Dry shampoo, I believe, is the best invention since Beauty Flash Balm. In the same way Clarins’ brightening and rejuvenating formula brings life to dull, fatigued skin, dry shampoo can refresh and revive your hair. But there’s more than one way to use it.
I had a chat with Sabrina Maxwell from Marc and Maxwell salon in Surry Hills, Sydney, to uncover some fresh ways with dry shampoo. Plus, I’ve listed a few of my faves.
1. Extend Your Blow-Dry With Dry Shampoo
It’s super easy to get an extra few days from your do, with a quick spritz of dry shampoo.
“Firstly, ensure your hair is 100 percent dry,” says Sabrina. “If you’ve showered, blast hair with hot air using your hair dryer. This will also freshen up your style. Place your head upside down and aim the product about 20cm from the roots. Turn your heap upright and brush through.”
2. Clear Away Oil Slicks With Dry Shampoo
Prone to an oily scalp? “Try using dry shampoo before bed,” suggests Sabrina. “This will help prevent the oils from penetrating your hair. Your hair still needs to be washed though. Place shampoo at the roots on the shower and ensure you only apply conditioner to the ends.”
Oil slicks through the day? Easily fixed. “Simply carry a travel sized dry shampoo in your bag and direct small sprays to the affected area in sections throughout the day. Hold the nozzle a decent distance from your roots to avoid a ‘powdery’ effect. If you’re using a powder or other formulation, apply sparingly until the desired result is achieved.”
3. Use Dry Shampoo To Boost Fine Hair
If you’re like me and struggle with fine, thin hair, you’re likely always looking for something to add body and volume. Enter, dry shampoo!
“Dry shampoo can deliver body,” says Sabrina. “It creates volume, at the same time infusing texture into hair strands, thus boosting your locks. Simply section dry and styled hair. Apply your dry shampoo in small sections until you cover your entire head. Brush through for thicker, fuller hair.”
4. Combat Sweaty Scalp And Flat Locks
Our scalp is skin and therefore will perspire like the rest of the body. Heat and humidity can send it into overdrive, causing your lush locks to fall flat.
“Apply dry shampoo to your scalp prior to heading out,” advises Sabrina. “This will help soak up any initial moisture. Then, if your scalp sweats through the day, use your travel sized bottle to freshen up. Be careful not to overdo it though. You don’t want to end up looking overly dry or powdery.”
5. Post-Beach Styling
You know how sea salt makes your hair beautifully textured and thick? Dry shampoo can enhance that effect.
“Simply spray a little through your hair as it’s air-drying,” suggests Sabrina. “Then gently scrunch your locks between your fingers to create a gorgeously tousled finish.”
6. Disguise Regrowth
Dry shampoo can keep you going through those days when you can’t get to your colourist. “Simply choose a tinted version close to your natural hair hue,” says Sabrina. “Spray onto your hairline and parting and nobody will know you’re waiting for your colour refresh!”
Dry Shampoo We Love
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – 250ml, $21.99
This is likely the most iconic of all dry shampoo. It works to mop up oil slicks, extend styling and add volume. It’s also available in tinted varieties so all hair hues can use it between salon visits to disguise regrowth.
Batiste Bamboo Fibre & Gardenia Dry Shampoo – 200ml, $16.95
Natural bamboo fibre adds mega volume to fine hair, while gardenia extracts smell simply divine!
IGK Jet Lag Dry Shampoo – 260ml, $49.00
This special spray relies on charcoal to mop up oil and perspiration. Don’t worry – it is invisible, so you’ll never know it’s there (except of course that your hair will be fresher, fuller and more fabulous). It also comes in a handy purse size, for when you’re on the go.
R+Co Bleu Vapor Lotion to Powder Dry Shampoo – 3oz, $65.00
This is a wonder to behold. It is literally a liquid that you massage through your fingers and then apply to hair as needed. Within a few seconds, it dries, leaving your hair refreshed and fuller. The added bonus is that you have time to sculpt or style your hair and it stays that way. Just be careful not to use too much at once, especially if your hair is super fine. Apply a tiny bit at a time until you achieve your desired result.
A’kin Bamboo Dry Shampoo – 150ml, $14.95
Perfect for all types of hair, this adds fullness, texture and body, thanks to bamboo and rice powder. It doesn’t leave a trace of white or powderiness and can extend your blow-dry for days.
MooGoo Natural Dry Shampoo – 100g, $18.50
This non-aerosol powder is great for thicker hair that tends towards oiliness. I personally do feel it’s best on blonde or grey hair, as it does leave a trace of white. Though, that is easily managed by brushing well after application. Simply sprinkle it through your hair and brush through.
