Dry shampoos are designed to be a quick and easy alternative to traditional liquid shampoo, which requires water, washing, lathering, rinsing, repeating and most of all, time. Although not a new concept, dry shampoos are regaining popularity thanks to busy celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Kelly Ripa and Jennifer Garner, who are making it socially acceptable to skip a day, according to Celebritybeautybuzz.com.
Significance
When your hair gets oily and dirty, common sense and good hygiene tell you to wash it. For 80 percent of Americans, that means daily, according to "The Science of Hair Care." But what if hair care experts told you washing everyday with traditional shampoo is actually damaging your hair, stripping it of essential oils? Using dry shampoo is a quick-fix alternative to traditional shampooing that helps keep your hair clean and oil-free between washings.
Function
Unlike traditional liquid shampoos that contain detergents to break up and remove oil, dry shampoos act as oil absorbers. They primarily contain powders and clays that attract the oil and dirt. After you spray or sprinkle on the dry shampoo, wait a few minutes for the ingredients to absorb the oil, then brush your hair vigorously to remove all residues, according to the Discovery Health website. As a result, your hair should feel cleaner and lighter.
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with using dry shampoo. First, you don't need to use water. It takes only two minutes to spray, wait for it to dry and brush it out, making it much faster than washing, rinsing, drying and styling your hair. It is also convenient to use away from home, especially if you carry a small container with you in your purse or gym bag, according to Lovetoknow.com.
Considerations
Before you buy dry shampoo, you may want to consider factors such as cost and how often you think you'll use it. Reading product reviews can familiarize you with the dry shampoos on the market, but nothing takes the place of trying it for yourself. Prices range from approximately $6 at your local drug store to upwards of $24 at high-end retailers or salons.
Expert Insight
Here's what reviewers are saying about some of the top-selling dry shampoos on the market.
As for Beyond the Zone-Rock on Dry Shampoo, a Sally Beauty.com reviewer writes, "This product does what it promises to do."
A reviewer on Sephora.com raves about Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, saying, "My stylist carries this line of products and recommended it. I am in LOVE with it."
Another Sephora reviewer says this of Klorane Shampoo Dry, "I highly recommend this shampoo for anyone who doesn't want to wash their hair every day."
References
- Celebrity Beauty Buzz: Celebs Use Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Spray
- "The Science of Hair Care"; Claude Bouillon, John D. Wilkinson; 2005
- Discovery Health: How Dry Shampoo Works
- Love to Know: Dry Shampoo: Benefits of Dry Shampoo
- Sephora: Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo
