How to Freshen Hair With Talcum Powder

In addition to freshening hair, talcum powder can be used to treat diaper rash, chafing and minor skin irritations.

Using talcum powder to freshen hair does not take the place of a thorough hair washing, but it can help to improve the appearance of dirty or greasy hair. Talcum powder is a cosmetic preparation consisting of the mineral talc in powder form, typically perfumed. Because of its moisture-absorbent properties, talcum powder soaks up excess oils from the hair, particularly on the scalp. By reducing the amount of oil present in the hair and on the scalp, talc works like a dry shampoo, removing impurities that can make hair appear dirty. Using talc to freshen hair is especially useful for individuals who have oily scalps and for those with hair that dries out from frequent washings.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Blow-dryer
• Natural-bristle brush
• Talcum powder

Instructions

1. Remove any moisture on the hair, using a clean, dry towel and a blow-dryer. Brush the hair segment by segment, covering the entire scalp.

2. Lift a segment of the hair at the part (if any) or at the forward edge of the scalp. Brush the segment of hair thoroughly, applying gentle pressure at the scalp to remove debris and draw the oils down along the hair strands.

3. Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder onto the bristles of a medium-size makeup brush, such as a blush brush. If you don't have a brush available, use a soft piece of terry cloth to apply the talc. Distribute the powder evenly, avoiding clumps.

4. Allow the talc to remain on the hair for a few moments then slowly brush the hair to remove any powder residue. Continue brushing from the roots to the ends until no talcum powder is visible on the hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Maximize the effectiveness of using talcum powder to freshen your hair by using a natural-bristle brush instead of one made from synthetic materials. Often made of boar bristle, natural brushes feature keratin which creates less friction and wear on the hair during brushing. Natural bristles also help to redistribute hair oils more evenly.

• Avoid using talcum powder to clean hair on several consecutive days. Multiple applications of talcum powder may form a waxy buildup, resulting in clogged skin pores along the scalp line and clogged hair follicles. To effectively cleanse the hair and scalp, shampoo and rinse your hair as soon as possible.

References

• Hairfinder: Talcum Powder Against Greasy Hair
• MSN Lifestyle: Hair Brush: Choosing The Right One For Your Hair