As I write this blog post, I have ‘day 5’ hair. I haven’t washed it since Sunday! So you know I know a thing or two about dry shampoo! I discovered dry shampoo a couple years ago, and it literally changed my life. I am someone that hates washing and drying my hair. Because I have curly hair, it takes me a lot of time and effort for me to tame my hair and I don’t want to have to do this process every day (or even every few days, let’s be honest). Once dry shampoo was in the mix, hello only washing my hair twice a week! Work smarter not harder people. I think this is my unofficial slogan.
Besides the fact that it saves so much time, it’s also a lot better for my hair. Washing your hair is very drying, and again, because I have curly hair, I don’t need it to be any drier than it already is. I also like that my hair has some grit to it. I can style it in so many more ways (braids, buns, curls, etc.) with a little grease and dirt in it. Sounds gross, but it’s so true!
The 10 Tips That Will Change Your Life
Over the years I have become sort of an expert in dry shampoo. I’m not going to lie, dry shampoo application is kind of an art. You kind of need to know what you’re doing. So anyway, I have learned a few tips over the years and here they are! Some you may know, but some are pro tips.
Apply at night
I generally apply my dry shampoo at night right before bed. I like to do this because it absorbs while I am sleeping and then in the morning there isn’t any white residue. I will also apply day of, especially if I have something at night and I don’t want to get ready again.
Stay away from dry shampoo for brunettes
This is a personal preference, but I do not like the brown dry shampoos. I tried that for a bit, thinking if the dry shampoo is brown, I won’t have to worry about the white residue and I can use it day of. No! This stuff is so messy. It’s on your hands, it’s on your clothes, it’s on your forehead. No thanks! Use in emergency situations only.
Give it Time
Dry shampoo needs time to work. Spray on your roots and wait a few minutes before you assume it’s not working. If you apply day of, it needs about 5 or 10 minutes before you will notice a difference. Again, I like to apply at night so this isn’t really an issue for me. If you’re applying before work in the morning, I suggest applying it and then doing your makeup.
Focus on the part and the crown
I start by parting in different places and then applying it to each part. First, I part down the middle, then a few parts on the left, and then a few parts on the right. Also, thoroughly apply to the crown of your head. Those areas are the most important. I also like to apply near my forehead and then underneath (by my neck) because that can be greasy too.
Use Your Hands
After applying to your roots (focusing on the part and the crown), use your hands to massage it throughout your scalp. You do not need to apply or spread it through to the ends, just throughout your roots. The roots (or first few inches of hair) are the only really greasy part. It would be a waste to apply to all of your hair. You do not need to apply like hair spray. I also recently bought a brush (haven’t owned a brush in 10 years!) and have been experimenting with brushing it through too!
Avoid touching throughout the day
After your initial application and styling, really try not to touch your hair a lot throughout the day. I am the worst at playing with my hair at work (such a bad habit!) The more you touch it, the more grease there will be. This is the same if you do not use dry shampoo as well. Resist the urge!
Apply even on Day 1
This is one of my biggest tips for using dry shampoo. Apply it on day 1! Dry shampoo is not just for dirty hair. Dry shampoo gives your hair a lot of texture and body. If you have thin or fine hair like me, this will make your hair look so much fuller. I also like that I can do so much more with it. I also feel like dry shampoo is kind of preventative? Like if you have it in on day 1, your hair doesn’t get greasy in the first place.
Tapioca Starch
Look for dry shampoos with tapioca starch. Tapioca starch makes your hair look really think. You can actually use just plain tapioca starch (not even dry shampoo) as a very affordable DIY option. I also really like this dry shampoo. It’s an aerosol (so not completely safe), but a better option than a lot of them because it’s free of parabens and aluminum.
Before working out and after
A common question I get on how I go so long between washes is working out. What do you do about super sweaty hair after a workout? My secret is that I apply dry shampoo before working AND after. This is such a pro tip! The dry shampoo works hard (absorbing oil) the whole time you’re working out. Then touch it up with a little dry shampoo after as well. Try this out!
After a Blowout
Dry shampoo will make your blowout last longer! I got a blowout for Fashion Week in the Spring, and I applied dry shampoo daily and it literally lasted a week. I have a friend that gets a blowout once a week and just uses dry shampoo between blowouts. Love this tip!
My Current Favorite
This is my favorite dry shampoo right now. It is a totally safe beauty option – no parabens, aluminum, butane, etc. That being said, it’s not an aerosol. Aerosols contain butane and propane, and can be harmful to your health, so I’ve been trying to get away from aerosols. I love myself an aerosol can (and it is so hard to part with), but I like that this product is completely safe. This product is a little more expensive, but I am pleasantly surprised with how long it lasts. Unlike aerosol cans (that seem to be gone in a second), this lasts forever. I could go through a can of dry shampoo every few weeks and this will last me months. You just shake a little bit into your palms, and then work it through with your hands. I love the way it smells too! Some natural shampoos have a clay kind of smell, but this one is very nice. I highly recommend!
