How to Use Dry Shampoo Correctly to Get the Best Results

Basically, just as you would for any other skin or hair care product, read the product description page thoroughly in order to make sure that a formula’s features pertain to your needs. If you have curly strands, seek out a dry shampoo that also has moisturizing elements — Appleton recommends ColorWow Style on Steroids. If you have fine or thin hair, try a lightweight aerosol dry shampoo, such as Kerastase’s Powder Bluff or Klorane’s Gentle Dry Shampoo. For those who tend to have an oily scalp, use a dry shampoo that’s formulated to be super absorbent, such as Drybar’s Detox Dry Shampoo or Ouai Super Dry Shampoo.

Yet another option is color-tinted dry shampoo, which are made to blend better with specific hair colors and can come in handy when your roots begin to grow out. Some of our favorites: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones (for blondes), and Batiste Dry Shampoo Divine Dark or Sachajuan Dark Dry Powder Shampoo (for dark brunettes){: rel=nofollow}.

It’s worth noting that all four of the hairstylists polled for this story cited aerosol as their favorite type of dry shampoo delivery system. Why? The pressurization of product combined with the aerosol spray nozzle allows for a more even application, some say, as well as more control. “It also gives us the added benefit of adding a little more volume and texture,” says hairstylist Adel Chabbi.

After you’ve picked out your dry shampoo, you’ve got to know how to apply it — correctly, so as not to end up with white roots or stiff strands. Follow these steps for best results.

Step 1: Prep & Part

“Before you even think about spraying it in your hair, shake the bottle up,” Appleton says, referring to aerosol, spray, and foam dry shampoos (you don’t need to shake up powder). “This will make sure the product’s formula is evenly distributed inside of the bottle, making for even distribution on your scalp.”

Next, grab a comb. To apply dry shampoo properly, you’ll want to part your hair into small sections. Start by parting through the oiliest section of your hair.