Love it, hate it, confused by how to use it? Dry shampoo inspires a lot of feelings, sometimes all the feelings at once. It’s the latest revolution in hair cleansing, and it’s still a bit confusing. 

This how-to dry shampoo guide will be your definitive guide to mastering dry shampooing and learning more about when to use it and when to skip the dry. 

How to use dry shampoo

Be open-minded as you enter the world of dry shampoo. It’s a wonderful product with a lot of different options, but it’s not for everyday use, so learning more about it will make you more successful.

Choose your poo

Dry shampoo comes in different formulas. There are foam, powder, mist, and paste application methods. Each one has pros and cons, but use these tips to apply.

♦ Foam. Apply directly to where you need it. It’s easy to control.

♦ Powder. Spray it up in the air, and let it fall onto your head to avoid over-spraying.

♦ Mist. Spritz close to the scalp, and if it’s too far away, it won’t work.

♦ Paste. Use fingers to apply and then run hands through hair to distribute.

Read the directions

Check to see if your dry shampoo has any specific instructions and follow them. Some require massaging, others ask you to work it through your strands. 

Whatever the instructions are, they’re worth reading because each type and brand works best when you use them as they’re intended to be used.

Be patient

Wait up to 10 minutes after you apply your dry shampoo to fluff it out or brush it out. Dry shampoo works by absorbing oils on the scalp and at the root, but it doesn’t happen instantaneously. 

Use often

Dry shampoo is not just for extending the period between washings, it’s a fantastic way to add texture. Use it as a styling tool, and take advantage of all of its benefits.

Don’t overuse

Dry shampoo can create a buildup on your scalp, and this can zap your strands of life and health. Too much use will dry out your hair and can cause breakage, so it’s key that you learn when your hair has had enough. When you feel it’s necessary, just go right to the wet for a deep cleanse.

Bonus use

Spray your dry shampoo on your favorite hair accessories to help keep them in place. People with thin hair or very sleek hair can have trouble keeping accessories in place, but the added friction that dry shampoo provides helps accessories stay in without damaging your hair.

Benefits of dry shampoo

If dry shampoo is so hard to master, why even make the switch? Because there are more benefits than you may imagine. Hair La Vie's Dry Shampoo's 100%, vegan formula is free of harsh chemicals and toxins and full of healthy ingredients, which means you can add this to your list of healthy styling tools. Here's a list of other benefits of using dry shampoo. 

♦ Lets you cut down on heat damage from blow-drying and styling

♦ Less exposure to dangerous chemicals in some shampoos

♦ Saves time

♦ Adds volume and texture

♦ Slows down fading hair color 

♦ Helps hold braids, updos, and accessories in place

♦ Refreshes your hair’s scent

♦ One less excuse not to workout

Downfalls of dry shampoo

Of course, if there are benefits, there have to be some downfalls, right? And it’s true, dry shampoos can have a downside.

♦ Using too much leads to a buildup

♦ It’s not actually cleaning your hair

♦ It can lead to white clumps if used incorrectly

♦ Workout bacteria can remain on your scalp

Final thoughts

There are so many benefits to adding dry shampoo to your haircare routine, but it’s key to remember that you need to do it in moderation. You also need to hold onto your favorite shampoo and conditioner because using a dry shampoo doesn’t replace them.

Your scalp makes natural oils that have a purpose. The oils soften your scalp and hair and give you texture. Sebum also provides a layer of protection. But the more oil that builds up on your hair, the worse it looks. It’s a delicate balance that will take some time to master. 

Hair La Vie's toxin-free Dry shampoo can help you extend the periods between wet washes by absorbing excess oil while not putting your head and hair through the stress of a wash, blow-dry, and curling. The trick is using your dry shampoo correctly and not too much. 

Once you learn how and when to use dry shampoo, you can play with adding it to your style arsenal, too. This will help you find a great balance that’s customized to your hair and will support your journey to the healthiest hair ever.