We’re not usually prone to exaggeration, but dry shampoo might just be one of the best beauty inventions of the past century. This multi-tasking staple can help refresh greasy roots, give your mane volume, and stretch out the time between wash days. But it's not enough to just have dry shampoo on standby; to reap the full benefits of this versatile product, you need to know how to use dry shampoo the right way.
We tapped Los Angeles-based colorist Cassondra Kaeding for details on using dry shampoo. Keep reading to learn when and how to use dry shampoo to refresh limp, greasy strands, and discover a few of our favorite formulas for fresh-feeling hair.
What Is Dry Shampoo and How Does It Work?
Dry shampoo is a type of leave-in hair product designed to help refresh your hair between washes. Dry shampoo sprays are the most common iteration of this haircare staple, but there are also dry shampoo pastes and dry shampoo powders. All can help mask the appearance of oily roots and can sometimes add volume to your style.
While dry shampoo is great at extending the life of your style, it should not take the place of your regular wash routine. Despite being called a shampoo, dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your hair. Instead, it simply absorbs excess oil to help make your hair appear cleaner. Skipping multiple wash days and relying solely on dry shampoo can lead to build-up on your scalp, especially if you use it often. So, if you’ve ever wondered if you have to wash your hair after using dry shampoo, the answer is a definitive yes—shampoo is the only thing that actually cleans your strands.
Is Dry Shampoo Good for Your Hair?
Dry shampoo is generally considered safe for your scalp and hair when used the right way. However, overusing the product (more than two or three times per week) can cause product build-up, excess oil, and residue to collect on your hair and scalp. You’ll need to use a traditional shampoo and conditioner every few days to cleanse your mane thoroughly.
Benefits of Using Dry Shampoo
Other than the obvious perk of being able to side-step washing your hair, using dry shampoo powder or dry shampoo spray has another benefit for people with color-treated hair.
“Using dry shampoo can help prolong your visits to the salon to get your color done”, Kaeding says. “The more frequently you wash your hair, the more likely your hair color will fade. I like to tell my clients to wait a few days after their color service to wash their hair. A dry shampoo can help them get through those few days.” Just be sure to select a color-safe dry shampoo to avoid disrupting your fresh new hue (details on our top pick below!).
How Often Should You Use Dry Shampoo?
While skipping wash day can help you keep your hair color longer, that doesn’t mean you can give up cleaning your hair altogether. Kaeding suggests cleansing your hair at least once or twice weekly in between dry shampoo applications. That being said, a good rule of thumb is to use dry shampoo sparingly—generally, no more than four times per week, with regular shampooing between dry shampoo touch-ups. How often you’ll find yourself needing to refresh your roots ultimately depends on your hair type. If you have fine or oily strands, you’ll likely find that you need to refresh your hair daily—either with a traditional shampoo or a dry shampoo—to keep greasiness at bay. Those with thicker or drier hair may be able to go longer without spotting oily roots.
How Do You Use Dry Shampoo?
When navigating how to apply dry shampoo correctly, it is important to consider which formula you’re using. Yes, there’s more than one type of dry shampoo—and the one you choose should depend on the results you’re trying to achieve.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the various dry shampoos and how to use each one effectively.
How to use dry shampoo spray
Dry shampoo spray is the formula you’re likely the most familiar with. These are spray-in, waterless products that absorb oil to help refresh oily strands. To make the most of your spray, thoroughly shake the can of dry shampoo to ensure the product is ready for an even application. Then, hold the can 8-10 inches away from your head.
Spray the dry shampoo evenly on the crown of your head, and use your fingers to rake the formula through your strands. Lift small sections of hair around your hairline and spray the dry shampoo underneath your strands, aiming the formula towards your roots.
Continue spraying and raking the formula through your hair until you achieve your desired look. For a final step, take a large paddle brush and brush through your hair to ensure the dry shampoo is completely absorbed and leaves no white residue.
How to use dry shampoo powder
While aerosol sprays are the most common form of dry shampoo, it's not the only type to consider. If you get your hands on a dry shampoo powder, here’s what you’ll want to do.
