Dry shampoo is a powder-based product that absorbs oil at the roots, so that hair looks cleaner and fuller without water. It is very useful on busy mornings, after the gym and when traveling. It is also widely misunderstood. It does not clean the scalp. It soaks up oil, and it stays there until you wash.
What this guide is based on
This guide compares formats and ingredients using label information and general hair and scalp care advice. We did not test individual dry shampoos, so performance on your own hair may differ.
How dry shampoo works
Absorbent powders cling to the oil on your hair and scalp. When you massage or brush, the powder spreads the oil out and dulls its shine. Hair looks fresher, and gains some texture and lift.
Formats
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aerosol spray | Fine, even mist; quick; adds volume | Easy to overuse; flammable; not for hand luggage in large sizes |
| Non-aerosol spray or pump | No propellant | Can spray unevenly; may feel wet at first |
| Loose powder | Simple ingredients; long-lasting; travel-friendly | Messier; harder to spread |
| Foam or mousse | Good for curly and coily hair; no white cast | Needs time to dry |
| Paste or stick | Precise; good for bangs | Slow for the whole head |
Absorbing ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rice, corn, tapioca or oat starch | The most common; light and effective |
| Silica | Very absorbent; adds grip |
| Clay, such as kaolin | Absorbs oil; matte finish |
| Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate | A modified starch often used in aerosols |
| Charcoal or cocoa powder | Used for color in dark-hair versions |
Aerosols also contain propellants, and often alcohol, which evaporates quickly.
Choosing by hair type and color
| Hair | Look for |
|---|---|
| Fine, flat | A volumizing aerosol; light starch |
| Thick or very oily | A stronger absorbing formula; powder |
| Dark hair | Tinted, or "invisible", formulas to avoid a gray cast |
| Blonde or light hair | Most formulas blend in; avoid dark tints |
| Curly or coily | A foam or light spray, applied to the scalp only; avoid heavy powder on curls |
| Dry or sensitive scalp | Fragrance-free; alcohol-free; use sparingly |
| Colored hair | Fine, as it extends time between washes |
How to apply it
- Start with dry hair.
- Shake the can.
- Lift sections of hair, and spray at the roots from about 20 to 30 cm away. Hold powder close to the scalp, and tap a little out.
- Use short bursts. Do not soak the scalp.
- Wait one to two minutes. The powder needs time to absorb oil.
- Massage with your fingertips, as if you were shampooing.
- Brush or shake out the excess.
A useful trick
Apply dry shampoo to clean hair at bedtime on the first or second day. It absorbs oil as it appears overnight, and you avoid a white cast in the morning.
What dry shampoo cannot do
- It does not remove oil, sweat, dead skin or product. They stay on your scalp.
- It does not treat dandruff, or an itchy scalp.
- It does not replace washing for more than a day or two.
How often is reasonable?
Using it once or twice between washes is fine for most people. Using it for many days in a row leads to build-up, which can cause itching, flaking, dull hair and blocked follicles. See Scalp Buildup: Causes and Cleansing Tips. Wash your scalp properly on a regular schedule. See How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?.
Possible downsides
- Build-up and dullness. Clarify every few weeks. See Clarifying Shampoo vs Regular Shampoo: When Each Fits.
- Dryness of hair, with alcohol-heavy sprays.
- Scalp irritation, from fragrance or residue.
- White or gray cast, on dark hair.
- Texture. Hair can feel gritty or stiff.
Safety
- Aerosols are flammable. Keep them away from flames and heat, and do not use them near a lit cigarette or a hot styling tool.
- Use sprays in a ventilated room, and avoid breathing in the mist.
- Check any recall notices from the maker or your national regulator, as with any aerosol product.
- Keep powder away from the eyes.
Alternatives
- Wash only your bangs or hairline at the sink.
- Use blotting papers along the part.
- Wear a style that hides oily roots, such as a sleek bun or a braid.
- Rinse with water, and condition the ends.
For an oily scalp routine, see Oily Scalp Care: A Simple Washing Routine. For how dry shampoo fits with other styling products, see Hair Styling Products: Mousse, Gel, Cream, and Spray.
Related on ArniSun
- How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
- Oily Scalp Care: A Simple Washing Routine
- Scalp Buildup: Causes and Cleansing Tips
- Clarifying Shampoo vs Regular Shampoo: When Each Fits
- Hair Styling Products: Mousse, Gel, Cream, and Spray
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?
Occasional use is fine. Relying on it for days without washing leads to build-up that can irritate the scalp and dull the hair.
How do I avoid white residue from dry shampoo?
Spray from further away, use less, wait before massaging, brush through well, or choose a tinted or clear formula.
Can dry shampoo replace washing my hair?
No. It absorbs oil, but it does not clean the scalp. Wash regularly with shampoo and water.