, you can always shower and wash your hair as usual. But generally, dry shampoo is meant to be a quick fix that doesn’t require a shower.
So, now you know how to use dry shampoo the right way, there’s nothing stopping you from turning every day into a good hair day.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
