Fact or fable: dry shampoo is bad for your locks

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver on busy days, but there are a lot of stories going around about the possible damage this wonder product could do to your hair. But is this really true or are we talking about a fable here?

Absorbing oil

Although the word shampoo suggests otherwise, dry shampoo does not have a cleansing function, trichologist William Gaunitz tells HelloGiggles. “Its primary function is to dry up oil and add volume to the hair, not to clean it.”

Many dry shampoos contain alcohol or some type of starch to absorb the oil on your scalp. It is therefore important to keep the nozzle at a sufficient distance from your hair when you apply it, otherwise you may damage the hair follicles. Does that make dry shampoo harmful to your locks? Not necessarily.

How harmful is it?

Balance is key, even when it comes to dry shampoo, trichologist Gretchen Friese knows. “Not cleaning your hair and scalp often enough can lead to a buildup of dirt and that can lead to hair loss.” The hair follicles can become clogged if you use the beloved solution too often, and it can even lead to a bacterial infection in the hair follicles, also called folliculitis. According to Friese, it is therefore best that you do not use the hair product more than two days in a row.

Gaunitz concurs with Friese’s advice. Although he would add that people who already suffer from hair or scalp problems are better off not using it. “Dry shampoo generally does not cause hair loss, but it can aggravate underlying hair problems (…). For example, it can cause inflammation, making your hair loss or scalp condition worse.”

So dry shampoo is not necessarily bad for your locks or your scalp. Essence of the story does remain: after using dry shampoo, clean your hair and scalp well during your next shower.

Source: Elegance, HelloGiggles | Image: Adobe Stock