What Is Dry Shampoo And How Does It Work?

By Neha Yeshvi

Styling your Reshmi Zulfein can be slightly tough over weekdays, especially post the gym sessions & on no-shampoo days. The grease and excess sebum become your foes and hinder their way best in styling your hair crown. To combat every hurdle comin’ your way and pull up a head-turning hairstyle, all you need is the blessings of our all-time fave hairstyling essential - Dry Shampoo! Eh, so is it in powdery form? Will it clean my hair? Can I replace it with my normal shampoo? Hold your curiosity horses cutie, we got every FAQ answered for you in this mini read. Hop in the wagon & befriend a new mate that’s gonna be a permanent resident of your styling cabinet.

Say Hello To The New Member of Your Haircare Squad!

Where washing hair is the most sought-after way to get rid of all the dust, grime & build-up, it’s equally time-consuming & exhausting too (Yes Rapunzel, we feel you). On days when you don’t have a lot of time to go all ga-ga over your hair care routine and need a quick cool hairstyle to tread ahead with, then a spray of dry shampoo is all you need, my friend! As the name suggests, it’s applied when the hair is dry, the main purpose of the cutie is to absorb the grease, relieve your hair from stickiness, & add in the perfect bounce. Whether it be a sweaty day after your daily exercise session or monsoon’s mood, dry shampoo is the answer to all.

Going by biological science, the human scalp is covered with tiny follicles, from where the strands spring out. These very same follicles produce sebum that nourishes the scalp & keeps the hair soft. However, when we do calorie-burning activities, the sweat alongside the sebum gets deposited in the scalp and clogs the follicles. This may end up in scalp irritation & hair fall. Moreover, the buildup also gives a greasy appearance to our locks. To avoid the whole fiasco and keep your hairstyle 10/10 dry shampoo comes in handy.

So what’s exactly in this magic spray that freezes the frizz and makes our mane more manageable? Dry Shampoo spray is made up of starch or alcohol-based active ingredients that soak up the sweat & excess sebum from the hair. Just a spritz or two makes the greasy woes pack its bag, leaving behind smooth, silky, & fragrant (oh yes) hairs. 

How to Choose Dry Shampoo- Is there one for my hair type?

As much as we are in awe of this beauty, there’s an important clause attached to it- It doesn’t actually cleanse your hairs but soaks in the dirt. You’ll have to use your actual shampoo to get rid of dirt and buildup. Excessive use of dry shampoo may result in a flaky, dry & itchy scalp. ( You either die a hero or upgrade yourself to become a dry shampoo). A boon for oily scalp peeps who dread humid climates as it makes their hair more greasy & sticky, dry shampoo is a great alternative. Divas with natural hair can pick dry shampoos that aid in eliminating the flaky appearance. Cutie with curly locks, dry shampoo got your back too, just one key point - don’t brush your hair after using it, it might make your hair more frizzy instead of adding the bounce.

Best Dry Shampoo in India-

Picking up the right body care product is as important as using it. Hair Care products may or may not suit a particular hair type which makes the shopping experience slightly tough. But to exempt you all from the endless hit and trials we have enlisted our faves of the block. Ready to catch a glimpse?

1. Juicy Chemistry Plantain, Bamboo & Charcoal Organic Dry Shampoo

Perfect fix for greasy hair & oily scalp this product is enriched with essential vitamins that balance the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. 

Ingredients:

Bamboo Charcoal: It aids in unclogging pores, treats scalp irritation, and makes hair feel lighter by pulling out excess oil, dirt, & toxins.

Grapefruit: Citrusy superstar that imparts a natural shine to your locks without adding oily build-up. It also stimulates hair follicles. Its astringent properties are extremely beneficial for oily scalp.

Lime: Beneficial for oily scalp, it’s highly effective in treating scalp inflammation, infections, and dandruff.

2. Ktein Natural Dry Shampoo and Conditioner

Convenience at your doorsteps( for real). A super effective cleansing formula that’s made up of natural ingredients to condition your hair simultaneously. This product is free from parabens, silicones, and other harmful ingredients.

Ingredients: 

Amla: Indian gooseberry is packed with essential fatty acids that penetrate into the hair follicles, making them shinier, softer & voluminous.

Shikakai: Being a natural surfactant, this ingredient removes greasiness, cleanses hair, & enhances the overall texture of your hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar: The pH balancer of the squad, keeps dandruff at bay, and treats itchy scalp woes too. It also aids in achieving lustrous locks.

3. Balmain Paris HC Dry Shampoo

Your key to the secret of instantly refreshed & voluminous hair without washing is here. It is great for all hair types aiding to create matte textured hair. The ingredients stimulate moisture retention activity inside the hair cell, repair and protect dry & damaged hair from external environmental factors. It also has a signature fragrance that blends with the tresses elevating the mood and soothing the senses.

Ingredients: 

Silk Protein: Hydrolyzed silk protein aids in strengthening the hair. It adds elasticity to the strands, repairs split ends & damage caused by external factors. It also locks in natural moisture retention.

Argan Oil: Enriched with Vitamin E, it moisturizes and conditions the locks, adding a protective layer over the stands, preventing them from drying up.

How to Use a Dry Shampoo Spray?

Just like skin care products, hair care products vary from skin to skin type. Here are 4 factors that need to be considered before shopping for the dry shampoo of your dreams - Hair Type, Texture, Length, and Scalp's Oiliness.

The usage of the product is extremely basic. Here’s how you do it:

- Ensure your hair is dry before using it, take out all the accessories before spraying the magic potion.

- Hold the dry shampoo about 6-7 inches away from your head.

- Spray directly into the roots, don’t miss the baby hairs around your nape, neck, and behind the ears.

- Massage, using your fingers and evenly spread the content of it.

#QuickTip: Need Volume? After using the dry shampoo, get hands on your blow dryer and style your mane. A gust of cool air adds natural bounce and volume to your locks.

Can I Use It Everyday, Please?

Dry shampoo is a great styling tool when used in moderation ( once or twice a week). Regular usage of the product may cause irritation in the scalp. It can also clog the pores, causing sebum buildup and scalp rashes. Before using the product, don’t miss doing a patch test.

How to do a Patch Test?

Before adding any new skincare/haircare products patch test is done to find out if the product is suitable for your skin/hair type. A small amount of product is taken and applied on the elbow or wrist and observed for the next 24 hours. If there’s no reaction or agitation, the product is good to use. Peeps with sensitive skin need to perform this test for 4-5 days to ensure completely that there are no allergens in the formula. If the skin turns red or there’s a burning sensation, discontinue the use and consult a dermatologist.

End of the Story:

Revel gorgeous hair all the time with the perfect dry shampoo for women. While we love this fab product, don’t miss the bottom line - you need to wash your hair just like before to cleanse them well. People with oily scalp are recommended to shampoo their locks 4-5 times a week, while people with natural texture can get away with 3 times a week. Use your regular shampoo on the roots, instead of the entire length, as it prevents the hair from drying out. Last but not least, the best dry shampoo is the one that suits your hair type, read the ingredients used carefully before placing your order. Happy haircare!