WE OFTEN rely on dry shampoo to breathe some new life into our greasy locks, but one haircare expert has said we’ve been doing it all wrong.
While many of us spray it on in a rush in the morning before work – it turns out there’s a much more effective way of using it to stop hair getting oily.
A haircare expert has shared the four mistakes we’re making with dry shampoo[/caption]
Laura Elliott, head stylist at Neäl & Wølf has over 20 years of experience in the industry so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about dry shampoo.
She revealed her four tips to making sure dry shampoo works for you – so your hair can look fresh throughout the festive season, no matter how many parties you attend.
The haircare expert said: “The key to using dry shampoo and achieving the best results is moderation.
“Although it’s tempting to apply a lot when you’re in a rush and want a quick fix for your greasy hair, too much product can leave hair looking powdery or feeling stiff.
“Start with a light spritz, focusing on the roots and gradually build up if necessary.”
Laura also went on to say the three mistakes we constantly make when it comes to sorting our greasy locks, and it seems we’ve all been doing it wrong.
Use it straight away
While many of us wait until our hair is already slick as a deep fryer, Laura suggests using it immediately after washing and drying your hair.
Applying dry shampoo to clean hair rather than waiting can extend it’s freshness and add texture for easy styling.
She said: “While dry shampoo is often used between washes to freshen up oily hair, I also recommend using it on clean hair to keep it looking fresh for longer.
“The light fragrance and oil absorbing properties will keep your hair looking clean without the need for a full wash.
“Once you’ve sprayed the dry shampoo onto your roots, make sure to allow the powder time to work its magic, at least three minutes; most people make the mistake of rushing the process and therefore don’t see the full results.”
Hands off
The hair expert also said you need to stop rubbing it in with your fingers as your making the oil worse.
“When using on already greasy hair I often see people rubbing in the excess with their fingers as a quick fix but with the natural oils that form on our fingertips, you’re essentially removing the dry shampoo,” she explained.
“Instead try blow-drying or brushing the product through your hair for the best results.”
Expert advice on how often we should really be washing our hair
HAVE you ever wondered how often you should be washing your hair?
According to stylist Scott Miller of Bauhaus salons in Cardiff, Wales, washing every day may be too much – and some people only need to wash once a week.
Hopefully, you’re bathing yourself daily – but that doesn’t mean you need to wash your hair along with your body.
Miller said that washing your hair every day, as some people do, might be overkill – and overwashing your scalp and strands will stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, making it more greasy.
He told Wales Online: “Unless you’ve been working really hard at the gym or have been on a building site and it’s covered in dust – you don’t need to wash your hair every day.
“There’s a big #nopoo movement at the moment, with people boasting about going weeks without shampooing, but for most of us, cutting out one or two washes will make a big difference.”
The frequency with which you should wash your hair depends on several factors, including your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines:
Hair Type:
Oily Hair: If you have oily hair, you might need to wash it more frequently, such as every day or every other day, to keep it looking fresh.
Dry Hair: Those with dry hair should aim to wash it less often, perhaps once or twice a week, to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils.
Normal Hair: If your hair is neither too oily nor too dry, washing it two to three times a week is usually sufficient.
Lifestyle:
Active Lifestyle: If you exercise regularly or sweat a lot, you may need to wash your hair more frequently to remove sweat and dirt.
Less Active Lifestyle: If you’re less active, you can extend the time between washes.
Scalp Health:
Dandruff or Scalp Conditions: If you have dandruff or other scalp conditions, consult a dermatologist for specific advice, as you may need to use specialised shampoos more frequently.
Hair Treatments:
Coloured or Chemically Treated Hair: If your hair is coloured or chemically treated, you may need to wash it less often to preserve the treatment and prevent damage.
Personal Preference:
Ultimately, how often you wash your hair is a personal choice. Some people prefer the feel of freshly washed hair, while others find that washing less frequently works better for them.
Night time refresh
Many of us tend to grab the dry shampoo in the morning, but you should be applying it at night so it can really get into the roots and absorb.
Laura added: “Spraying dry shampoo onto your roots before going to bed gives it time to soak up the excess oil while you sleep. In the morning your hair will feel lighter, fresher and easier to style.”
To do this, the hair pro suggests dividing your hair into sections to enable you to apply the dry shampoo more evenly so that the dry shampoo can absorb more oils.
“Shake the product before spraying to ensure even distribution and avoid those pesky white spots,” she continued.
“Hold the canister six to ten inches away from your head and start applying the dry shampoo to your roots where your hair gets the oiliest and gradually work through the other sections.”
Lift off
Last but not least, Laura said dry shampoo wasn’t just for greasy locks but can also be used for styling.
She said: “When using dry shampoo on fine hair for added volume I would suggest spraying a generous amount at the roots, flipping your head upside down and brushing through with a paddle brush for even distribution.
“You should avoid massaging in with your fingers as this could make hair greasier and therefore weigh the roots down.
“Once you’ve applied the dry shampoo you should see instant lift and body, perfect for creating tousled or beachy waves to fine hair.”
