If you aren’t using dry shampoo already, you’re missing out. Case in point: The oil-absorbing, style-extending product can help you avoid washing your hair for five whole days. Even if you do already have this multipurpose miracle product in your haircare arsenal, you may not be getting the most out of it if you’re buying the wrong dry shampoo for you or using it the wrong way. Luckily, YouTube beauty blogger Stephanie Nadia breaks down the dry shampoo do’s and don’ts.
First thing’s first, don’t blindly buy the first dry shampoo you come across in the drugstore or the one your friend is obsessed with. Dry shampoos are made for specific hair textures, colors, and with different goals in mind, so be sure to pick the right one for you. The options are pretty much endless: There are volumizing versions for fine hair, black colored versions for dark hair, and loose hair powders for those who want to opt organic. (Here are the best post-workout dry shampoos for every hair need.)
Some other key tips: Don’t spray the dry shampoo all over. While there’s certainly no harm, since it will help add allover texture, if it’s the just-washed look you’re after, part and spray the roots, then brush out with a boar bristle brush to absorb all of the hair’s build up oil and volumize the roots in the process. Don’t forget to work the dry shampoo into the crown of your head too to get extra volume (and a super-clean look). Another trick: Spray dry shampoo on the brush directly, wait a few minutes, and then use a zig-zag motion to add texture and ensure the product is fully absorbed. If you’re using a loose dry shampoo powder, apply to your roots with a fluffy makeup brush to avoid white splotches of powder that can be hard to blend in with the rest of your hair.
To help dry shampoo absorb fully, you can also apply to roots at night so in the morning, hair is all ready to go. Whatever you do, just don’t touch roots afterwards-your hand’s oils will transfer to your hair, undoing all of your hard work. A few other dry shampoo mistakes to avoid at all costs? Spraying on wet hair, or becoming over-reliant on dry shampoo (um, guilty as charged), which can actually dry out your scalp in the winter and cause dandruff.
