dry shampoo powder

What Goes Into Dry Shampoo Powder?

The beauty gal's version of pixie dust.

A lot of us know dry shampoo as one of mankind’s modern-day hair heroes. Now that we are stuck inside and most of us aren’t washing our hair as frequently, dry shampoo powder is needed more than ever. Not only does it provide a whole slew of benefits and options to cleansing hair without the use of water—everything from extending a new color to saving water to helping bedridden people refresh their hair—dry shampoo will be your savior through this stay-home period. We’ll walk you through what you need to know about dry shampoo powder and share some of our fave dry shampoo products.

Dry Shampoo Powder: The Basics

One of the earliest forms of dry shampoo came in the form of a powder when it was used to color and deodorize wigs back during the 1700s in the United States. It’s also been reported to have been used by people in Asia in the 1500s, in the form of clay powder. Nowadays, dry shampoo powder is usually made of an oil-absorbing ingredient like starch (most often cornstarch or rice starch), mixed with either a scented or unscented freshener.

Dry Shampoo Powder Dispensers

Modern ways of dispensing dry shampoo include aerosol and non-aerosol varieties, with the latter usually coming in a squeezable bottle to help dispense the powder through holes at the top.

dry shampoo powder
Get loads of volume and refresh oily strands with dry shampoo powder.

D.I.Y. Versions

Luckily for those who are out of dry shampoo and can’t get their hands on a fresh bottle, there are ways to create a dry shampoo powder version with ingredients typically found in your kitchen pantry. Baking soda, cornstarch, cocoa powder (for brunettes!) and even a few drops of essential oil for fragrance are all readily available and can do a great job of absorbing oil, when blended in the correct proportions. Additionally, some famous Hollywood actresses have also been quoted as having used baby powder on their hair in lieu of washing and to create lift.

How to Use Dry Shampoo Powder

To use dry shampoo powder, first dispense the product onto your roots, evenly sprinkling from front to back. Massage in thoroughly, then let sit for a few seconds before brushing out. To refresh your fringe with a non-aerosol dry shampoo, sprinkle some product onto palms first, then tousle through the bang area to remove grease and revitalize your style.

In the market for a dry shampoo of your own? Here’s a list of our faves that you might be able to get shipped to you while in quarantine.

Dove Refresh+Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is hands down our all-time favorite scent!

TRESemmé Clean Pro Pure Dry Shampoo

Nothing beats the mid-day lift we get from this winner.

Nexxus Between Washes Smooth & Clean Dry Shampoo Foam

This dry shampoo is light and refreshing and has a foam texture for a slightly different application.

Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Color Care Dry Shampoo

Got colored strands? This product will save you from one more color-stripping wash day!

Love Beauty and Planet Rosehip & Patchouli Extend Dry Shampoo

Looking for sexy volume and that clean, refreshed feeling in one spritz? Then this is the dry shampoo for you. Plus, it smells delicious.

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