Dry shampoo can be used to fluff or freshen your hair during showers. Most dry shampoos are alcohol-based, and they are losing popularity globally as time passes by. Some safety concerns have emerged about the safety of using dry shampoos. As convenient as they may be when it comes to cleaning your hair, dry shampoos have been found to lead to hair breakage, hair loss, and clogged follicles. Using dry shampoo occasionally is ok but using it for extended periods will lead to damaged hair and cause problems to your scalp.
Dry shampoo is not a shampoo as many people may think. It is an alcohol product that contains a sprinkle of starch that absorbs oil from your hair making it less noticeable. Dry shampoo will not remove dirt and oil the same way normal shampoos do when you scrub and rinse with water. When you are using dry shampoo, you should not leave it for long in your hair without washing it out. It may lead to product buildups making your scalp itchy.
Using dry shampoo for long can lead to dandruff and scaly skin especially if you have an overly oily scalp. If you are prone to using dry shampoo daily, then chances that your scalp absorbs the oils leading to fungus. When dry shampoo combines with the oils in your scalp, it will lead to fungi development which will cause scaly red scalp leading to a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis.
Most commercial dry shampoos contain talc which is a mineral that contains particles of asbestos. Talcum powders that are made for cosmetic use have been prohibited in the United States because most of them contain asbestos. If you are concerned about getting cancer, then you should avoid using dry shampoo that contains talc. That is according to the American Cancer Society.
Should You Use Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo should not be used for more than two days in a row. Using it daily will lead to damaged hair and scalp. This is how you should use dry shampoo. Start by holding the canister six inches away from your head then spray the hair. You should not spray your scalp and only spray areas where oil is visible. Use a comb to redistribute any spray that is accumulated at the roots of your hair.
Advantages of Dry Shampoo
Even though we have seen some disadvantages that come with using dry shampoo, there are still some positives that come with using them. Dry shampoo is a time saver as you do not have to wash your hair often. Applying a small amount to the crown and temple of your hair means that you can go to work and back without having to style or even wash your hair. It is not recommended to wash your hair every day and that is why you need dry shampoo.
Summary
Dry shampoos do not clean your hair, they only absorb oil from your hair making it look fluffy and clean. Using it occasionally will not have any effect on your hair but when you overdo it that is where the problem comes in. For great results, you can use it once or twice a week.