You know how some things seem to be self-explanatory, like can openers and light switches?
Guess what....dry shampoos are definitely not on that list.
"Come on Cortney, you just shake it and spray it. This is not that complicated."
Fair enough. But if that's the case, why do so many of my clients tell me they don't work for them. Or -- worse -- they hate that gross, icky, itchy feeling on their scalp?
Because 99.9% of dry shampoo cans have absolutely zero how-to directions on them.
Dry shampoos have one basic trick...spray them in at the root before you get oily. These guys are about prevention, not correction.
The other thing? Don't brush them out until you're ready to style.
Leaving the dry shampoo in at full concentration allows for maximum oil absorption.
Evenly distributing it through the hair only serves to add unnecessary layers of ineffective product on your hair, making it feel instantly dirtier and not fixing the oily scalp issue. And the need to shampoo STAT.
Here's an example: if you're a hot sleeper but don't want to shampoo in the morning, spray in your dry shampoo at the scalp and do not brush. Loosely tie up your hair (preferably in a scrunchie) to help cut back on feeling too warm at night. Then, in the morning, right before you go to style, brush through everything and style away.
Pre-applying before a workout is even more important. Post-workout styling requires one extra step, but you'll be left with hair that looks better after the gym than when it was first washed!
Before your workout, apply the dry shampoo at the root and don't brush. Tie up your hair loosely (but securely) and do your thing.
After your get your sweat on AND post-shower, flip your head upside down and blow dry the roots and anything else that's a little damp.
And okay, NOW you can brush it through.
This hack keeps your gym routine simplified, and cuts waaaay back on the stuff you're carting around in your bag.
Not to mention it creates crazy amounts of volume!
These tips work well with any brand of dry shampoo, although do know that not all dry shampoos are created equal.
There are varying amounts of corn starch, gluten, or powder in the different formulas -- anywhere from A LOT to literally none at all.
Please be aware that if you've been diagnosed with Celiac or gluten sensitivity, be sure to read the ingredients on the back of the can and opt for corn startch or powder-based brands. Applying anything that includes gluten to the scalp can cause itchiness, rashes, and hair loss.
Most blondes can use any brand they'd like, but brunettes and gingers need to be a bit pickier. "Dustier" formulas will disappear on light colored hair, but the rest of us will look like Miss Havisham if we're not careful. I know both VERB and Batiste make formulas specially designed for those of us with more pigment in our hair.
And one extra hair hack: dry shampoos can also substitute as an AMAZING texture spray if you're in a pinch!
