Common dry shampoo mistakes:
Excessive usage
"Dry shampoo doesn’t completely replace actual shampoo.
'My rule of thumb is when your scalp gets itchy from using it for a few days in a row, it’s time to wash,' Cosmillo says. 'Overuse can make your hair rough, dull, and brittle. It can also clog pores and impact overall hair health.'"
Forcing a product to work
"Just because you own the product doesn’t mean you have to use it. If it’s not working for you, walk away and try something different.
'If a dry shampoo is making your scalp itchy after just one use, try a different formula,” Cosmillo says. 'If a dry shampoo requires work after using it, like blow drying it to minimize residue, look for an invisible formula that blends without the work.'"
How to use dry shampoo:
"'The most important thing to understand about a dry shampoo is that it is designed for your roots,' says Marilynne Cosmillo, veteran hairstylist and founder of hOURS haircare. 'Your scalp produces oil, coating the first inch or two of your strands. These oils can weigh down your hair and give the appearance of dirty hair.'
She recommends dividing your hair into 1 to 2-inch sections and applying an even layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be evenly spread out to make sure you cover key areas.
'I always recommend avoiding applying dry shampoo directly to your part itself – instead, work just beneath it, parallel to your part, on both sides,' she says. 'This prevents any accidental white-casting from ruining your style if you overdo it. When you’re done, just gently massage your scalp to blend and revive your style.'"