The Science Behind Not Washing Your Hair
How often do you wash your hair? Daily? Weekly? Less?
Conventional wisdom says that healthy, clean hair is washed at least once a day. But washing your hair with shampoo and water is time consuming. Plus, frequent washing can actually damage your hair by removing natural oils, leaving your hair damaged and brittle.
Dry shampoo is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional shampoo. Is dry shampoo a good choice for you? Let’s take a look at what dry shampoo is, and what hair care science has to say about its effectiveness.
What is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo has the same purpose as any other shampoo: to keep your hair clean and fresh smelling. No water is required. The dry shampoo, which comes in either a powder or spray, absorbs oils while controlling bad odors.
Who is Dry Shampoo For?
While dry shampoo may seem like a recent trend, that’s not really the case. Dry shampoo has been around since about 1940. The most popular brand was Minipoo. Created by the Stephanie Brooke Company of New Jersey, the product was advertised with the slogan “When you can’t shampoo, Minipoo.”
Minipoo was marketed to women. This 10 minute dry shampoo was designed for sick days, surprise dates, and more. Mothers were also encouraged to use this no soap formula as a children’s shampoo. Early dry shampoos contained fuller’s earth, an absorbent substance which soaked up hair oils.
Today, dry shampoo is popular among women and men of all ages. Children, the elderly, and anyone with mobility issues often finds using dry shampoo to be simple, easy, and mess-free. The portability and effectiveness of dry shampoo makes the product popular for camping, traveling, after the gym, and whenever your hair needs a quick cleaning.
Types of Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo can be a spray or a powder. They both work in the same basic way by soaking up excess oil from the hair follicles. Many people find that the spray type soaks up oil more thoroughly. On the other hand, the powder version has less air particles and odors, often making it a better choice for anyone with allergies or sensitive noses. The difference between powder and spray is really a matter of personal preference.
For both types, you want to apply only to dry hair. Dry shampoo applied to damp or wet hair will create a mess and not be as effective. After application, wait about two minutes before styling.
Scientific Benefits
Dry shampoo may have started as a more convenient way to wash your hair, but there are additional benefits too. Today’s dry shampoos promote hair health by preserving natural, healthy hair oils while removing dirt and pollutants. Dry shampoo removes the dirty oils from your hair, not the healthy oils from your scalp.
Dry shampoo is safe for all types of hair and even preserves hair color. Plus, dry shampoo is good for the environment. You’re saving water and energy.
If you’re looking for an easy, quick way to keep your hair clean and fresh, dry shampoo is an excellent, scientifically-proven solution. This time-tested hair care product strengthens follicles, removes dirt, and keeps your hair smelling fantastic in just about any situation.
