Never use dry shampoo instead of washing your hair: Here's why
Trichologist explained how not to use dry shampoo (photo: Freepik)
Dry shampoo has become a real lifesaver in the fast pace of life – just a few sprays and your hair looks fresh. However, using dry shampoo as a replacement for traditional hair washing can lead to serious scalp and hair issues, reports Huffpost.
Is dry shampoo safe
Trichologist Sarah Halladjian explained that dry shampoo itself is not harmful to the hair, but frequent use can lead to buildup on the scalp, which may potentially irritate.
It is important to understand that it should be used as a temporary solution, not a replacement for washing, which, over time, can affect scalp health.
Dry shampoo works by absorbing oil from the hair, while also adding volume at the roots, providing grip, and helping maintain your hairstyle.
One of the main ingredients is denatured alcohol, a combination of ethanol and a denaturing agent that can strip moisture or oils from the scalp and hair. In addition, butane, isobutane, and propane make up about 70–90% of dry shampoos.
What happens when we overuse dry shampoo?
The first thing that happens is product buildup on the scalp, which eventually blocks hair follicles and slows down the hair growth cycle. You might think this is not a big deal, but stunted hair growth can lead to issues like hair loss, breakage, and dryness.
People who don’t wash their hair enough, and overuse dry shampoo, can clog the follicles, which can cause hair loss, the expert added.
Excessive use depends on the scalp’s oiliness, hair type, and hair thickness. The thinner the hair, the faster it becomes greasy, because its flat cuticle layers do not absorb oil effectively, allowing sebum to stay on the surface. On the other hand, curly hair, which is naturally drier due to a more raised cuticle structure, absorbs oil more efficiently and usually doesn’t require dry shampoo.
If you have scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, or excessive dryness, you should avoid dry shampoo altogether, as it can worsen these problems.
What happens if you leave dry shampoo on overnight
Using dry shampoo before bed may not be a good idea, as leaving it on too long can lead to oil buildup and dryness.
Residue from dry shampoo can accumulate on the scalp, clogging follicles, causing irritation, and even leading to pimples. Additionally, dirt and excess product on the scalp can interfere with normal hair growth, which over time can lead to brittleness or hair loss.
If you don’t wash or brush out dry shampoo, it mixes with sweat, sebum, and dust, which can result in an unpleasant odor.
How can we use dry shampoo safely?
When applying dry shampoo, follow these guidelines:
- Brush your hair – this helps distribute natural oils and prevents tangling
- Spray shampoo at the roots – hold the can 15–20 cm away from your head and apply the product only to the roots (not along the length)
- Leave it on for 3–5 minutes so the shampoo can absorb excess oil
- Massage the scalp with your fingers or a towel to activate absorption and better distribute the product
- Brush or shake out the residue – use a brush or a hair dryer with cool air to remove any excess product
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
