Dry Shampoo How-To

Let’s talk all things dry shampoo. 90% of the people are using it all wrong, and stop because it “doesn’t work for their hair”. I’m here to explain the correct way to use it, give you a little hair/scalp education, and hopefully induce all sorts of a-ha moments. Plus, as an added bonus, you can keep that super cute blow-out and style for an extra day or two.

The word of the day is sebum

First thing’s first, let’s start with the basics. Our scalps produce oil, or sebum, as a way to protect our hair. It’s our body’s super amazing, self cleaning process. Shampoos strip our hair of it’s natural oils, and then our body works extra hard to replace that. So, if you are washing your hair a ton, you are consistently stripping your scalp of those natural oils, and your body is then producing extra sebum to replace it, and round and round we go! This is why I am a big advocate for slowly “training” your scalp and extend time between washes. Let your body work it’s awesome magic. It was, quite literally, made for this.

Of course, there are many factors that contribute to excess sebum production. (Also, go ahead and impress people with your use of proper terminology. Use sebum in a sentence.) Warm weather, a kickass workout, skipping your normal washing cycle day, or a natural predisposition for excess oil production are all contributors to your hair looking and feeling less that fresh.

You’re doing it wrong

Let’s do an experiment. Grab some baby powder and mix in a little oil. What is the result? A sludgy, paste. Right?

Please, please stop spraying the crap out of your hair when it is already a grease pit. It will not work.

Not only are you caking on dry shampoo, and giving this amazing product just a bit too much credit, but you are adding heaps of drying agents to your scalp. This is how dry shampoo works, it dries out the oil. Most dry shampoos are alcohol or starch based. However, if we use too much of this, you are drying your scalp too much, which- dun-dun-duuuuuuun- will in turn make your body kick into high sebum production. Are you following me? We have entered another viscous drying and excess sebum circle.

While we are on the subject of what-not-to-do, please hold the bottle away from your head. Okay, now a little more. You should be spraying a good six to eight inches away from your scalp.

And do not forget to get the sides and back of your head/nape of your neck. Those areas can get extra stinky. We tend to focus on the area where we see a problem, and neglect those we can not see. You’ll feel more clean if you cover your whole head.

Do this, not that

So how do you use dry shampoo properly? I’m so glad you asked!

Here’s my super secret pro-tip; I preemptively use dry shampoo. If I’m loving my hair and want to get another day or two out of a gorg style, I will lightly spray some dry shampoo before I go to bed or workout, to allow the product to work. This stops my body’s natural sebum production from weighing down my locks, by soaking it up before it can ruin my blowout. Using dry shampoo can actually add a bit of texture AND give a volume boost as well. It’s pretty common to love second day hair even more than day one.

Bonus pro-tip; stop touch your hair! I know it feels so silky and it is satisfying to touch it and run your fingers through it. BUT, every time you do this, you are transferring the oils from your fingers and hands to your hair and are adding to oil build up. While we have learned that touching our face is a big no-no, I’m adding no more touching your hair, to the golden rules to follow.

Do spray completely, and lightly. Do not go so crazy that your hair is stiff and feels dirtier than when you began. Too much dry shampoo can actually be really heavy. You run the risk of not only excessively drying it, but also making your hair brittle enough that is becomes so fragile that it can break.

It is pretty common to have your hair appear white from residue, but it should not look like you dumped flour on your head. If you see some dry shampoo residue, wait a few minutes before brushing or combing it through your hair. It is more common to see this on darker shades of hair. Unless, that is, you are using a dry shampoo specifically formulated for your darker hair color. (They exist! And of course I have a recommendation for you!)

Keep it clean

Now, as much as I’m an advocate for the miracle that is dry shampoo, I am also an advocate for a healthy scalp. You cannot live on dry shampoo alone. I’m sorry. I know, that one stings.

We’ve all had that moment, you know the one. Someone compliments you on your hair. Did you just have it done? Dye it? New cut?

Errr, this is awkward. Actually, I just washed it.

Piling on products day after day will take it’s toll. Using any product that is alcohol based will overly dry your hair and scalp. The more you use without taking a break to clarify and clean, the more you are drying out and building up product. Your body will work against even the most valiant of efforts to combat oil. If you’ve gone so long that you can no longer recall when you washed your hair last, you are running the risk of adding more than just a greasy scalp and hair to your issues. Excess sebum production can cause a not-so-pretty thing called Hyperseborrhea. You may not know the word, but I’m sure you know what it is. When sebum from the scalp hardens, it can cake in a thicker, more yellow form. It is not as light as typical dandruff. You may have actually felt it on your scalp before, it feels almost scab-like and will crust over your hair follicles. Persistent cases of Hyperseborrhea should be treated by a dermatologist. Most cases can clear up on their own, or with a change of routine.

In short, wash your hair, you dirty girl. Be nice to your scalp.

Dry Shampoo For Brunettes/Darker Haircolors

QuickieME Dry Shampoo. This is hands down my favorite dry shampoo brand, and it comes in a brunette/dark shade color. The spray is actually brown, so you wont’s ever have to worry about the dreaded flour-head. It comes in full and travel sizes, for the win-win. Grab your QuickieME Dry Shampoo here

Dry Shampoo For Blondes/Lighter Haircolors

Don’t worry fair-haired friends, my fav product line also has a dry shampoo for you too. QuickieME Dry Shampoo for blondes and light hair shades will seamlessly blend into your hair, keep the grease monster away and have you looking fresh. This product comes in full and travel sizes. Grab your QuickieME Dry Shampoo here.

I hope I’ve been able to educate, break any bad habits or preconceived notions regarding dry shampoo, and given you a few things to try.

As always, if there is something I didn’t cover or you have topic specific questions, please comment below. I am here to help.