Dry shampoo is, arguably, one of the best inventions of modern times. Because washing your hair every single day can become a bit of a chore, right? Even though it was first created to extend the washing period just that little bit longer, dry shampoo is now used in a multitude of other ways. It can create texture, add serious volume, and generally help you to create the style you're looking for (bed hair anyone?).
Understandably, using dry shampoo can also conjure up a myriad of questions. We decided to use our haircare knowledge to answer some of your burning q's about this little miracle product and how you can use it to best effect.
It may sound silly but, what actually is dry shampoo?
It's not silly at all!
Dry shampoo is a haircare and styling tool that absorbs excess oil from the scalp to give you a freshly washed look for longer. It comes in powder and spray form and contains a variety of ingredients to superficially clean the hair and scalp without the need for water.
Formulas are varied, but all generally contain a propellant, an absorbent and an abrasive that work together to make hair look fresher. Propellants (like butane) help to spread the dry shampoo through the hair, while absorbents (like cornflour) soak up oil like tiny sponges. When you brush your hair these starch particles also act as an abrasive, moving the ingredient down the hair shaft and helping to disperse the formula.
Does dry shampoo really work?
Quite simply, yes! Dry shampoo is tried and tested, and if you haven’t used it yet, it could be your new BFF. It’s a water-free option for cleaning your hair, and so much more. It will rescue you when there is no time to wash your hair and can revive and refresh your strands in an instant. It absorbs excess oil, removes dirt, eliminates odour and leaves you with a beautifully clean and fresh feel. Dry shampoo can totally revive flat, lifeless or oily hair. Percy & Reed dry shampoos also impart a bright, delicate fragrance to keep your hair smelling delightfully fresh. A dreamy blend of leafy green top notes and garden flowers.
What’s the best way to use dry shampoo?
With the busy lives of today, there just isn’t always enough time to squeeze in a hair wash. Even at Percy & Reed, we need to skip a hair wash now and again. (We won’t tell if you don’t!).
Using dry shampoo can also help to prevent over washing, which can be a problem in and of itself. If you wash your hair every day, it strips away natural oils and proteins you need to keep your hair and scalp healthy. So dry shampoo really is a saviour for those in-between days when you need to refresh your hair in an instant. Dry shampoos do so much more than clean oily roots these days. Using dry shampoo such as our Turn Up The Volume Volumising Dry Shampoo can also help you keep your super bouncy blow dry a little longer before washing, prolong the life of your hair colour or give your hair an instant boost by adding texture and volume. This little lifesaver is an essential addition to your hair product collection.
When it comes to applying dry shampoo how much you need really depends on your hair type. Fine/thin hair will only need a few quick spritzes to get that just-washed look, while thicker hair will need more. Curly-haired girls need to be careful during application as some dry shampoos can add too much volume to hair, while those with straight hair can shake and apply to the roots and shake through with fingertips before brushing out.
Can I use dry shampoo instead of washing my hair?
You can use dry shampoo on in-between wash days or to freshen up your style, but it definitely doesn’t replace your shampoo and regular hair washing.
It’s best to try and avoid becoming over-reliant on dry shampoo as overuse can cause a build-up. If you are reaching for the dry shampoo for the third day it might be time to hit the shower instead! We recommend using it no more than two days in a row.
How do I use dry shampoo and get the best result?
Great question! Dry shampoo is the most effective when it is used correctly. So here are our top tips for using it:
- Don’t spray your dry shampoo too close to your head. We recommend spraying 10 to 20 cm away and spraying into roots so that the product is evenly distributed.
- Use on dry hair only. Dry shampoo is a dry hair styling product and shouldn’t really be applied to wet hair (although, if you Google it you may find some people enjoy using it this way as a styling product!)
- Once applied, be sure to massage into the roots with your fingers, leave it for a minute or two and then brush through. Massaging the product into the roots will help cleanse the hair more evenly and thoroughly. Use a brush to distribute the particles from root to tip.