Dry Shampoo: What It Can Fix Between Washes - and What It Can't

Dry shampoo is essentially a powder-based or mist-based product that you apply onto dry hair. It absorbs excess oil at the roots and freshens your hair between washes. The result is hair that looks less greasy, feels lighter, and has a bit more lift at the scalp.

While all this is true, it is important to know that dry shampoo does not clean your scalp, and it does not remove sweat, dirt or product buildup. It masks and absorbs oil. It is a refresher and not a replacement to shampoo in any way.

Step 1: Shake the can or bottle well. This mixes the ingredients so the product sprays evenly.

Step 2: Section your hair and spray at the roots, holding the bottle about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) away. Spraying too close leaves visible white patches and a heavy feel.

Step 3: Let it sit for a minute. This gives the product time to absorb the oil.

Step 4: Massage it in with your fingertips, then brush through to spread the product and remove any excess.

Focus on the areas that get oily first, usually the crown, the hairline and the parting of your hair.

If you're someone who is riddled with an oily scalp similar to mine then timing matters the most. It is crucial to apply dry shampoo before the oil builds up. When applied early, it has less oil to deal with and keeps the roots fresher for longer. When applied on already greasy looking hair, it just ends up making the crown look cakey and clumpy.

The other thing to keep in mind: dry shampoo is not a way to skip washing indefinitely. Oily scalps in particular need regular cleansing, because oil, sweat and product sit on the scalp even when your hair looks fine.

One can just as easily use dry shampoo to stretch washing your hair by a day or two. Most people do well using it between washes occasionally rather than daily.

Wash your hair if you notice:

• Itching on the scalp
• Flaking that wasn't there before
• Product buildup, where hair feels coated, stiff or dull, or the dry shampoo stops making a difference

BeBe Tip: If itching or flaking keeps coming back even after washing, it's worth speaking to a dermatologist.

The classic and most known format of dry shampoo is an aerosol spray that releases a fine powder with force. It's fast and effective, but it can feel heavy or leave a visible residue. It's also important to know that aerosol formulas rely on alcohol.

A mist on the other hand is a lighter format of dry shampoo. It releases a finer, gentler veil of product, which makes it easier to apply evenly and tends to feel less weighty on the hair. If you have fine hair, a sensitive scalp, or simply dislike that stiff, powdery feel, a mist is worth trying.

If you want a dry shampoo that feels light, Love Beauty & Planet Reset Mist - No Alcohol Dry Shampoo is a good place to start. Two things set it apart is that its alcohol-free, so it avoids the dry, tight feeling some alcohol-based sprays can leave behind. It's a mist, so it goes on lightly and doesn't weigh roots down.

Use it the same way as any dry shampoo: shake, spray at the roots from a distance, wait a minute, then massage and brush through. It's a handy product to keep in your bag for the days between washes.

Dry shampoo is great at soaking up excess oil and making the hair look and feel fresh. It doesn't clean your scalp or clear buildup so it's best to treat it as something you apply to increase your wash day a bit.