FAQs:

What to look for in a good dry shampoo?

Ingredients:

Regardless of our different hair types and styling preferences, one thing we’re all undoubtedly looking for in a dry shampoo is effective oil absorption. “Ingredients like rice starch or translucent micro-powders are great for soaking up excess sebum and refreshing the roots, while still letting the hair breathe,” explains hair stylist and salon co-founder, Hadley Yates.

Aside from the oil absorbents, strengthening peptides and keratin are often found in premium formulas that promise to help repair damaged hair. And ingredients like aloe vera and coconut extract are great for leaving your locks lovely and shiny.

Dealing with scalp sensitivity and dryness? “Look for a formula that incorporates ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to help minimise irritation,” suggest REHAB co-founders, Vicky Ellis and Anastasia Muca. Seriously soothing, ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and oat extract are great options.

Aerosol, mist, or powder:

Great for an instant hair refresh on the go, aerosol spray cans are the most common format for dry shampoo, ensuring even distribution, effortless lift, and instantly effective oil absorption. They’re definitely the most common option, but they’re also quite drying on the hair and scalp, meaning an aerosol dry shampoo likely won’t be quite right for you if you’re already dealing with damage or dryness.

Alternatively, non-aerosol sprays are still relatively easy to apply, and aren’t as drying. Typically dispensed as a fine mist from a manual pump, they’re far better for sensitive skin — but will require a little more precision when spraying to ensure the product has been evenly distributed.

Finally, non-aerosol powders have a more gritty feel that’s really helpful for adding grip and texture when styling — especially if you’ve got fine hair that could do with additional volume. They’re also much kinder to sensitive scalps and dry hair than aerosol sprays — although they will require far more precise application and blending in if you want to avoid any obvious residue.

Visible residue:

Most dry shampoo formulas will be barely visible on your hair as long as you’ve properly blended them in — but if you’re keen to avoid any residue at all, look for an ‘invisible’ formula that won’t leave behind any telltale chalky residue. Alternatively, those with dark hair might want to consider a formula that’s been tinted brown or black.

When should you use dry shampoo?

“Think of dry shampoo as a style extender to refresh your hair in between washes,” explain Vicky and Anastasia. With this in mind, it’s the product to reach for first for last-minute plans, busy mornings, and post-gym styling, when a full hair wash just wouldn’t be practical. “A key thing to remember is to use it when your hair needs it — not just out of habit,” Hadley adds.

Helpfully, a dry shampoo formula will also come in handy if you’re looking to add a little oomph and texture to otherwise limp and lifeless locks, or get better grip to secure an updo or braid in place. “We like a dry shampoo formula that gives volume at the root, and provides clean hair with grip and texture for styling,” Vicky and Anastasia add.

How to apply dry shampoo:

If you want to get the most out of your dry shampoo and make it work hard for you, there are a few things you can do. “Create a centre parting, and start at the nape of your neck spritzing it into the roots and working your way up to the parting,” explains hairstylist and colourist Anna Wiig. she shares.

Continue to part the hair to make sure you’re reaching all of your roots across your entire scalp for even coverage. “Once you’ve let it marinate for a few minutes, gently brush the hair or use your fingers to remove the excess — ensuring it’s not visible,” Anna explains. “Nobody wants that telltale white powder on their scalp!”

How often can you use dry shampoo?

This will vary from person to person, and depends on a few different things — like your hair type, and lifestyle factors such as how regularly you wash your hair, style it with heat, and work out.

“For most people, using dry shampoo roughly 1–2 times between washes is ideal,” says Hadley. “This should be ample to keep your roots looking fresh, without overloading the scalp.”

Is dry shampoo safe for your hair?

Yes — as long as you’re not overusing it. “If you’re continually layering dry shampoo on day after day, you can expect build-up on the scalp, and clogged hair follicles — which will lead to dryness and irritation,” Hadley explains. “Essentially, while dry shampoo is a great tool for extending the life of your hair between washes, it isn’t in any way a replacement for actually washing your hair.”

According to Hadley, you still need to be giving your hair a proper cleanse in the shower every few days to make sure the product is properly washed out between uses. For targeted tackling of any build-up, try a clarifying shampoo.

Combined with this dry shampoo hairdryer hack and the best hairstyles to hide greasy hair, you’ll never suffer from dirty looking hair again. Fancy shopping some more? We’ve got shampoos for thin hair, hair serums and the best soothing shampoo for itchy scalps and dandruff.