Health & Beauty

How To *Properly* Use Dry Shampoo According To A Stylist (+ 9 Picks)

June 15, 2024

As the summer heat intensifies, maintaining our hair can become a challenge. With a few spritzes of dry shampoo though, you can breathe new life into your hair between washes. 

As someone with fine, oily hair I tend to rely on dry shampoos a lot year round but especially in the summer when it’s hot and greasy. 

We chatted with Osaka Jagoda, Chatters Creative Stylist to better understand how to conquer the season and properly use dry shampoo. 

According to Jagoda, dry shampoos come in the following forms : 

  1. Powders: Great for adding volume and targeting specific areas.
  2. Foam:  An ideal option for fine hair as it’s weightless.
  3. Aerosols:  Perfect for quick application and even distribution.

Tips for proper technique for applying dry shampoo to achieve the best results without leaving a noticeable residue or buildup: 

  1. Pick a product based on your hair type and colour.

“Depending on your hair type and colour, be sure to pick a product that matches your requirements” said Jagoda. 

“If you’re blonde or have light-colored hair, opt for a translucent option. For brunettes or those with dark hair, opt for a tinted product to avoid any noticeable residue.”

  1. Ensure your hair is sectioned.

“When applying product, you want to work one section at a time and hold it close to your scalp,” said Jagoda. 

“The trick is to apply product to your scalp in a circular motion. This will ensure even distribution and prevent any clumping or buildup.”

You know when you’ve sprayed a lot at once and go “oh shoot!” because it simply won’t blend? Well according to Jagoda, the key is not to overdo it.

“Start with small sprays and build up as needed – you can always add more if necessary,” adds Jagoda.

  1. Brush the product through your hair.

“Once you’ve sprayed the section, use your fingers or a soft brush to work the product through your hair. This will help disperse the dry shampoo evenly and give your hair that clean, airy feel.”

Pro tip from Jagoda: Remember to apply it when your hair is dirty. You can also use it on your roots to absorb oil and give your hair extra volume.

How often should dry shampoo be used to maintain healthy, fresh-looking hair in hot and humid weather? 

Although dry shampoo is great at absorbing oils and keeping your hair clean, it should be used in moderation, Jagoda emphasizes. 

“Using it too frequently can leave your hair looking dull and weighed down. Remember to choose salon quality products that are gentle on your hair,” said Jagoda. 

“If you find yourself relying too heavily on dry shampoo, consider mixing things up with other hairstyles or products to give your hair a break.”

While we may want to use dry shampoo more often in hot and humid weather since hair gets greasy faster, keeping the moderation tip in mind is key.

“Overuse of dry shampoo can lead to product buildup and may even cause unnecessary damage. With that in mind, I recommend using dry shampoo no more than twice between washes,” said Jagoda. —Farah Khan

Shop Dry Shampoos Below

  • Best overall: Batiste ($14)
  • Best lightweight one: Olaplex ($41)
  • Best for dark hair: Designme ($29)
  • Best adjustable nozzle one: Marc Anthony ($14)
  • Best for oily hair: Klorane ($19)
  • Best for volume: Goldwell Dualsenses ($28)
  • Best for a deep clean: Redken ($32)
  • Best affordable: Monday Haircare ($10)
  • Best splurge: Kerastase ($56)

Batiste Touch Activated Dry Shampoo  ($14)

A dry shampoo that is touch activated meaning there are invisible capsules that release a fragrance every time you touch your hair for up to 24 hours. 

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo ($41)

A lightweight dry shampoo perfect for summers that cleanses scalp and hair without leaving clogging pores or leaving a residue, and adds volume too.

DESIGNME Quickie.Me Dry Shampoo Spray Brunette & Dark Tones (Sale $23)

Great for brunette and dark toned hair so you don’t have to worry about a white, powdery residue. This dry shampoo is made with rich starch 

Marc Anthony Style Flex 2-in-1 Adjustable Dry Shampoo Hairspray ($14)

A 2-in-1 adjustable dry shampoo with a clear formula that’s suitable for all hair colours. You can switch from low to high nozzles depending on if you want a quick refresh or stronger oil absorption. 

Klorane Oil Absorbing Dry Shampoo ($19)

Formulated with Nettle, this dry shampoo is perfect for those prone to oily hair. It cleanses and absorbs excess oil for up to 48 hours. 

GOLDWELL Dualsenses Ultra Volume Bodifying Dry Shampoo ($28)

This dry shampoo is great for fine hair as it adds volume by absorbing excess oil. Plus, it has colour protection. 

REDKEN Deep Clean Dry Shampoo ($32)

Great for all hair types, especially oily hair since it has rice and tapioca starch, it offers a deep clean. It also provides a cooling sensation leaving hair feeling refreshed for up to 4 days.

Monday Haircare Original Dry Shampoo with Keratin ($10)

A dry shampoo with a subtle gardenia scent and protective keratin to keep your hair balanced and fresh. 

Kérastase Fresh Affair Fine Fragrance & Oil-Absorbing Dry Shampoo ($56)

This dry shampoo has a neroli scent that lasts up to 24 hours, absorbing excess oil and cleansing the scalp without leaving a white powdery residue. 

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