Whoever first claimed that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” obviously didn’t know about dry shampoo. I mean sure, diamonds are nice. But a true best friend is there for you in times of need, like when you’re running very late and the shine reflecting off your hair is screaming “oil slick” rather than “radiant glow.”
Like many women, I first started using dry shampoo as a way to freshen up my hair between washes. But it didn’t take long for me to discover that this magical hair potion also added volume and body to my fine, thinning hair! Now I use it almost every day, and I can’t remember how I ever lived without it!
Related: 13 Uses For Cornstarch That Go Way Beyond Cooking
Today’s blog post is my ode to dry shampoo, where I hope to spread as much useful information about as possible! By the end of this post, you’ll know how to choose the right kind for your hair, how to apply it, and even how to make a DIY dry shampoo at home! 🙂
Choosing The Right Dry Shampoo For Your Hair Type
There are two main types of dry shampoo: aerosol sprays and loose powder. Both types work in much the same way, but they offer different advantages and disadvantages for different hair types.
Spray varieties are ideal for those with fine hair, but they also tend work well on almost any hair type. Sprays are easy to apply, relatively mess-free, and add volume and body to your roots.
Loose powder varieties are a great option for those with oily or coarse hair. Powders absorb oil and even sweat very effectively, though they aren’t quite as easy to apply as a spray.
How To Use Dry Shampoo
To apply a dry shampoo spray, hold the can about 6 inches from your scalp and spray close to the roots of your hair. Continue applying in sections, then brush your hair throughly to work the dry shampoo through and get rid of any powdery residue.
To apply a dry shampoo powder, use a clean, fluffy makeup brush to apply the powder near your roots. Continue applying in sections, then lean over and shake your hair (or use a blow dryer) to get rid of any excess powder.
You can apply dry shampoo any time, but some prefer to do it before bed rather than in the morning. Applying it at night gives the dry shampoo more time to work its magic, and any powdery residue will be long gone by the time you wake up.
How To Make DIY Dry Shampoo
Method #1 – Powder Version
In a small container, combine:
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Mix well, and apply to hair using a kabuki-style makeup brush.
(For those with dark-colored hair, check out this helpful post from Wholefully about coloring homemade dry shampoo.)
Method #2 – Spray Version
In a small spray bottle, combine:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Shake well to mix, then spray to apply.
Store-Bought Dry Shampoos
If you’d rather go the store-bought route for your dry shampoo, there are plenty of great options out there to choose from! Here’s a quick rundown of some of the more popular brands:
- Batiste – Affordable spray option, easy to find, and comes in a wide variety of scents and colors.
- Bumble & Bumble – Their dry shampoo powder is a fan favorite for its neutral scent and lack of residue.
- Briogeo – A great non-aerosol spray option, with no sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, or artificial dyes.
- Kristen Ess – Our photographer Kaitlyn’s personal favorite dry shampoo (though she regrets that isn’t a bit cheaper).
Do you use dry shampoo in your hair?
[mv_video key=”is453815″ volume=”70″ aspectRatio=”true” title=”DIY Dry Shampoo: A Quick Fix For Oily Hair!” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1577829451/runbva29nuqegvca8qcc.jpg” jsonLd=”true” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” sticky=”false”]
