Find out how to use dry shampoo to get clean healthy hair.

Get the Low-Down on Dry Shampoo

Everything You Need to Know About Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is one of those things that came along and completely revolutionized a whole industry. Gone are the days of limp hair and greasy roots, with a quick spritz we can all enjoy a fresher ‘do with heaps of volume and texture.

It started off with just a few products on the drugstore shelves, nowadays there’s a whole range of brands who have jumped on the dry shampoo hype and have something to offer. However, not all dry shampoos are created equally, and whilst some achieve top marks for refreshing second-day hair, others leave locks feeling clogged up and dirty — and don’t even get us started on that dreaded white residue.

If you’re keen to incorporate dry shampoo into your hair care routine and trust us you won’t look back, read on to discover our top dry shampoo picks and how to use dry shampoo.

Types of Dry Shampoo

Traditional Dry Shampoo

Although dry shampoo as we know it hasn’t been around for that long, there has already been lots of developments and innovations with the formulas. However, the original dry shampoo is still a popular choice.

The traditional dry shampoo comes as an aerosol, using ingredients such as talc or cornstarch to soak up excess oils and leave hair feeling grease-free. They’re great for those with fine hair who want more texture and volume, however, they can leave a white cast behind so not ideal for those with darker hair.

Colored Dry Shampoo

Most colored dry shampoos are very similar to the traditional dry shampoos, using an aerosol to disperse talc, however, these contain a coloring to them so they blend much easier into the hair. You can get them in all shades, such as brunette, black, blonde and auburn, so you can enjoy oil-free hair without the white cast.

Invisible Dry Shampoos

Rather than adding a color, some dry shampoos now claim to be completely invisible on the hair, leaving no white residue behind. These often use aluminum starch as opposed to talc or cornstarch, which sprays on finely for little product build up and leaves hair feeling fresh and volumized.

Dry Shampoos with a Shine Finish

Some people absolutely love the matte effect that dry shampoo delivers, especially if they’re after volume. However, for others, it can leave hair looking dry and drab, so nowadays there are dry shampoos available which promise a soft and shiny finish as opposed to the traditional rough matte look.

Powdered Dry Shampoos

Instead of using an aerosol to disperse product, some brands have created more environmentally friendly dry shampoos which come in powder form that you shake out onto the scalp. These can be a little bit messier than your typical aerosol cans but with some practice, you can still enjoy the same refreshed results.

How to Use Dry Shampoo

When applied correctly, dry shampoo can do absolute wonders for the hair, giving it that freshly washed appearance, however, it’s easy to make some mistakes along the way. Don’t worry, we’ve got some great tips on how you can achieve the best results with dry shampoo.

1. Spray 10 Inches Away From the Roots

One of the biggest mistakes people make when applying dry shampoo is going too close to the root which concentrates too much product in one place, leaving hair feeling clogged up with lots of residue. Spray at least 10 inches away from your roots to ensure an even distribution of product.

2. Only Apply to Areas that Actually Need It

Applying dry shampoo all over your hair will leave it looking dry and feeling stiff, so instead stick to the areas that actually need it, less is more when it comes to dry shampoo. Concentrate the product on the root area as opposed to the lengths, and wait a few minutes before going in with a second spritz if needed.

3. Massage the Product In

If you simply spritz and go, the dry shampoo will just sit on top of your hair making it feel heavy and weighed down. Wait a few moments for the product to absorb the excess oils then lightly massage it into your scalp for a lightweight feel.

4. Don’t Use It Every Single Day

Using too much product on your hair will clog up your follicles and leave it feeling dirtier and heavier than before, and dry shampoo is no exception. Try to avoid relying too much on dry shampoo, and if you do reach for it regularly, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to reduce product buildup.

Our top dry shampoo picks

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Of course, we have to start off with the classic dry shampoo brand: Batiste. These were the guys that made dry shampoo so popular and they have such an extensive range that they couldn’t be missed off our top picks list. Their Strength & Shine Dry Shampoo is one of our favourites if you’re after a glossy finish instead of the traditional mattified look.

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo

The Klorane dry shampoo has won a tonne of awards, and it’s not surprising as to why. If you suffer from a sensitive scalp, Klorane’s natural formula will be perfect for you. Enriched with gentle oak milk, this dry shampoo isn’t just there to manage oil levels but will protect and moisturize your hair. They also have a tinted formula available for darker hair.

Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-powder

If you’re after an aerosol-free dry shampoo, Bumble and Bumble have the perfect offering. Pret-a-powder comes in a small shaker, and although it’s expensive a little goes a long way with this one. The powder is finely milled and translucent so refreshes hair without leaving it feeling clogged up with a white cast. It also has a gorgeous citrus scent to perfume your locks.