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Dry Shampoo: A Hair Hack or Just Heedlessness?

What’s the truth? Is dry shampoo heedless, meaning the brands who make it show a lack of care and attention in exchange for cash? Does dry shampoo really help keep your hair clean or does it just add more gunk? I can’t even convey how much hairwashing feels like a chore sometimes, especially if it's long! 

So, some days, you may not have the time or wherewithal. But then again, you may not want to go out with greasy hair. While it’s true that dry shampoo is more of a convenient tool that enhances hair health and hygiene, in moderation, it can be an actual solution when hairwashing feels like a chore. 

Also, dry shampoo can also help with accessibility considerations like chronic fatigue syndrome, having depression and somatic symptoms, mobility limitations, and more!


Let's take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about dry shampoo.

 

If I just rinse it out the day after, is it the same as washing my hair?

Dry shampoo does encapsulate oil in preparation for a rinse off. But, whether it’s the same as an actual wash day will ultimately depend on your hair type and the type of dry shampoo you use. However, rinsing out dry shampoo will not give you the same results aesthetic or health-wise as doing a wash, condition, and post-wash routine. 

 

Does dry shampoo leave a waxy build up? 

Dry shampoo uses starch and surfactants to do its job. This may ultimately form a waxy build up that, conversely, creates a longer wash routine in the end. 

One product that can expedite the cleansing process of dry shampoo build-up is a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are great for thoroughly removing gunk, residue, and product build up. 

 

Cassandra loves this clarifying shampoo! The Ordinary also has one!

Aveda Sun Care Hair And Body Cleanser 

$32

 

The Ordinary 4% sulphate cleanser for hair and body 

$9.20

Is dry shampoo bad for your scalp?

This is a question many women with oily scalps have! Truthfully, the answer to this question depends on how much you use. Dry shampoo helps with the appearance of oiliness, but not necessarily the presence of it.

And in the end, leaving it on for excessive periods of time can lead to irritation, flaking, and clogged hair follicles. You’ll especially want to be careful with dry shampoo if you have psoriasis, eczema, or any sort of chronic scalp inflammation. 

You can use dry shampoo for up to 2 to 3 days without a significant change in the difference of your hair, but there may be changes to the scalp if it's naturally oily. And if you go without rinsing for too long, your hair may become weighed down, scalp build-up will form, and your hair might feel completely different to the touch.

 

Cassandra reviews: My take?

There’s hope for dry shampoo yet! I personally love the Living the Proof Dry shampoo because of its technology. It fully encapsulates dirt and helps to get rid of it when you shower. It even volumizes my curls and doesn’t leave any whitecast. Plus, my blow outs last a week when I use this. No stickiness! It’s a definite YES for me. 

 

Living proof Dry Shampoo, Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men

$33

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray, Hair Texture Spray for Women, Adds Volume to Fine Hair

$36

 

The results: Using Living Proof Dry Shampoo Day 7

 

 

@cassandrabankson It's the only dry shampoo that actually cleans your hair without water so technically I'm washing my hair every time I living-proof spray 🤷‍♀️ #haircare #hairroutine #tiktokshopspringsale #tiktokshopnewarrivals #tiktokshopcreatorpicks #tiktokshopspringglowup #tiktokshoprestock #spotlightfinds #tiktokcreatorcamp #livingproof @Living Proof, Inc. ♬ original sound - Cassandra Bankson
Cover photo courtesy of Living Proof, Inc
@livingproofinc