Tips for styling hair with dry shampoo

Know the basics

Dry shampoo, in aerosol or loose powder form, works by using a combination of oil-absorbing starches and fragrances to make hair less greasy and extend the life of your hairstyle. It can also be used to create volume and body.

Shake up

Before using dry shampoo, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. Then shake the bottle a few times to distribute the formula evenly (as starch can settle at the bottom). Always apply on dry hair and give yourself a little distance to deliver an even application and prevent build-up. Lift a section of hair and then “hold the bottle 10 to 15 centimetres from your head and spray at the roots,” says hairstylist Ardree Merriweather. Using a loose powder? Sprinkle it near your scalp, but avoid applying it directly to your part, which can lead to chalky-looking hair and difficulty removing the powder.

Keep it moving

“It’s also important not to spray continuously in one section,” Merriweather notes. If you do, you’ll end up with a spot of product that’s hard to disperse. Instead, use a sweeping motion to cover roots in a thin, even layer of product.

Apply only where hair is greasiest

Avoid spraying dry shampoo all over your head – stick to just the top of the crown (from tops of your ears up). Since natural oils are released from the scalp, the bottom portion of hair is less likely to be greasy, and applying dry shampoo there could make strands gritty or lacklustre.

Let it sit

Don’t immediately brush or tousle hair. Give the product a chance to work into strands and absorb oil by allowing it to sit for a minute or two. Then massage the formula in with your fingertips, or brush through to disperse it and minimise any chalkiness. To help get rid of remaining white residue or excess product, aim a blow-dryer at roots for a few seconds.

Try it at night

When you don’t have time to shampoo but want to wake up with hair that looks just washed, spritz on dry shampoo before bed. The formula will absorb as you sleep so hair will look refreshed in the morning. For an instant boost when your style falls flat, lift up small sections of hair, spritz dry shampoo near the roots and then tousle with your fingers (flip your head over for more fullness).

Don't overdo it!

When your hair is greasy, it may seem as if the more dry shampoo you use, the fresher it’ll look, but too much can make strands appear dull and discoloured. Start by spraying a small amount and then add more only if you feel that your hair is still oily after the initial application.