The 5 new rules of dry shampoo
Are you spritzing correctly?
It’s the superhero of products, banishing bad hair days with a single spray. Whether you’re dealing with post-gym oil slicks or just want to add volume, try these pro tips.
Along with micellar water and GHDs, dry shampoo might just be one of the greatest beauty inventions of the past century. Just ask Khloe Kardashian, who describes herself as a “connoisseur of dry shampoo”.
Despite this hair product’s legion of fans, it’s copped a bad rap in recent years, from warnings around ingredients to concerns about it triggering itch and dandruff.
In truth, the category has moved on since the early iterations of grease-grabbing corn or aluminium starch. Dry shampoo is still designed to soak up visible oil at the roots and replace it with volume, but today’s products – when used the right way – can even treat and target specific aesthetic issues.
“We all love our dry shampoo,” says Melbourne-based dermatologist, Katherine Armour, who agrees the beauty staple has its merits. But while it’s “fine in an emergency, you don’t want to put more foreign product on the scalp, which is just going to make greasiness worse,” she warns.
Anthony Nader, one of Australia’s most sought-after stylists, is firmly in the fan camp, too – with caveats. “Dry shampoo is the answer for anyone wanting extra volume, not only on the root area but also in the mid-lengths,” he says. The trick is to follow these smart strategies before you start spritzing.
RULE 1: Dry shampoo doesn’t give you leeway to wash hair less
“This is one of the biggest misconceptions,” says Nader, founder of celeb go-to salon, RAW, in Sydney. “I’m a huge advocate for low-maintenance styling, but you still need to wash your hair two to three times a week. Dry shampoo is just a band-aid if you need a little help to power you through to your next wash.”
RULE 2: Go light on the roots and avoid strands for optimal shine
“If you go overboard, which I’ve seen over the years, the scalp can accumulate a fine layer of product,” warns Nader, adding this means that the “skin is suffocating and can’t breathe”. Cue itch and flakiness. Besides, excess spray on hair strands just makes them look dull.
RULE 3: The results are only as good as your application know-how
Technique is key, especially if you’re using dry shampoo after a big gym session. “First, give your hair a good brush from roots to ends,” advises Nader. “Then tip your head over, spritz roots where needed and massage it in. Finally, tip your head upright, smooth around your hairline and partline, and you’re good to go.”
RULE 4: Take the win after exercise, but then wash your hair ASAP
This is especially the case if you have dandruff or scalp irritation, says dermatologist Dr Leona Yip, as exercise-induced sweat and oil can build up over time. Opt for a good detox or treatment shampoo. Still, it’s OK to use dry shampoo two days in a row if your hair and scalp aren’t dirty, says Nader. “Finer hair types may want to give the root area a little extra punch every day.”
RULE 5: Expensive doesn’t mean better. Instead, go for a custom fit
“There are loads on the market and what works beautifully for me may not work for you,” notes Nader. “You could find a $6 dry shampoo is your saving grace compared to the $80 ‘Rolls Royce’ brand. If so, lucky you.” Sounds like it’s time to take after Khloe K and test a dry shampoo smorgasbord.