Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Scalp and Hair?

Whether we oversleep or start our workout late, we all have days when we go out without washing our hair.

Now comes our love for dry shampoo. Although its popularity has recently skyrocketed, it has been around since Victorian times. People have always wanted a quick way to keep their hair looking great. Here’s what you need to know about dry shampoo.

What is dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo is usually a spray or powder that absorbs excess oil, dirt, and grease to make your hair look cleaner. Dry shampoo is usually starch or alcohol based and does not contain water. It is not a true shampoo and it does not clean your hair. 1

Benefits of Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is so popular because it works. It saves time and allows you to quickly revitalize your hair during the day. But the benefits don’t stop there.

With dry shampoo, you can go without washing your hair every day and still look fresh. Your scalp and hair need the natural oils they produce, and washing your hair every day can strip away these oils, leaving your hair and scalp feeling tight and dry. Dry shampoo can help you go a day or two without washing your hair, preserving enough natural oils to keep your hair and scalp healthy. 6

Dry shampoo can add volume and texture to your hair, especially if your hair is thin and fine. Using dry shampoo instead of hairspray can help your hair hold its shape longer. 6

Dry shampoo ensures that the effects of hair care last longer. Whether you want to extend the effects of your blow-dry for a few days without washing it, or just to prevent your hair from being washed out, dry shampoo can help you keep your salon-ready look longer. Tinted dry shampoo can even be used to hide hair growth between coloring sessions. 6

Potential Risks of Using Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo isn’t always all sunshine, flowers, and beautiful days. It’s important to know how to use it properly.

If you use dry shampoo in moderation and follow the instructions, you shouldn’t take any risks, but there are some things you should be aware of.

Not only is dry shampoo not a cleanser, it can also leave a residue on your hair and scalp. When this residue builds up, it can cause an itchy scalp or clogged pores or breakouts. 1

Clogged pores are a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, which can lead to a scalp condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or a red, flaky scalp. Dandruff is not caused by dry shampooing, but rather by a lack of washing that causes the scalp to be too oily, which results in dandruff. 2

Infections affect the hair follicles, causing red, painful bumps where the follicles invade the scalp, a condition called folliculitis. Excessive use of dry shampoo can also cause the follicles to become dry and brittle. This can lead to hair breakage and hair loss. 2

In 2022, the Food and Drug Association found excessive levels of benzene, a carcinogen, in multiple brands of dry shampoo and called for a voluntary recall of the affected products. If you have dry shampoo purchased before 2023, you should throw it away. Look for the words “benzene-free” on the label, and avoid ingredients like butane, isobutane, or propane. 11

How dry shampoo affects different hair types

Since everyone’s hair is different, it’s important to care for your hair with products that are designed for your hair type.

Normal hair:

Normal hair is hair that has not been dyed, permed, straightened or chemically treated, and is not overly greasy or dry. Most dry shampoos keep normal hair in good condition between washes. 8

Oily hair:

Your body normally produces the oils your hair needs. If that’s more than you want it to feel like, we have good news. Dry shampoo is best for your hair and will allow you to go an extra day or two between washes. 8

Dry or damaged hair:

If your scalp and hair often feel tight or look dry, or if you typically perm, straighten or use harsh styling products or procedures to achieve your desired look, use dry shampoo with caution. Most dry shampoos contain ingredients that dry out your hair further, leaving your follicles weak and your hair breakage prone. You should wash your hair properly at least three times a week. 8

How to use dry shampoo safely

Follow these tips to get the best dry shampooing results while keeping your scalp or hair healthy. 1,2

Shake the product well before use and apply only to your hair, not your scalp.

Hold the spray at least 15cm from your head for even distribution.

Apply only to areas where oil is most noticeable – usually the temples or crown of the head.

Use your fingers to smooth the dry shampoo throughout your hair.

Be careful when styling with a straightener or curling iron. Heat combined with dry shampoo can damage your hair.

Do not use dry shampoo for more than two days in a row and no more than twice a week.

If your hair is dark, use a tinted product to prevent discoloration.

If your hair feels dry, stiff or grainy, you may have used too much product.

Tips for curly hair: Curly-haired people should apply the product to the base of the hair shaft and blend it in with your fingers. Do not comb your hair or apply dry shampoo directly to your curls. Instead, apply dry shampoo evenly and treat your curls with a smoothing or moisturizing oil to make them look luscious. 8

Expert Opinion

Dermatologists recommend following these tips for safe and effective use of dry shampoo. 4

It works best on fine, long hair that becomes frizzy after washing.

Be careful with homemade dry shampoos that contain cornstarch, which can breed bacteria and cause unpleasant odors.

Check ingredients before use to avoid allergic reactions. If your scalp feels tight or dry after using dry shampoo, choose a fragrance-free product.

Use only a small amount where needed. You can add more if needed.

Use the night before or before a workout so the product has time to absorb as much oil and dirt as possible.

Wash your hair regularly with water and shampoo to prevent infection, eliminate odor, and keep your hair in its best condition.

Stop use if you experience burning, itching, or irritation on your scalp. If the sensation doesn’t stop after shampooing, contact your dermatologist.

Avoid use if you have sensitive skin, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or other scalp conditions.

If you use prescription topical medications on your scalp, consult your dermatologist before using dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo is a great tool when you need it, but like any good tool, you’ll get the best results if you use it in moderation.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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