First, create a center part. Hold the dry shampoo roughly six to eight inches away from the crown of your head and lightly shake the powder onto the hair on either side of your part. Use your fingers to spread the powder through your strands, lightly massaging it onto your scalp to help absorb oil. Part your hair on the left and then on the right, and repeat the same steps. Finally, brush through your mane with a large paddle brush to make sure the dry shampoo is completely absorbed and leaves no white residue.
How to use dry shampoo paste
Dry shampoo paste is probably the least-known option, but it comes in handy for more than just a quick hair revival. These dry shampoo-meets-styler hybrids create undone, effortless texture when applied to wet or dry hair and are ideal for precise application onto specific areas of the hair (such as your hairline or part line).
To use a dry shampoo paste, rub a dime-size amount of product between your fingers to warm it up, then massage it onto areas of the scalp that appear oily.
7 Dry Shampoos for Different Hair Types and Concerns
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable dry shampoo to add to your routine, keep scrolling for a look at seven of the best formulas from the L’Oréal portfolio of professional products.
Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
This silicone- and talc-free dry shampoo spray from Redken is an excellent option for all hair types. According to Kaeding, it “provides maximum oil absorption on all hair types and helps bring day three or four hair back to life” to leave the hair looking clean. The cooling sensation it leaves behind also makes your hair feel delightfully fresh—a serious bonus for those who can’t stand the feel of weighty hair products.
Biolage Professional All-In-One Intense Dry Shampoo
If your hair feels greasy or dirty after a workout but you don’t have time to lather up, reach for this multi-purpose dry shampoo. The formula, which contains rice starch, helps absorb oil and sweat, leaving the hair feeling soft, weightless, and manageable. Plus, it boasts a gorgeous fresh scent that leaves the hair smelling amazing. We suggest keeping a bottle in your gym bag for post-workout refreshes.
Our best dry shampoo for color-treated hair
Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
If you have color-treated hair, you’ll want a dry shampoo that helps you stretch the time between color touch-ups while doing the most to protect your hue. This multi-tasking formula from Pureology removes dirt, oil, and build-up, adds light texture and movement, and helps protect against heat damage (a major plus if you need to reach for the hot tools after refreshing your roots). The non-drying formula also features the brand’s patented AntiFade complex to help protect your color’s vibrancy.
Our best dry shampoo for on-the-go
Matrix Styling Refresher Dry Shampoo
No matter your hair type or concerns, we’ve all experienced that moment when our strands desperately need attention and we just don’t have the time. If you need to hide the look of oily roots in a flash, this dry shampoo spray has you covered. look no further than Matrix Styling Refresher Dry Shampoo. It helps absorb excess oil and instantly refreshes, allowing you to re-style up to fourth-day hair. Plus, the aerosol can isn’t massive, so you can easily stash it in your bag (or at your desk) for hair emergencies.
Our best dry shampoo for dark hair
Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo
Brunettes likely know what it’s like to spray dry shampoo through your hair, only to spend the next 10 minutes trying to conceal the white powder the formula left behind. Skip the struggle and refresh your roots with this talc-free formula instead. According to Kaeding, it’s great for all hair colors and won’t leave behind a residue, even the darkest of hair.
Our best dry shampoo with hold
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Morning After Dust Dry Shampoo
If you’re looking for a dry shampoo that can refresh greasy roots and breathe life back into limp strands, try this formula from L’Oréal Professionnel. The residue-free formula absorbs excess oil, leaves hair smelling fresh, and provides light hold, so you can re-style your hair without the need for hairspray.
Our best dry shampoo for when you need a scent boost
Kérastase Fresh Affair Refreshing Dry Shampoo
This luxurious dry shampoo spray is what we reach for when we want to smell amazing. The silicone-free formula, which contains rice starch and vitamin E, is infused with neroli oil for a long-lasting fragrance that smells divine. Use it to soak up excess oil and give your.
Next Up: Greasy Hair: Top Causes Plus 10 Ways to Manage It
Header photo credits (left to right): @redkenpro, @kerastase_official
For more advice on managing oiliness between wash days, take our hair quiz or use our salon locator to consult a pro.
