What is dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a product designed to absorb the excess oils on our scalp, so that we can squeeze in another day or two before washing with shampoo. It can be a real life-saver after a sweaty workout or on a humid day, especially for those with oily hair types. Despite the name, it is not actually a shampoo. The ingredients in both natural and non-natural dry shampoo products do not cleanse your hair or scalp, but rather help you transition to washing your hair less and can create volume, texture and hold. Be sure to wash after a few applications to avoid product and oil build up on your hair and scalp.Why use a dry shampoo?
Can help you transition to washing your hair less
If you have naturally oily hair and scalp or you feel the need to wash your hair everyday, dry shampoo can work wonders for you. A natural dry shampoo works to absorb some of those oils without harming your scalp. It can be particularly beneficial for those who often use heat tools after every hair washing, by encouraging you to wash and style less leading to less heat damage.
Give you volume and texture
The ingredients in dry shampoo have properties that both absorb oils and create volume and texture. Oils tend to weigh hair down and ingredients like tapioca starch and arrowroot powder absorb those heavy oils creating a texture that creates a light lift at the roots.
Helps to hold style
Those same ingredients that help with volume and texture are going to help keep things in place. The ingredients found in natural dry shampoos are powders and starches, that tend to hold structure and shape once applied.
What kind is best?
Powder vs Spray
We know the satisfaction of spraying an aerosol on our root and feeling fresh but let's take a further look at what is inside those products. We have yet to find an aerosol dry shampoo that doesn't list propane, isobutane, and butane, with at least two of them at the top of the ingredients (this means in the highest concentration). They are included as propellants, and first, we don't love lighter fluid being sprayed onto your scalp, but also, they dilute the ACTUAL ingredients that will absorb oil. Go ahead, and check your products, you'll be surprised!
We love powder dry shampoo, and we're so happy to see the applicator technology improving! Powders contain a high concentration of exactly what makes the product effective, meaning they will last you longer, and work better. There are many clean brands out there, and they usually include Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, Tapioca Starch and Corn Starch. All of the products below are formulated with high quality ingredients, and are free of toxins, and synthetic perfumes.
How should it be used?
Morning vs Night
Dry shampoo can be applied either in the morning or at night (or mid day!) and what you choose will depend on what works for you! Applying in the morning means you'll simply use it as you need, we find some folks that have trouble with the powdery look on dark hair prefer it at night so it has more time to absorb. Just remember that the more product in your hair at night, the more you should be changing out your pillowcase to avoid your skin being impacted.
We recommend applying your dry shampoo in sections, at the root, massaging it in a little with clean hands, then letting it sit at least 5 mins. This allows it to sit on the root and absorb excess oil before you take a brush, or your hands for the curly folks, and brush or lightly shake your root area. This is going to really melt it into the hair, and usually takes care of any powder left over.
Did you know that different hair types might require different products?
We stock three different types of dry shampoo, and they each offer different benefits!
Souldeo Naturals
- best basic dry shampoo
- powder puff applicator
- great for all hair types
- slightly volumizing
Souldeo is the best dry shampoo if you're looking for your basic powder product. It simple, effective, completely toxin free and will help add a slight texture and volume. You really can't go wrong with this one! They recently launched their puff applicator which means that you don't have to shake it on. Simply press down on the top and a puff of powder comes out. It comes in two natural scents: Peppermint + Rosemary and Vanilla + Coconut, and two sizes! They're working on a refill as well, which should launch 2021. We love that!
Souldeo is a Canadian company based in Manitoba.
Innersense Refresh
- foam to powder product
- great for curly and/or fine hair
- can be used as a volume styler as well
Refresh is an organic foam-to-powder dry shampoo that eliminates excess oil, builds body, creates texture and renews second-day hair. This product is created for all hair types but we love this one most for those wearing their hair in a natural curl, as the foam starts slightly liquid and can help to rejuvenate your texture! This dry shampoo is on the milder side, so if you have finer hair and just need a little help to get to wash day it's lovely! And side note - we also love this as a volume product on damp hair before blowdrying. It's a great hack that can also prolong your style!
Hairstory Powder
- foam to powder product
- great for curly and/or fine hair
- can be used as a volume styler as well
So you want volume with your dry shampoo? Hairstory Powder is the one for you! This one also comes in a powder puff applicator and is sure to boost body and maintain style. You'll definitely feel this hold in your hair, it's a cross between a styler (think Bridget Bardot) and a dry shampoo. Made for all hair types, this dry shampoo naturally absorbs residue and reverses greasy hair without exposing your scalp or hair to harsh chemicals. Plus, it smells great!
