How Does Dry Shampoo Work? Here’s How to Make It Effective

How it works, when to use it, and what not to do.

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Unless you’re part of the co-washing or no-poo crew, shampooing your hair is a regular necessity that quickly turns into a drag. For many, the process isn’t as simple as a wash and go—you’ve got to blow dry and style, too. A few spritzes of dry shampoo can instantly make your hair look freshly washed, which ultimately minimizes how often you have to hop into the shower for a full wash and condition. Read on to learn how dry shampoo works its magic, when and how to use it, and what not to do.

Dry shampoo is a water-free hair product sprayed at the root to help refresh your strands between washes. It typically contains either alcohol or starch in the product, which soaks up the excess oil and grease from hair follicles.

“Dry shampoo works to absorb oil and dirt from the scalp and roots to create a clean hair feeling,” explains celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. “It can also add volume and texture to the body of the hair to make styling on-the-go quicker.”

Put simply, it's a way to fake a shampoo without actually having to step into the shower by soaking up the natural oils from your scalp. It doesn't actually make hair more clean, but it can create the illusion of cleaner hair.

You can use dry shampoo in so many ways. It can:

You’ve probably noticed that every haircare brand seems to have its own dry shampoo. So how do you choose a dry shampoo that works for your hair color and texture? According to Fitzsimons, it’s a combination of finding a high-quality product designated for your hair characteristics, and then some trial and error to determine what you like best.

“For dark hair, you want to make sure you are using a dry shampoo that is designed to work on all hair types and doesn’t leave white residue on the hair,” he says. “If you have thinner hair, make sure to select a dry shampoo that boosts volume and texture while cleaning the hair and look out for more lightweight formulas so it doesn't weigh down your roots. And if you have color-treated hair, I would recommend selecting a color-safe dry shampoo that won't’ strip or dull the color.”

From there, he says he’s partial to spray formulas since they’re easy to use, work quickly, and perfect for on-the-go usage. When using a dry shampoo, make sure to follow usage directions in order to get a good feel for the product’s abilities. User error is definitely a thing!

While dry shampoo is a brilliant and convenient product to keep on hand, there are some common issues people run into when using it.

Dry shampoo doesn’t completely replace actual shampoo. “My rule of thumb is when your scalp gets itchy from using it for a few days in a row, it’s time to wash,” Cosmillo says. Overuse can make your hair rough, dull, and brittle. It can also clog pores and impact overall hair health.

You don’t need to apply a ton of dry shampoo in order to enjoy its benefits. Fitzsimons says, “Start small and massage dry shampoo into the hair before overspraying and potentially making hair feel stiff.”

Only apply dry shampoo to dry hair and never to sweaty, damp, or wet hair. This causes the powder to form little clumps. It also won’t work nearly as well.

Just because you own the product doesn’t mean you have to use it. If it’s not working for you, walk away and try something different. “If a dry shampoo is making your scalp itchy after just one use, try a different formula,” Cosmillo says. “If a dry shampoo requires work after using it, like blow drying it to minimize residue, look for an invisible formula that blends without the work.”

Applying dry shampoo is simple. Hold the bottle about six to 10 inches from your head, lift up sections of your hair, and spritz tiny amounts directly at the root, Fitzsimons says. Focus on areas that tend to get the oiliest and flattest—like around the hairline, temples, crown, and sides of your head.

“The most important thing to understand about a dry shampoo is that it is designed for your roots,” says Marilynne Cosmillo, veteran hairstylist and founder of hOURS haircare. “Your scalp produces oil, coating the first inch or two of your strands. These oils can weigh down your hair and give the appearance of dirty hair.”

She recommends dividing your hair into 1 to 2-inch sections and applying an even layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be evenly spread out to make sure you cover key areas.

“I always recommend avoiding applying dry shampoo directly to your part itself – instead, work just beneath it, parallel to your part, on both sides,” she says. “This prevents any accidental white-casting from ruining your style if you overdo it. When you’re done, just gently massage your scalp to blend and revive your style.”