Our Top Hair Hacks: Facts About Dry Shampoo

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Jun 08 2022,

3 Min read

Hair care products are a bit like celebrities—they gain a following and then the rumor mill begins to swirl. Dry shampoo, a decades old solution to hair woes, has recently secured its place on the A-list, sparking a lengthy debate about its merits and utility along the way. If you’ve found yourself debating adding the miracle product to your hair care routine, don’t worry. Here, we work to outline the truth about dry shampoo: Does dry shampoo clean your hair? Is dry shampoo damaging?

Table of Contents

Does dry shampoo actually clean your hair?

Don’t let the name fool you. Dry shampoo is not a substitute for shampoo. Dry shampoos are sprays or powders that “clean” hair without water by absorbing oils from the scalp. While no one likes dirty hair, it’s also tricky trying to figure out how often you should be washing your hair. Traditional shampoos work to cleanse the scalp and hair of dirt, oils and other unwelcome environmental substances. Because dry shampoo works without water, hair can only get clean up to a certain point. Moreover, most dry shampoos can build up along the roots after extended use. Are there benefits to not washing your hair? While dry shampoo can extend your time between washes, you’ll still want to carve out time to give your hair a good lather and rinse.

Does dry shampoo work on textured hair?

There’s a common misconception that dry shampoo is a no-no for curly or textured hair. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Dry shampoo, when applied lightly, coats curls and creates a thin, protective film that seals in moisture and prevents coils from interlocking. Looking for some dry shampoo tips? Because curls need a lot of moisture, curly girls are advised to use the product with discretion to prevent drying and to only apply product to the roots.

Will dry shampoo make your hair ashy?

This question continues to surface on online hair forums, specifically among people with dark hair. Because dry shampoo is a white, powder-based solution, it can leave a pale, grayish ring in the spots where it’s been applied. However, high quality dry shampoos take all hair colors into consideration. Look for products that have been specifically formulated for dark colored hair or even contain a bit of color. Hair hack: when applying, use discretion, as dry shampoo becomes visible when over-applied to follicles.

Is dry shampoo damaging?

Don’t worry – dry shampoo does not cause long-term damage. Most of the horror stories or blog posts you’ve read are authored by people who weren’t applying the product correctly or who substituted the product for traditional shampoo. If you use dry shampoo in conjunction with hydrating and nourishing shampoos and conditioners, you’ll keep hair balanced long term. If you’re still skeptical, try switching up the dry shampoo you’re using. Ones formulated without talc, parabens and sulfates will yield the best results.

As amazing as dry shampoo is for fixing your “dirty” hair in a pinch, you’ll need to have a solid hair care system at the core of your routine. Get started with your custom formula by taking the Prose consultation here.