There’s no denying that dry shampoo has been a haircare revolution. This innovative product has allowed us to get our hair looking and feeling fresh without having to wash it at all, but what are the other effects it might have?
People often wonder can dry shampoo cause dandruff, and the question is enough to put them off the product altogether. There’s no need to worry is dry shampoo bad for you though, as we’ll show you that when used the right way, it’s completely harmless and won’t cause any hair and scalp conditions like dandruff to appear.
As with any hair care product though, there are right and wrong ways to use them. We’ll show you how to get the best use out of your dry shampoo to keep your hair healthy and looking good so that you can continue to enjoy its benefits.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is one of the most common conditions we experience when talking about our scalps and hairs, yet there’s still a lot of misconception about it. The condition takes place on the scalp and it causes itching when then leads to scratching, further creating more dried skin and flaking that can be obvious to those around you.
Having dandruff can be embarrassing, and although the causes of it are still unclear, it’s believed that it has to do with some other related medical conditions and the use of improper hair products. One common misconception is that dandruff is due to unclean hair or somehow related to hygiene when that has nothing to do with it.
When people are using dry shampoo quite a lot, they might notice a build up of white flakes on their scalp and mistake it for dandruff, but this isn’t always the case. The key is knowing which dry shampoo is best for your hair and scalp, and not using it as a total replacement for your hair care routine.
How Does Dandruff Differ From Dry Shampoo Flakes?
So, does dry shampoo cause dandruff? This question often arises as people confuse the dry shampoo flakes that might build up on their hair from too much. Although it may look like dandruff, these flakes are simply a collection of the old shampoo flakes on the scalp and are not related.
To treat these shampoo flakes, you’ll need to keep your hair clean with a regular regime of shampooing and conditioning with wet hair. Of course, you can continue to use your dry shampoo every now and then as required, but it should never be a replacement for your regular hair care treatments.
Thankfully, if your dandruff-like flakes are simply caused by overuse of dry shampoo, the fix is a lot easier than if it were the medical scalp condition. Those with dandruff may need to use specialized shampoo, over the counter remedies, or look at other external factors that are causing it, so the process of elimination can be quite a long one.
Knowing When To Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo usually consists of either a spray that dries or a powder that is placed onto the hair, offering a water-free solution to washing your hair. It works by absorbing the sebum, or naturally occurring oils, that build up on the hair and stops it from looking greasy and dirty.
However, when we apply dry shampoo for too many consecutive days, it begins to mix with this sebum and create a paste. The paste then dries and turns into dandruff like particles, and may even clump up and cause your hair to stick together.
If you’ve been using dry shampoo and believe this might have turned into dry shampoo dandruff, you’ll need to stop using it immediately. There’s a good chance you’ve simply been using it too much and not giving your hair a proper clean in between, and this is causing the buildup.
Depending on your hair, there are different recommendations for how often you should use dry shampoo. For those with oily hair, you’ll want to dry shampoo only every other day. For those with normal hair who can usually go a few days without washing, you can use dry shampoo for two days in a row without a problem.
Take The Time To Test Your Shampoo
Another easy way to prevent dry shampoo dandruff is by choosing a quality brand and one that has the best ingredients for your hair and scalp. Relying on brands that are well known and products that have good reviews is the easiest way to ensure their quality, but it’s also a matter of seeing how it works on your hair.
Do a test run before you commit to using a dry shampoo over a longer period. If you notice that your hair starts to clump or that it causes dandruff like particles, it could just be that the dry shampoo you’ve chosen is not a good fit for your hair.
You should also invest in a deep cleansing shampoo that will really work at your roots and scalp, cleaning off any buildup of dry shampoo or other debris. This will ensure your natural oils are being produced as needed and your hair is as clean as possible.
Putting More Care Into Your Hair
Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver when you’re in a bind and can’t wash your hair. Using it needs to be done with care though, as overuse can lead to not only dandruff but hair that gets damaged and starts to break off.
Dry shampoo should be part of a well-maintained haircare routine that includes a deep cleansing shampoo with nourishing conditioner. You’ll enjoy the benefits of dry shampoo a lot more if your hair is healthy and clean to begin with, so keep this in mind the next time you reach for a quick fix.
