Dry shampoo is a powdered product to clean your hair. It is a product to absorb the dirt, oil and grease of your scalp without washing it. Many people use it to freshen their hair after working out, a humid commute, extend the life of a blowout, etc. It can also be useful for people with disabilities who have a hard time taking showers without assistance. Commercial dry shampoos usually come in a spray bottle. They are made with a base of alcohol or starch. When you spray the product into your hair, the alcohol or starch soaks up oil and grease, making it look cleaner. Experts say dry shampoo is great once in a while, but it shouldn’t be a full-time substitute for washing your hair with water. You can consider dry shampoo to be more of a hair freshener than a hair cleaner. It does nothing to clean your scalp, which collects dirt. Many shampoos help moisturize your hair.
Additionally, shampooing in the shower clears away bacteria and yeast. It can help you avoid clogged pores in the scalp and washes away styling products. Experts recommend that you still wash your hair with shampoo and water a few times a week as part of your routine. People with hair that is not dry or oily can usually wash it two or three times a week. Those with curly or textured hair usually follow other hair care routines and may wash it less often. For example, those who use the Curly Girl Method wash their hair with traditional shampoo infrequently but use conditioner to keep their hair clean. Depending on their hair texture, Black people may wash their hair with shampoo once every 1 or 2 weeks.
- 1 The Conventional Use: Dry Shampoo and Dry Hair
- 2 The TikTok Trend: Using Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair
- 3 Expert Opinions: Does It Really Work?
- 4 Best Practices for Using Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair
- 5 Comparing Dry Shampoo Application Methods
- 6 Recommended Dry Shampoo Products
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Conclusion: Should You Try the Wet Hair Hack?
The Conventional Use: Dry Shampoo and Dry Hair
Dry shampoo is made to use on dry hair. It’s ok to use dry shampoo on hair that is damp from sweat or working out, but it’s not designed for use on wet hair. If you’ve just showered and shampoo, you don’t need dry shampoo – save that for between washes when you need a refresh. And if you’re looking to use dry shampoo after swimming or getting caught in the rain, wait for your hair to be mostly dry before using. Dry shampoo means no water – you don’t need to get your hair wet to use it, and in fact, you shouldn’t! Dry shampoo on dry hair. Dry shampoo can help extend the life of your Brazilian Blowout by helping refresh your hair without having to wash and reset – and lose your sleek, straight locks. Between Blowouts, use dry shampoo on your roots, let it absorb for a few minutes, then either brush or finger comb to distribute.
How to Apply Dry Shampoo Correctly
- Shake the bottle. And shake it good! When you’re in a rush this step is often missed yet so important, especially when you want to minimize the white powdery residue. By shaking the bottle, you help mix up all the good stuff which in turn, makes the dry shampoo more effective.
- Separate your hair into medium sized sections so you can get Batiste into every nook and cranny at the base of your roots. Before spraying, create space between you and the product by holding it 12 inches away from your roots (about the length of the can). This distance helps the product fall evenly where it should, and doesn’t leave hair looking like you just powdered your wig. For those prone to oily hair, heaviness happens at the base of the roots caused by product build up, sweat, or grease from your hands. This is where you should focus your spray, and the sweet spot where dry shampoo works it’s magic.
- Massage into roots with fingertips or a brush. Time to get science-y. This simple massaging action activates the starch element to help accelerate absorption so that any white residue begins to disappear. Also, who doesn’t love a little scalp massage! Don’t want the dry shampoo (especially ones with a hint of color) on your fingers?
- Style as desired. Or not. Whatever you’re feeling. Now it’s time to do your thing. Use your wand, iron (or throwback to a crimper!) to add the final touches to your hair. As a bonus, dry shampoo gives hair grip so braids, ponytails, or messy buns get even better. Don’t want to do anything extra? That’s fine too.
The TikTok Trend: Using Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair
Dry shampoo is typically used on, well, dry hair, as its name implies. However, TikTokers are using it on wet hair and claiming positive results. In her TikTok video, Alex James revealed that she discovered the hack by accident and that her hair wasn’t actually clean when she applied the dry shampoo as it was wet from sweating. Because the dry shampoo acts differently once it binds to water, you can also use this hack on second- or third-day hair as well. All you have to do is dampen your roots with some water and apply the dry shampoo to the area. Once your hair dries ¡ª you can let it air dry or use a hair drier ¡ª it will be clean to the eye!
According to Michael Due?as, the reason why dry shampoo has a different effect when applied to wet hair is because of the way it binds to the hair. When applied to greasy hair, the dry shampoo absorbs the extra oil, but when applied to wet hair, it “binds itself to the hair strand,” making it thicker and giving your hair a lot more volume. When used on oily hair, for instance, dry shampoo absorbs the extra oil. When used on water, like with wet hair, it somewhat binds itself to the hair strand, causing the strand to be fuller, thicker, and more voluminous. “It can also help create the effect of thicker hair, since each strand of hair has a larger diameter.” As for aerosol versus powder on wet hair, Due?as says it’s much easier to distribute aerosol without overburdening the hair. “If you are a master with sprinkling powder, by all means have at it. Just make sure to distribute it evenly!” he says.
Testing the Wet Hair Hack
So when I saw a handful of TikTok hacks which suggested that spraying dry shampoo through dry hair is actually doing me and my lengths a serious disservice, I was intrigued. TikToker Jillian Jane credits style aficionado Katrina Ives with bringing this trick into their life. “Three days is typically how long I can do without washing my hair,” Jillian told the camera, “but I saw another creator say to put dry shampoo in wet hair after you wash it and it will last longer between washes.” Jillian says that the key is to blow-dry the dry shampoo into your roots once applied. The impressive height is the first thing that Jillian noticed. Though she didn’t apply any kind of volumising product, her roots appear lifted and her hair bouncy.
