Do Dry Shampoos Work?

Dry shampoos--hair products designed to extend the time in between washings--work well for virtually anyone. Dry shampoo products soak up excess oil and hair products to refresh your hair almost instantly. Try a dry shampoo if you are pressed for time or need your hairstyle to look fresh in a pinch.

Who Needs to Use Dry Shampoo

Too lazy to wash your hair today? Is bad weather giving you a case of the greasies? Did you sleep in too late to take a shower? If you have ever answered yes to any of these questions, dry shampoo may be a useful hair product for you. Dry shampoo is designed to get you through until your next shampoo.

Benefits of Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo soaks up oil, grease and excess hair product and refreshes your hairstyle. Daily hair washing isn't good for your hair, so if you can extend the time in between full washes with a dry shampoo, it will benefit the overall condition of your hair. On top of these benefits, dry shampoo is fast and easy to use, taking only two to five minutes to refresh your hair versus an hour spent showering and blow drying.

How to Use Dry Shampoo

Most dry shampoos come in an aerosol spray form. Part your hair in two-inch sections from the front of your hairline back and spray the dry shampoo toward the roots. Do this all over and let it sit for about two to five minutes. Then brush through hair with a natural bristle brush to get rid of any dry shampoo residue.

Types of Dry Shampoo

As dry shampoo gains in popularity, more and more hair product brands are coming out with their own version. The most popular dry shampoo type is the aerosol spray because it is easy and convenient to use. Another type of dry shampoo comes in powder form and is sprinkled onto the roots of your hair, then brushed through, similar to how an aerosol dry shampoo is used.

Dry Shampoo Alternatives

Looking for an alternative to a dry shampoo? There are alternatives to store-bought products. If your hair color is on the lighter side, sprinkle some baby powder on your roots and brush through for a similar effect to a dry shampoo. If your hair is dark, you can lightly spray hairspray on roots and then use a blow dryer set on high heat after. The alcohol in the hairspray should help to dry up any greasy spots and the blow dryer will refresh your hair, leaving it ready to be styled.