Is Dry Shampoo Really Worth the Hype?

How many of us have skipped a hair-wash day or two? It’s okay, we’ve all been there. Dry shampoo helps us get through the week when we’ve had a long day with the kids, a work day, or even a night class. We use it 3 - 4 times a week to keep us from looking like golems. Have you noticed that sometimes it causes our scalp to itch? So is it worth all the hype?

The Truth About Dry Shampoo

 brunette female is spraying hair spray onto hair

Source: Pinterest

How Did Dry Shampoo Come About?

Here’s an interesting fact that you didn’t know about. The first ever written indication or reference of dry shampoo dates back to the late 1700s! Starches were used to deodorize and alter the color of wigs. They also used powders to freshen the wigs of the high societal elites, which was a sign of privileged.

DIY Coconut Oil Hair Spray + Rosemary Volumizing Powder
Source: Pinterest

What’s the Purpose of Dry Shampoo?

Fast forward to the 21st century, and our need for dry shampoo is only slightly different. We use dry shampoo now as an alcohol-based or starch-based spray to eliminate excess oils, dirt, and grease that builds up in the hair in between washes. There are also dry shampoos in powder form that uses no water!

fine thin brown hair_top of head_scalp
Source: Pinterest

When is the Best Time to Apply Dry Shampoo?

While most of us apply dry shampoo in the morning as we’re getting ready for the day, did you know that it’s actually best to apply dry shampoo at night, right before going to bed?

This is because when you apply dry shampoo at night, it gives it time to absorb all the oil from your scalp and hair so you can wake up with refreshed strands that aren’t greasy or oily!

girl with brown hair spraying hair spray into hair
Source: Pinterest

Is Dry Shampoo Safe?

Since the purpose of dry shampoo is to absorb oils, grease, and dirt that build up, it contains fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants that can cause allergic reactions. In most recent news, several popular dry shampoo products have been recalled due to potentially containing high levels of benzene, which has been linked to causing cancer.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, are there any dry shampoos that are safe and don’t cause cancer? And the answer is yes! There are dry shampoo brands that don’t contain benzene, and there are cleaner alternatives as well!

Here are some of our favorite natural, dry shampoos to try

Briogeo Hair Care Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo - $25

We love this charcoal-infused dry shampoo that detoxifies, refreshes, and balances for optimal scalp and hair health. It’s nature-friendly and comes in aerosol-free packaging. It’s also formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients.

Briogeo Hair Care Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo - 1.7 fl oz - Ulta Beauty
Source: Target

Acure All Hair Types Dry Shampoo - $9

We love this easy-to-use, fast-acting dry shampoo that absorbs oil and removes grime without water, leaving hair refreshed. With ingredients like kaolin and arrowroot to help absorb impurities and rosemary and peppermint refresh. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum, mineral oil, and formaldehyde!

Acure All Hair Types Dry Shampoo - 1.7 fl oz
Source: Target

Can I Make Dry Shampoo at Home?

Did you know that you can also create dry shampoo at home with only two ingredients? Here’s our go-to recipe you need to try!

Baking Soda + Cocoa Powder Dry Shampoo Recipe

We love this recipe because it uses common household items to create a fast-absorbing powder to add volume.

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Directions:

Mix the ingredients until you get a solid color (adjust as needed). Sprinkle the powers onto your roots, then massage into your hair, and blow dry for a minute or two to blend (as needed)!

Baby Powder

If you’re out of baking soda or cocoa powder, an easy alternative is baby powder! Just make sure to brush or blow dry to distribute evenly throughout your hair!

brush with powder

Source: Pinterest

What Hair Type is Best Suitable for Dry Shampoo?

We have great news if you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair! Yes, those are all the hair types, and yes, dry shampoo works best for all hair types!

hair type chart with 12 different hairstyles

Source: Pinterest

Now that you’ve gotten a closer look at dry shampoo, you’ll be ready to take on the day with refreshed roots!

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