But if you\u2019ve ever ended up with a chalky, dusty mess after application, McDonald has a fix: a makeup brush. \u201cGo get a cheap, fluffy powder brush or use an old one and make that your dedicated dry shampoo applicator,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a game-changer. Just sprinkle your dry shampoo on the makeup brush, tap it so the powder falls into the brush as if you were putting on loose powder, and apply to your roots. It\u2019s so easy and way less messy.”<\/p>\n
The truth about talc<\/h2>\n
Some people use talc powder as a makeshift dry shampoo. But McDonald warns against the common ingredient found in certain cosmetics as well as in baby powder. \u201cTalc is associated with cancers in or around the lungs when inhaled<\/a> and can cause certain cancers where the powder is used on the body<\/a>. You wouldn\u2019t use dish soap to wash your hair, so just stick with actual dry shampoo. It\u2019s specifically formulated for your hair and typically has added ingredients that help with hair growth and scalp nourishment\u2014win-win.\u201d<\/p>\n Aerosol dry shampoo is an alternative that may be user-friendly in application\u2014just shake and spray\u2014but the ingredient lists are typically long and include: isobutane<\/a>, propane<\/a>, alcohol, panthenol<\/a>, wheat protein, synthetic fragrance and phenoxyethanol<\/a> (or another preservative). Translation: More potentially toxic ingredients that can be harmful both to you and the environment.<\/p>\n They also don\u2019t last as long as dry shampoo powder, says McDonald, who admits she was an \u201caerosol dry shampoo junkie\u201d before she found her favorite dry shampoo powder. “I would go through one can of dry shampoo in a month, while my dry shampoo powder lasts close to six months! So in the end you\u2019re spending more money on aerosols if you\u2019re regularly using dry shampoo.\u201d<\/p>\n Dry shampoo is an equal opportunity product\u2014everyone can use it. While those with oily hair<\/a> will likely grab it first, McDonald says even people with dry hair<\/a> can use it as a refresh. “If you have oily hair you\u2019ll most likely use it every day that you are not washing your hair. If you have dry hair you might use it every other day or every third day, depending on your styling needs.\u201d<\/p>\n If you have dark locks, experiment with different dry shampoos to ensure it doesn\u2019t leave a white residue. Brush your hair after applying your dry shampoo (powder or aerosol). Your hair shouldn\u2019t look white, she says. If it does, then try less product next time or try another dry shampoo.<\/p>\n Whichever route you choose, it\u2019s best to shop for products like you do for food. \u201cIf you can\u2019t pronounce an ingredient, take a second thought on if you want to be putting that on your body,\u201d McDonald says.<\/p>\n\n\nDry shampoo sprays<\/h2>\n
The bottom line<\/h2>\n
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