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It’s hard to remember what we were doing before dry shampoo came along. Style Extenders and Oil Sappers have likely become your go-to hero products for days when you don’t have time to fully wash and style and need a quick touch-up before heading out the door. However, there is debate over whether dry shampoo can cause hair loss and whether people with thinning hair should use dry shampoo. To break it down, we asked top trichologists to answer your dry shampoo questions for thinning hair and get the scoop on the best dry shampoos for thinning hair.
History of dry shampoo
These days, dry shampoo is considered an easy way to “refresh” your hair when it’s been a few days since your last hair wash, but in reality, it’s primarily used by people who can’t physically wash their hair. The trichologist explains that it was created as a way to help. Kelly Yates.
“Dry shampoo was originally created to help incapacitated people who were physically unable to wash or rinse their hair (and to provide them with another way to get reasonably clean hair).” explains Yates. “(It was) designed as a powder-like, shake-in product intended for combing or brushing.”
Believe it or not, dry shampoo dates back to the 1940s. It’s not new, it’s been around for decades, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that it became frequently used and extremely popular.
“Traditionally known as a ‘hospital styling product,’ dry shampoo didn’t become a big hit until blowouts became a standard weekly service. Beauty consumers looking to extend the life of their blowout investments needed the perfect product,” Yates explains.
There are many dry shampoos on the market today, and almost every hair product brand has their own version. “Dry shampoo no longer has the white cast it used to, and it’s less sticky and stiff. Not only does dry shampoo remove the limp, oily look of dirty hair, but it also instantly adds volume to your hair. It has evolved into the ultimate styling tool created to add texture,” says Yates. “Dry shampoo is available in multiple formats (spray, powder, paste) and supports all (hair) types and textures.”
Is dry shampoo good for hair?
Trio Ocean/Getty
Many people wonder whether dry shampoo damages or helps hair. As it turns out, you really shouldn’t do either. While dry shampoo can “help” your hair in the sense that it can improve or revitalize your hair, it doesn’t necessarily help your hair’s health. However, as long as you choose the right dry shampoo for your hair type, it won’t harm or damage your hair.
Some dry shampoos contain chemical parabens and other harmful ingredients, such as those found in many aerosol dry shampoos that were recalled several years ago. Specifically, benzene, a carcinogen that can cause a variety of health concerns, including blood disorders and cancer. Regardless of your hair type, be sure to check the ingredient list to make sure your dry shampoo is free of these toxins.
Additionally, dry shampoo can cause hair dryness if used too often or incorrectly. Most dry shampoos are made of starch, which has the ability to absorb oil. If you rely solely on dry shampoo to “clean” your hair, that is, if you use dry shampoo multiple times a week or day, you may notice that your hair is dry. It’s important to note that while dry shampoo can improve your style and give you more time between washes, it doesn’t actually clean your hair. It still needs to be washed with shampoo and nourished with conditioner.
Does dry shampoo cause hair loss?
If you’re suffering from hair loss or thinning hair, it’s natural to be a little skeptical about using dry shampoo. But ultimately, as long as you choose a dry shampoo with clean, non-toxic ingredients and don’t rely on it too much or replace it with your regular hair washing routine, you shouldn’t experience hair loss. If so, it’s time to change your dry shampoo.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to dry shampoo, it may be because you are not washing your hair enough to remove the dry shampoo that has built up on your scalp. “My only warning to dry shampoo customers is to not wash your hair for days or weeks at a time. Repeated application of dry shampoo to the roots will eventually lead to clogged hair follicles, unhealthy scalp conditions, and And sadly it can lead to hair loss,” warns Yates.
5 dry shampoos that are best for thinning hair
Keep reading for Yates’ top picks for the best dry shampoos for thinning hair. These will refresh your hair in seconds, creating bouncy, voluminous styles without compromising the integrity of your hair or scalp.
Clean dry shampoo perfect for thinning hair
Inner Sense/Ulta
This foam-to-powder dry shampoo works wonders at removing excess oil from your hair and adding texture and body. Yates is a fan of InnerSense Refresh Dry Shampoo because it’s a “clean, eco-friendly formula.” They use tapioca starch and witch hazel to get rid of the oily look of second-day hair. Added witch hazel supports scalp health. ”
Best detox dry shampoo for thinning hair
IGK/Sephora
If your main reason for using a dry shampoo is to add volume to your hair and make it look like it’s just been redone, IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo is a great choice. “This dry shampoo with charcoal does double duty by keeping your scalp clean while ‘fluffing’ your hair to camouflage thinning areas. The ultimate stylist tool to enhance any salon style!” says Yates.
Strengthening dry shampoo perfect for thinning hair
Virtue/Dermstore
Want to support your strands and get a refreshed look at the same time? Virtue Refresh Dry Shampoo does just that, providing the benefits of a dry shampoo while providing optimal hair care at the root level. “We use a special mix to support your health,” explains Yates. “Fine hair is more susceptible to damage, so adding support is always beneficial.”
The best dry shampoo for all hair types
Oribe/Sephora
If you don’t necessarily have thinning hair but want a recommended dry shampoo, look no further than Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo. Not only is it effective, but it also smells divine. “Although it’s not specifically made to support thinning hair, it’s the best dry shampoo because of its wonderful scent,” suggests Yates.
Scented dry shampoo perfect for thinning hair
Living Proof/Ulta
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo has a cult following, and for good reason. Yates says this formula works for people with thinning hair, but there’s one caveat. “Like other dry shampoos, this will not help regrow hair,” advises Yates. This particular one has a vanilla scent and is a limited edition because it’s a warm and cozy scent for fall.
