Dry shampoo can be a saving grace when it comes to hiding greasy roots in between wash days. Although it is a game-changer to extend a blow-out for an extra day, it can be the culprit of build-up and scalp irritations. It is essential to choose a non-toxic dry shampoo and use it properly to achieve fresh, voluminous roots. Continue reading for the breakdown on the benefits and potential risks of using a dry shampoo over 40.
How Does Dry Shampoo Work?
Oil and sweat from your scalp can make your mane appear greasy and dirty. Dry shampoo, an aerosol spray or powder solution, is designed to absorb oil from your roots. Often times, dry shampoos use alcohols and starch-based ingredients to soak up excess oil from your scalp. Dry shampoo gives hair a cleaner look, however, shouldn’t be used as a replacement for washing your mane.
Risks of Dry Shampoo
First, let’s start with the bad news. Below you will find the risks associated with a dry shampoo.
Contributes to Scalp Buildup
Overusing dry shampoo or leaving it in your hair for too long can result in a buildup of the product on your scalp. Allowing dry shampoo to collect on your scalp for too long causes the follicle to open and become clogged. An accumulation of dry shampoo can cause skin irritations like redness, itchiness and dandruff. These skin conditions can eventually lead to hair thinning and loss. Although you may be trying to mask dirt and oil with a dry shampoo, the product can add more gunk on your scalp.
Often Contain Toxic Ingredients
Some dry shampoos contain talc, a mineral that naturally contains particles of asbestos, a carcinogen. Additionally, aerosol spray formulas often include alcohols, propane, butane, and aluminum to blot excess oil. These harmful ingredients can lead to skin irritations, allergies, and dry hair. When your hair is dry your strands are prone to split-ends and severe breakage. A dry shampoo with toxic ingredients provides no benefits for aging hair.
Doesn’t Clean Your Hair
It should be understood that dry shampoo doesn’t remove oil, it simply hides it. Dry shampoo should not interrupt your weekly shampoo schedule. An overreliance on dry shampoo can lead to infrequent washing, which can cause dandruff and scaly skin. Although it varies based on hair type, it is recommended to wash your hair two or three times a week.
Hard to Wash Away
Dry shampoo is difficult to completely wash out of your hair. It is hard to remove dry shampoo buildup without a h3 cleansing shampoo or scalp exfoliator.
Benefits of Dry Shampoo
The good news is the right dry shampoo can effectively absorb oil and nourish your roots. Here are the benefits of using a dry shampoo in your 40s.
Natural, Non-Drying Formulas Exist
It is important to seek out a dry shampoo with gentle ingredients that support scalp health. A natural-based dry shampoo delivers nutrients to your tresses to boost hydration and volume. Choose a dry shampoo, like the one from Better Not Younger, that contains beneficial ingredients like tapioca starch, konjac root extract, and lavender. Tapioca starch is a plant-based oil-absorbing powder that will freshen and lift your tresses. Konjac root extract and lavender have hydrating properties that condition the scalp.
Refreshens Your Hair by Soaking Up Oil
The most obvious benefit of a dry shampoo is its magical ability to hide greasy roots. A dry shampoo helps manage oil production. To prioritize scalp health, ensure your dry shampoo doesn’t collect on your scalp for more than 2 days. Look for fast-dissolving formulas that are easy to wash away. Keep in mind, dry shampoo is best used as a quick fix for grease, not as a replacement for a regular shampoo.
Boosts Volume
Natural powders in dry shampoo lift your roots, making your tresses look more voluminous. The volume boost helps to prevent the flat, heavy appearance greasy hair can take on. Dry shampoo can also introduce texture to thin, fine hair. Ultimately, a dry shampoo keeps your hair looking fresh in between washes, or even after a sweaty workout.
6 Tips to Properly Apply Dry Shampoo
- Shake before applying
- Only apply dry shampoo to the greasy areas.
- If you are using a spray formula, spray 4-6 inches from your head.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Massage the product into your roots.
- To avoid dry shampoo buildup, it can be useful to use a scalp cleanser.
Conclusion
A gentle, quick-dissolving dry shampoo will absorb grease from your roots without leaving toxic buildup behind. The risks of dry shampoo result from the overuse of chemical-heavy formulas that clog your pores. Opt for a natural-powder dry shampoo to have fresh and full locks in your 40s.