My all-time favourite dry shampoo is Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo, ¡ê22, but if you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with Colab Dry Shampoo Spray Original, ¡ê3.49, or Batiste Dry Shampoo, ¡ê4.99. I decided to use the former here because a little goes a very long way. What’s more, Living Proof promises that this actually cleans hair by soaking up oil, and I’ve found that it pretty much eliminates scalp odour. When I explained the wet shampoo hack to my colleagues, one was worried that the white powder might end up making some sort of sticky cake batter in my wet hair ¡ª and I panicked. But dry shampoo doesn’t contain flour (at least, not this one). It mops up grease using rice starch, while hydrated silica is responsible for volume and texture.
Expert Opinions: Does It Really Work?
Jay says there is absolutely a benefit to using dry shampoo in this way. “It’s great to use as preventative product for oily hair,” he told me. “Dry shampoo works well if applied on wet hair straight after washing, as it has the ability to absorb oil even before it makes hair greasy. This will leave hair looking fresher for a longer time ¡ª and it makes hair voluminous, too.” Jay wants everyone to know that dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your hair; it merely absorbs oil to make your hair appear cleaner. Jay also says that dry shampoo should only be used as a quick fix and not as a permanent part of your haircare routine.
Though I saw a significant improvement in my greasy hair, Neil doesn’t see any benefit in this hack. He calls it a fad. “For me,” says Neil, “it defeats the object of what a dry shampoo does as a product. Dry shampoo is designed to be used after your hair hasn’t been shampooed for a day or two, and will soak up any excess oils in the hair.” Contrary to its name, dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your hair. And it doesn’t work on wet or too damp hair, either. To understand how dry shampoo works and the best way to use it, we turned to two board-certified dermatologists and a hairstylist for their advice.
Risks and Considerations
There are some risks associated with using a lot of dry shampoo, though, as well as going too long without wet-washing your hair. If you’ve ever used a little too much dry shampoo, you know the feeling: Your hair looks fresher than it did before, but it feels weird ¡ª kind of grainy, almost sandy. That’s filmy residue building up on your scalp, and it can cause a variety of problems. Dr. Bergfeld highlights some of the issues that your dry shampoo habit can cause. It can irritate your scalp: In the short term, dry shampoos mask the appearance of debris in your hair, but ultimately, it becomes a contributing factor. Dirt, bacteria, yeast and product use cause build-up that can lead to clogged pores, painful pimples or bacterial infections. It can also cause scales or scalp rash. It can cause breakage: Alcohol, which is an ingredient in many dry shampoos, dries out your tresses, which can make them brittle.
Best Practices for Using Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair
- While hair is damp (best when about 90% dry), spray the dry shampoo from the scalp to ends.
- Taking sections as you apply helps for even coverage as well. Once applied in the hair, blow-dry as normal, or rough-dry and style with your favorite hot tool. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than mousse!
- Apply dry shampoo to specific oily areas. If using an aerosol dry shampoo, hold the can at least 6 inches away from the application area. Once applied, evenly distribute the dry shampoo by either massaging the scalp or brushing through the hair.
- Avoid spraying ends of hair from excessive drying.
Comparing Dry Shampoo Application Methods
| Application Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Hair | Absorbs oil effectively, quick refresh, extends blowout life | May leave residue, not a true cleanse, potential scalp irritation |
| Wet Hair (90% Dry) | Adds volume, binds to hair for thicker appearance, prevents oil buildup | Can clump if too wet, not widely recommended, requires blow-drying |
| Damp Hair (Sweat) | Refreshes post-workout, manageable application | Limited oil absorption, may feel gritty, not ideal for full cleanse |
Recommended Dry Shampoo Products
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo: Known for its ability to absorb oil and eliminate scalp odor, this product is ideal for both dry and wet hair applications.
- Batiste Dry Shampoo: A budget-friendly option that works well for quick refreshes and is widely available.
- K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo: Features patented odorBIND technology, leaving no residue and suitable for up to three days of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dry shampoo replace regular shampoo?
No, dry shampoo cannot replace regular shampoo. It absorbs oil and refreshes hair but does not clean the scalp or remove dirt, bacteria, or product buildup. Regular shampooing with water is essential for scalp health.
Is it safe to use dry shampoo on wet hair every day?
Using dry shampoo on wet hair daily is not recommended. It can lead to product buildup, scalp irritation, or clogged pores. Limit use to once or twice between washes and ensure hair is mostly dry (about 90%).
Will dry shampoo on wet hair damage my hair?
When used correctly, dry shampoo on wet hair is unlikely to cause damage. However, overuse or applying it to soaking wet hair may cause clumping or residue buildup, potentially leading to scalp issues or brittle hair.
How do I remove dry shampoo residue?
To remove dry shampoo residue, use a clarifying shampoo during your next wash. Massage it into the scalp and rinse thoroughly to clear out any buildup. Follow with a conditioner to restore moisture.
Can I use dry shampoo on colored or chemically treated hair?
Yes, most dry shampoos are safe for colored or chemically treated hair. Choose a product formulated for your hair type and avoid overuse to prevent dryness or irritation.
Conclusion: Should You Try the Wet Hair Hack?
The wet hair dry shampoo trend offers a creative way to boost volume and extend the time between washes, particularly for those with oily hair. While some experts and users praise its ability to bind to hair strands for a thicker, fuller look, others argue it deviates from the product’s intended purpose. For best results, apply dry shampoo to hair that’s about 90% dry, use it sparingly, and always follow up with regular shampooing to maintain scalp health. Experiment with trusted products and find what works for your hair type. For more hair care tips, check out The American Academy of Dermatology or Healthline’s Beauty Section.