How To Use Dry Shampoo

Article by BR Natalie

As beauty gadget fanatics we're used to saying things like "What did we do before straighteners?",  "I could not live without my epilator", "Don't worry, every hotel room has a hair dryer".

Products on the other hand, well, we're a bit more difficult to be wowed by.  For every product promising to change your life, there are 10 others that promise the same thing.  A month later, there's a whole new line of products that make your current must-have look lame.  When you think about it, very few products actually are game changers. Recent beauty discoveries that have changed beauty routines and habits include BB Creams, Gel Nail Polish and Dry Shampoo.  And as it's 5 Minute Beauty Week, we had to give you the ins and outs on Dry Shampoo - if don't already love it, you will - just follow our guide!

What is a dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo is just that - it's a dry substance that 'cleanses' your hair without the need for water.

What are they made of?

Back in ye olden days dry shampoos were essentially baby powder type things.  You'd sprinkle the powder on your roots, leave for a minute or two and then brush out.

Nowadays most dry shampoos are found in an aersol, so they'll still consist of a powder, but they'll be aerosol propellants, fragrance and often, conditioning agents added.

How do they work?

Dry shampoos aren't going to replace your regular shampoo - they just don't contain enough solvents nor will your hair be suitable agitated to let go of grime and dirt.  What dry shampoos do is absorb excess oil from your hair and scalp, eliminating the greasy look.

Why do I need one?

Dry shampoos are darn handy to have around.  Here's some examples:

• To freshen up your hair after a gym trip when you don't have time to wash and dry it.
• To freshen up second-day-hair, so you don't have to either wear a hat, or pull it back in a boring ponytail
• To freshen up new-mama-hair.  You know the one.
• Going camping?  No guarantee of running water, let alone warm water?  Meh, you can go glam-ping with dry shampoo and look fabulous.

You get the point right?  It freshens your hair!

How do I use a dry shampoo?

1. Wash your hands first - no sense putting more dirt on your hair right?
2. Remove hair ties, bobby pins, etc and brush your har through.
3. Focus mainly on the roots and spray the dry shampoo on to your roots, holding the can about 6 inches away from your head.  (The spray is usually pretty forceful by the way - be prepared to jump!)
4. You can brush the product down the strands if you choose, but they're most effective at soaking up sebum from the scalp and roots.
5. Leave it to do it's thing for a minute or two .
6. Flip your head upside down and using a brush or your hands massage the roots and scalp to add volume and encourage any residue to dissolve.
7. Style!

Any other tips?

• If you have dark hair go for the less is more approach to avoid obvious powder residue.
• Use dry shampoo on bobby pins to increase grip.
• Flip your hair upside down and apply dry shampoo for more volume.
• If you want your curls to stay separate lightly spray your curls with dry shampoo.
• Stop your fringe from sticking to your forehead - spray under your fringe not on top.

So there's our guide to using Dry Shampoo - anything to add?  Are you a fan of dry shampoo or have you yet to try it?  What's you favourite dry shampoo and what tips do you have!