How to Use Dry Shampoo

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel

Last Updated: March 23, 2023 References Approved

Dry shampoo is a positive alternative to liquid shampoo if you're on-the-go or want to wash your hair every other day. Choose the right shampoo for your hair: certain kinds work better for those with dry hair, oily skin, or sensitive noses. Section out your hair before you apply it, and work the shampoo into your hair with your fingers and a hairbrush. Use dry shampoo sparingly throughout the week to avoid scalp buildup.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying the Shampoo

1
Section out your hair. Separating your hair into sections will help you apply the powder evenly. Make each section about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Work your way down from your hair's natural part to the nape of your neck.^{[1]
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- If necessary, you can use hair clips to hold the sections.
2
Apply dry shampoo near your roots first. Spray aerosol shampoo about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hair to prevent buildup.^{[2]
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Research source} Start with your roots and move further down the section as you go. Spray liberally from roots to tips until the shampoo is visible but not thickly covering your hair.
- It's okay if hair looks chalky right after applying it. Excess residue should disappear when you brush it out.
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3
Let the shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes. Dry shampoo needs time to absorb the oil at your roots. Before you massage or brush it out, let the shampoo sit in your hair for 5-10 minutes. The longer you wait, the more oil your dry shampoo will absorb.^{[3]
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4
Use your fingertips to massage the shampoo into your hair. Start at the roots, where you first applied the shampoo. Work your fingers through your hair until the shampoo gradually blends into your hair. You'll know you're done when you can see little-to-no shampoo left sitting on your head.^{[4]
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5
Brush away excess shampoo. Some dry shampoo might linger in your hair after you've massaged your head. If this is the case, you may have applied too much. Use a stiff bristle brush to distribute the shampoo throughout your hair and remove excess powder.
- If your hair remains chalky, blow dry your hair on a cool, low setting.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Shampooing at the Right Time

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Apply dry shampoo at night when used routinely. Using dry shampoo before you go to bed can prevent roots from becoming oily overnight. This will give more time for the shampoo to absorb scalp oils. Rubbing your head against the pillow while asleep works the shampoo into your hair and eliminates powdery residue.
- It's best to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, which will protect your hair from becoming dry or losing moisture. In general, silk and satin are better for your hair than cotton.
- In a pinch, dry shampoo can be used in the mornings. It can make a great alternative for washing your hair on days when you oversleep. Make a practice, though, to use it at night.^{[6]
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2
Use dry shampoo once between washes. Washing your hair every day can dry out your hair and overly dry out your scalp. Unless you have excessively fine hair, wash your hair with liquid-based shampoo every 2-3 days.^{[7]
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Research source} In-between washing days, use dry shampoo to keep your hair refreshed.^{[8]
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3
Avoid using dry shampoo two days in a row. Overusing dry shampoo can create buildup on your scalp, especially if you do so without washing your hair. This can weaken your follicles and increase shedding. In extreme cases, you may even experience hair loss. Limit your usage to 2-3 times a week.
4
Dry your hair before using dry shampoo as a styling tool. Dry shampoo can add volume and grip to your hair, but water can make dry shampoo clumpy and messy.^{[9]
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Research source} If you're using dry shampoo after a shower, towel or blow-dry your hair before using. Greasy hair works fine with dry shampoo because it absorbs rather than repels oil, but water will limit its efficiency.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Dry Shampoo

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Pick an aerosol shampoo for convenience. Aerosol shampoos are usually sold in spray cans, which you can carry in your bag or purse. In comparison to powder shampoos, aerosols can be applied more easily on the go. Spray shampoos are also usually better for oily hair.^{[11]
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2
Buy a powder shampoo if you're sensitive to smell. Spray shampoos releases more particulate in the hair. If you have trouble sneezing around strong odors, powder shampoo is the better way to go. Fine hair also benefits more from powder shampoo, as aerosol spray can weigh down hair too much.^{[12]
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3
Smell the shampoo before you buy it. Dry shampoos come in a variety of scents. Some smell more like baby powder, while others can have floral or other fresh-smelling scents. Just as you would test out a perfume, spritz spray shampoo slightly in front of you and gage its smell. For powder shampoo, cup your hand above the open container and let it waft towards your nose.^{[13]
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- Smelling the shampoo is especially important if you're allergy-prone. Scentless shampoos are an option.
- While you're smelling the shampoos, you may be able to try some on your hair. A single spritz or a small sprinkling of powder could help you determine which one works better for your hair.
4
Avoid butane-based shampoos. Some store-bought shampoos contain chemicals like butane or isobutane, which can cause hair damage if used excessively. Butane-based shampoos are also generally worse for the environment. Look for dry shampoos made of natural, eco-friendly ingredients or make your own.
- Cornstarch can be used as a dry shampoo alternative.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can dry shampoo damage your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Dry shampoo can't damage your strands, but it can clog your follicles. Dry shampoo can also interfere with your hair's natural oil production if used too frequently.
Question

Can you use dry shampoo on dry hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, in fact, you should always apply dry shampoo to dry hair. If your hair is dehydrated, you may want to use dry conditioner instead. It will also add volume and hold, but hydrates hair as well.
Question

How does dry shampoo work?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Dry shampoo is a very fine powder. It works by coating your hair in an absorbent layer that adds volume and soaks up oil.