What is dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a powder substance used to clean the hair as an alternative when it is not practical to use traditional (liquid) shampoo and water.
What makes dry shampoo work?
Ingredients called ‘absorbing agents’ in dry shampoo absorb oil and residue from the scalp. The most common ‘absorbing agents’ are oryza sativa starch, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, zea mays starch and silica. In addition, there are conditioning agents like avena sativa kernel oil to keep hair smooth and healthy looking.
Oryza sativa starch: binds to and removes liquids such as oil
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate: acts as an anti-caking (product build up) agent
Silica: Adds emolliency to hair products
When hair looks “greasy” it is usually the 3 inches closest to your scalp. This can be a blonde’s best friend, they show oil on the scalp quicker than redheads and brunettes.
Benefits?
Over washing hair can ruin hair color and takes valuable time out of your day. Using a dry shampoo in between traditional washes is a great way to maintain healthy, sleek hair and keep color bright! Most dry shampoos are ‘sulfate free’ which means it doesn’t have those harsh chemicals that strip your hair and scalp of natural, essential oils that are produced by the body. Dry shampoo doesn’t have to mean dry hair!
Recommendations?
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo, $11 @ sephora.com
This non-aerosol application technique makes for easy dispensing. Apply to hair roots and rub into scalp, shake out excess shampoo, style as usual.
Umberto Dry Clean Dry Shampoo, $8.99 @ Target stores
This comes in an aerosol can but is residue-free and great for newcomers to the dry shampoo world. Aerosols are a little harder to control the amount that is dispensed, however this is a great one to start with!
