Sure, it’s a lifesaver when you don’t have the time – or desire – to wash your hair, and it’s a must for stretching out a good blowout. But that trusty bottle of dry shampoo can do oh so much more. Check out these seven unique ways top hair stylists like to use it. Multi-tasking for the win.
Use it on wet hair
Yep, you read that correctly. When applied on wet hair, you get added fullnesswithout any grit or stickiness, explains Garnier celebrity stylist Michael Duenas. Also nice: This trick works whether you blow-dry or air dry.
Spray less for better results
If you’re not a fan of dry shampoo, the issue may be that you’re actually using too much. Try using three to four short sprays, rather than one long spray, advises celebrity hairstylist Arsen Gurgov; it will ensure you don’t oversaturate the hair and scalp and end up with unwanted residue.
Prevent bobby pin slippage
Bobby pins tend to slip and slide, especially on soft, fine hair. Spritzing each pin with a tiny hit of dry shampoo is the perfect way to help give them a more secure hold, says celebrity hair stylist Andrew Fitzsimons.
Keep bangs from getting greasy
Bangs are back in a big way, but greasy fringe is never cute. Stephanie Brown, a master hair colorist in New York City, says a light spritz of dry shampoo on the underside of your bangs (the part that touches your forehead) will work wonders to keep them from getting greasy or oily throughout the day. Fitzsimons likes this trick, too, adding that it also works well for the front layers around your face.
Add faux highlights
Once upon a time, all dry shampoos were white. Not anymore. There’s no shortage of different shades available. While they are meant to blend in with your hair, they’re also a great way to add some temporary color, says Brown. She likes using one that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural hue to spray in some soft and subtle – and easily washed out – highlights for dimension.
Use it instead of hairspray
No hairspray, no problem. Dry shampoo delivers a light hold to keep your style in place, but isn’t quite as sticky as hairspray, so you can still easily manipulate the hair, points out Brown.
Try it on clean hair
As they say, the best offense is a good defense. Brown suggests spraying it on a freshly-washed style, so that it starts absorbing any oil or grease as it crops up throughout the day. The same goes if you wash your hair at night: Using it before bedtime will help absorb excess oil while you sleep so you wake up with hair that looks and feels just as fresh, says Gurgov.
