How to Choose the Best Dry Shampoo for You

In a world where nobody has time to give themselves a regular blowout, best dry shampoo is a miracle in a bottle. It helps us all create the look & feel of clean, gorgeous hair– even on the days when there aren’t two minutes to spare to run a comb through it.

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But though the product is one of the most commonly used in the haircare world, you may still be confused as to how to use it and which kind of dry shampoo is right for your hair type.

To make those no-wash days easier than ever, read on to discover Redken’s complete guide to best dry shampoo—from how to choose the right one to how to best use it to maximize the benefits. Week-long perfect blowouts, here you come.

WHAT IS DRY SHAMPOO?

Dry shampoo is a quick fix for banishing greasy hair, because it gets the job done without requiring you to get your head wet. It comes in powder or spray form, and absorbs grease to make your scalp and strands look freshly washed… even if it’s been three or four days since you’ve stepped under the shower stream.

“Dry shampoo eliminates odor and oil from the hair, but it also helps to add body to the hair. So even if you hair is not oily, you can still use best dry shampoo on day two or three or four of not shampooing just to revitalize your hair,” says Redken Artist Adina Doss.

It’s the perfect solution for days when your blowout needs a little extra oomph, but you don’t have time for a full wash—think of it as the “fake it ‘til you make it” product that every beauty bag should have.

HOW TO USE DRY SHAMPOO

If you’re using a spray format best dry shampoo, the general rule is to hold the can at least six inches away from your head so that the product distributes evenly throughout the hair. With a best dry shampoo powder, a great tip is to pour the product into your hands and then rub into your scalp for maximum oil absorption.

Another great option, no matter what formulation of product you’re using, is to spray or pour the dry shampoo onto a brush then comb it through your strands. This will ensure that the product is distributed evenly and take care of any product residue that may show up in application.

You can also use dry shampoo in place of hairspray as a way to add texture and grit to your hair style. Apply it to your hair, then blast with a blow dryer to give your look a little extra texture.

And one more pro tip? “Apply dry shampoo products when your hair is clean,” recommends Redken Artist Blake Reed Evans.

“This helps you stay ahead of the problem by stopping grease in its tracks.” Instead of waiting for your hair to get irreparably greasy and trying to do damage control with dry shampoo, a great tip is to apply it on clean hair before bed so that you can tackle oil while you sleep.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE DRY SHAMPOO

Just as it’s possible to wash your hair too frequently, it’s also possible to overdo it with dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo is great to use a few times throughout the week to refresh your hair and keep oil under control, but as soon as your hair starts to look white or you notice buildup accumulating on your scalp, take it as a sign that it’s time for a full wash.

Use a clarifying shampoo such as Redken Hair Cleansing Cream to ensure you’re getting rid of all of the grease and buildup, and starting fresh with a clean scalp every time you lather and rinse.

HOW TO CHOOSE BEST DRY SHAMPOO

If you’ve got greasy or oily hair: Just choose
Deep Clean Dry Shampoo

If your hair needs an extra-deep clean, this is the product for you. “It’s a stronger version of your standard dry shampoo that tackles and cleanses on the spot,” says Redken Artist Ashley Flora.

Think of it as the dry shampoo version of a clarifying shampoo, which makes it perfect for anyone who really struggles with excess oil or grease on their scalp.

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If you need a post-gym refresh: Select
Redken Dry Shampoo Powder 02

If your scalp is more “sweaty” than “oily” consider keeping this product in your gym bag for a regular waterless wash. “It offers a more customizable application, so you control exactly how much product you want and need,” says Reed Evans.

It’s also formulated with extra-absorbent charcoal to soak up any slickness from your scalp, and is easy to apply thanks to its powder format.

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If you’ve got short hair: You need
Dry Shampoo Styling Paste 05

Dry shampoo and short hair may seem like they’d be at odds, but Redken’s dry shampoo paste is the perfect pick for even the shortest pixie cuts. It’s a dry shampoo/styling product hybrid, which means it provides texture and absorbs oil for the perfectly tousled short style.

Not only does it absorb grease, but it also gives hair a mild, workable hold that will help any blowout last for days on end.

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