Many women will tell you that dry shampoo is a lifesaver – whether you’re in a rush to go out and are having a bad hair day or you’ve woken up late and don’t have time to shampoo. However, if you don’t use it correctly, it can actually make your locks look worse, leaving them dull, lifeless and greasier. Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Once you understand how to use it properly, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Application
Shampooing your hair too often can actually make it oilier. This is where dry shampoo comes to the rescue – use between washes to keep the greasiness at bay. Follow these three simple steps to get clean and voluminous hair:
1. Separate your hair and divide it into equal-sized sections.
2. Shake the product well and spray at the roots of each section from a few inches away.
3. Massage the hair with your fingertips, brush and style as usual.
Do’s
Do: Apply only to the top few inches of your hair – that’s where it works best by absorbing all the oil. The rest of your hair is probably not as oily as your roots.
Do: Massage the product thoroughly after spraying but let it sit for about five minutes before you work it, so it has time to soak up all the greasiness. Massaging will get rid of the white chalkiness as well as add volume and texture to your tresses.
Do: Make sure you’re using the right shade of shampoo – one that matches your hair – otherwise it will just end up looking discoloured or look like you’ve sprayed chalk all over your head. Lots of brands are now bringing out tinted dry shampoos to suit every hair colour.
Do: Use the right hair brush. A natural bristle brush is a good option as it helps work the product and blends it from the roots to the tips.
Don’ts
Don’t spray too close to the scalp. Keep it approximately 25cm away from the roots. This will help the product to distribute evenly.
Don’t overdo it, or else it’ll have the opposite effect and make hair look dull. Less is more in this case – start with a small amount and if the hair still feels greasy, add a bit more.
Don’t use dry shampoo too often. While it’s a great quick fix, it’s best to use it once between washes. Using it too frequently will cause product build-up and clog the follicles, which is neither attractive nor healthy!
Don’t touch your hair. You read that right! Once you’ve finished blending the shampoo and styling your hair, leave it alone. Natural oils from your hands will make your hair look greasier if you are constantly fiddling with your locks.
Beauty Hacks:
• Use dry shampoo overnight – this gives it plenty of time to absorb the oils and sweat.
• Use it just after washing your hair to give it more volume and texture.
• Go green and make your own. Mix ¼ cup corn starch/arrowroot powder with a few drops (4-5) of essential oil.
• Use baby powder! Rub some into your hands and work through the hair with your fingertips.
