How & When to Apply Dry Shampoo for the Best Results

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Plus, how to choose the right dry shampoo for your hair type
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If your hair looks greasy and you’re just not in the mood to wash it, dry shampoo may be the perfect product for you! Dry shampoo is like deodorant for your hair. With a quick spritz or pat, you can have fresher-looking hair in no time. But how do you use it, and how do you know what product is best for you? Read on to learn everything there is to know about dry shampoo and how to apply it.

Things You Should Know

  • Hold the dry shampoo bottle 6 in (15 cm) from your hair and spray along the roots. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then massage into your scalp until it blends with your hair.
  • Use dry shampoo to refresh your hair between washes or to give your hair more texture and volume when styling.
  • Avoid using dry shampoo as a long-term substitute for regular shampoo, as the product could dry out your hair and cause breakage.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Apply Dry Shampoo

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Spray dry shampoo over your roots, sectioning your hair if needed.
    Shake the dry shampoo bottle and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hair.[1] Then, spray the product liberally to the roots of your hair until the product is visible, focusing on the areas with the most grease. Flip sections of your hair up or back to ensure all of your roots are covered in the shampoo.
    • It's okay if your hair looks chalky after applying dry shampoo, especially if you have darker hair. Excess residue will disappear when you work the product in later.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Let the shampoo sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
    Dry shampoo needs time to absorb the oils in your hair, so leave the product be for at least 5 minutes. The longer you wait, the more oil the dry shampoo will absorb.[2]
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  3. Work your fingers through your hair as you would when washing it in the shower. Rub the dry shampoo throughout your scalp and roots until it blends into your hair and you can no longer see it.[3]
  4. Some dry shampoo might linger in your hair after you've rubbed it in. If this is the case, use a brush to distribute the shampoo throughout your hair and remove excess powder.
    • If your hair remains chalky, blow dry your hair on a cool, low setting.
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Section 2 of 3:

When should you use dry shampoo?

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  1. Sometimes, your hair needs a little refresh before you give it a good cleansing scrub—and this is exactly what dry shampoo is for! This product is great to use on days when your hair is a bit greasy, but you don’t feel like washing it in the shower just yet.
    • Overall, do what’s best for your hair and hair care routine.
  2. Looking to give your hair a little more va-va-voom? Consider applying some dry shampoo before curling or straightening it! This is a great way to add texture and height to your hair.
    • Make sure your hair is completely dry before applying any dry shampoo product.
    • Don’t be afraid to add dry shampoo to clean hair for this purpose.
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Apply dry shampoo before you go to bed.
    Spraying your hair with dry shampoo at the end of the day can help prevent your roots from getting oily at night. Simply spray on the product, then in the morning, massage it into your scalp and brush it out.
    • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to help protect your hair from drying out overnight.
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Try to avoid using dry shampoo 2 days in a row.
    Dry shampoo is a great product to use when you’re in a pinch, but it shouldn’t be a full-time substitute for hair washing. Overusing dry shampoo can dry out your hair and lead to excess buildup, making your hair dirtier and weakening your hair follicles. So, try to only use it when necessary.[4]
    • In extreme cases, overusing dry shampoo may lead to hair loss.
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Section 3 of 3:

Which dry shampoo should you use?

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Opt for a...
    Opt for a classic aerosol shampoo for convenience. The most popular type of dry shampoo comes in a can that sprays on (just like hairspray). This type is easy to apply and spray on, covering your roots in an even layer of product.
    • Best for: All hair types
    • Spray-on dry shampoos also come in a range of colors. Those with dark hair can purchase tinted dry shampoo to match their hair color.
  2. Purchase powder dry shampoo if you have allergies or smell sensitivities. Spray shampoos can irritate those sensitive to strong smells or who have allergies or asthma. If you fall into one of these categories, go for a powder dry shampoo. Instead of spraying the product on, you pat and rub it in with your fingers.
    • Best for: Fine hair[5]
  3. Go with a foam dry shampoo for added volume. If you primarily use dry shampoo to add height and texture to your hair, opt for a foaming product. Like powder shampoos, these are patted and rubbed onto the scalp (think of it like a mousse).[6]
    • Best for: Flat hair
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Avoid butane-based shampoos.
    Some store-bought shampoos contain chemicals like butane or isobutane, which can cause hair damage and health risks if used excessively.[7] Along with this, butane-based shampoos can also be bad for the environment. Look for dry shampoos made of natural, eco-friendly ingredients or make your own to avoid potential health risks.
    • Butane is a colorless and flammable gas found in many aerosol products.[8]
    • Cornstarch can also be used as a dry shampoo alternative. Simply dab it onto greasy roots with your fingertips and rub it in gently.
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Expert Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    Can dry shampoo damage your hair?
    How.com.vn English: Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    How.com.vn English: Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Dry shampoo can't damage your strands, but it can clog your follicles. Dry shampoo can also interfere with your hair's natural oil production if used too frequently.
  • Question
    Can you use dry shampoo on dry hair?
    How.com.vn English: Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    How.com.vn English: Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, in fact, you should always apply dry shampoo to dry hair. If your hair is dehydrated, you may want to use dry conditioner instead. It will also add volume and hold, but hydrates hair as well.
  • Question
    How does dry shampoo work?
    How.com.vn English: Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    How.com.vn English: Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Dry shampoo is a very fine powder. It works by coating your hair in an absorbent layer that adds volume and soaks up oil.
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      Tips

      • Smell dry shampoo before buying it to ensure you like (and can tolerate) the scent.[9]
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      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Michael Van den Abbeel
      Co-authored by:
      Professional Hair Stylist
      This article was co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and by How.com.vn staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon. This article has been viewed 931,984 times.
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      Co-authors: 34
      Updated: January 23, 2024
      Views: 931,984
      Article SummaryX

      To use dry shampoo, separate a 2 inch section above your forehead from the rest of your hair. Then, holding the bottle 6 inches from your head, start spraying from the roots to the tips. Repeat this with the next section of hair, working your way down to the nape of your neck. Let the shampoo sit for 10 minutes, then use your fingers to massage it in. To finish, brush away any excess shampoo with a paddle brush. If there is any visible shampoo left, try blow drying your hair on the cool setting to get rid of it. For tips from our Beauty Reviewer on picking the right dry shampoo, read on!

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 931,984 times.

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