Dry shampoo is one of those miracle products, right? Dry shampoos are the perfect solution when you have no time to wash your hair. Dry shampoo is an innovative formula that boosts hair body and helps eliminate oily roots, giving dull hair an instant makeover without getting your hair wet. A quick spray revitalizes your hair, leaving it looking and feeling clean. The perfect solution. But should you use dry shampoo before straightening your hair with a hair straightener brush?
Is It Possible To Straighten My Hair After Using Dry Shampoo?
I love Dry Shampoo! Dry Shampoo should be used after you straighten your hair. Hair that treated with Dry Shampoo can absorb ingredients during straightening. Dry Shampoo should only be used on clean dry hair. Dry Shampoo primarily contains alcohol, petroleum and clay. By applying Dry Shampoo after straightening you avoid baking these ingredients and others into your hair.
Straightening brush manufacturers state you should use their product on clean, dry hair. The popular InStyler rotating brush styler states in their user manual on page 4, “The InStyler Rotating Iron should be used only on clean and dry hair.” And the popular Glamfields straightening brush states on page 4 in their user manual, “Only use this appliance on dry, natural hair without any flammable hair products put on.”
My number 1 go-to straightening brush
What I love is that it’s all automatic. No fumbling around with temperature settings or adjustments. Just plug it up and let it do it’s thing. I get a lot of value for the price.
What’s Your Favorite Dry Shampoo?
Hello, HairBrushy reader! We value your opinion and would love to hear about your experiences. What is your favorite dry shampoo brand and why do you love it? Is it because of its scent, the volume it gives, or how effective it is in absorbing oil? We’re curious to know!
By sharing your thoughts, you’re not only helping us create better content tailored to your needs, but you’re also contributing to the HairBrushy community by helping other readers discover great products. We will compile and share the results so that you can see what dry shampoos are popular among our readers.
Your voice matters to us, and we appreciate you taking a moment to share. Thank you!
Dry Shampoo Analysis Results
What Are Your Dry Shampoo Expectations?
Most people expect a shampoo to be restored after using a hair. It looks brilliant and can be combed and fashioned. So it means shampoos are more than just cleaning your hair, right? According to C Bouillon – Clinics in dermatology, 1988 – Elsevier shampoosa and Hair Conditioners, “It may seem rather obvious to say that shampoos are products aiming at cleansing the hair and the scalp. This is, however, too narrow a definition if one considers the diversity of qualities demanded of a “good” shampoo. If the prime function of a shampoo is indeed to fulfill an elementary hygienic need, the expectations of the consumer go far beyond.“
One of my absolute favorite dry shampoo period is Batiste. Why? Because it does not cost an arm and leg and I am addicted to the lavender and musk scent. Yep, I love the stuff so much I would purchase just for the smell. But really, the bottom line is it works great!!!
One of my expectations is to use dry shampoo to control frizzy hair. And yes it works to reduce frizz. Just lightly spray (hold the can about six inches way) a little on trouble spots and say good by to frizzy hair. A little goes a long way. Congratulations you now have just saved you hair style from the frizz! This tip may save you from having to use an expensive anti-frizz serum.
Tip: Try using dry shampoo as a texturizing spray to create more body in your hair. You might be able to create more body without having to use heat or save your hair from the curling iron. Section hair first. And work in small sections till you get the right style. If you have lots of hair try using a paddle brush. Paddle brushes covers 25% more hair versus regular brushes. This will help you finish quicker.
Why You Should Never Straighten My Hair After Dry Shampooing
By using a dry shampoo right before straightening your hair, you are baking alcohols and or starch-based ingredients in your hair. Why would you want to do that? Dry shampoos use starch-based or alcohols that can build up or leave a residue in your hair. This is according to Dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD. “Dry shampoo has a variety of ingredients in their formulas, but the primary purpose is to soak up the natural oils in your hair. These ingredients can leave your hair dry and brittle.“
Here are the ingredients for a very popular and excellent dry shampoo brand. “Butane, Isobutane, Propane, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride.” As you can plainly see there are alcohols and starch listed in the ingredients.
To protect your hair, you always want your hair to be at its strongest before your apply heat for straightening. You do not want your hair to be wet or in a brittle and dry state. By applying heat while your hair is in this state, you can easily cause damage. Who wants split-ends, right? According to Ed, Editor here at HairBrushy, “You want your hair to be clean with no dirt, oil, or chemical residues between your hair and your straightener brush.” Besides, you do not want your hair straightening brush to get a buildup of dry shampoo residue. This is going to make your straightening brush less effective and will cause you to have to clean it more frequently. So who wants to spend time cleaning their hair straightening brush?
Tip: When straightening your hair always use a heat protectant spray. A lot of heat damage can be prevented by using a good thermal protectant (heat protector) spray. Read my article on how to protect your hair from damage.
What Happens When You Apply Dry Shampoo And Then Use A Straightener Brush
Here is how dry shampoos work. By understanding how they work, you will have a better understanding of why you should not use a straightening brush immediately after applying dry shampoo. Your head of course has many hair follicles that form the base, at which hair grows. A typical head has about one hundred and fifty thousand.
Each hair follicle besides producing hair also produces sebum, which is natural oil. The oil gives your hair texture and also softens your scalp. Your natural oil protects your scalp and also gives a nice natural shine to your hair. As the day goes on and you are engaging in activities, working up a sweat, and working, your follicles are producing oil. Sweat and your natural hair oil will build up. Too much of this oil and dirt buildup gives your hair a greasy look.
Now is the time to wash your hair. But in this example, you are pressed and there is not enough time to wet your hair and give it the proper shampoo it deserves so you do the next best thing is to apply dry shampoo. The active ingredients in the dry shampoo, starch, and alcohol go to work soaking up your natural oil and sweat.
Now your hair looks much cleaner and not greasy. Plus, many dry shampoos also have a fragrance which smells very nice. But what really just happened? Is using dry shampoo as effective as shampooing? And the answer is no. Using a dry shampoo is covering up the oil and sweat. It still there in your hair, just not as visible. The dry shampoo has done an excellent job of hiding it.
So now you see why you should not straighten your hair using a hair straightener brush immediately after using a dry shampoo. I hope you have a much better understanding of what is going on behind the scenes and thus allowing you to make better decisions about your hair. Making good solid decisions will eventually add up over the long run, giving your hair the fighting chance it needs to stay healthy.
Now, all that being said please do not miss interpret what I said and think dry shampoo is bad. They are not, and they have their place and when used properly. Dry shampoos can be good, and very effective. Just remember using a dry shampoo does not clean your hair. Be careful not to use too much product. Dry shampoo is most effective on naturally oily hair. There are not really any drawbacks to using dry shampoo, but there are limits on what it can do.
Dry Shampoo Comparison Table
So now you know you should definitely not use a dry shampoo right before you straighten your hair with a hair straightening brush. And, you also now know, why. Because of the ingredients in dry shampoos, you will bake all that into your hair. Plus, straightener brush manufacturers advise you to use their styling tools on clean dry hair.
| Dry Shampoo | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Living Proof | “Living Proof” appeals to me because it is vegan, sulfate-free, and claims to be safe for color-treated hair. It’s a very good dry shampoo, but the only thing I’m not too fond of is the citrus smell. It may be too strong for some folks. |
| Moroccanoil | Moroccanoil smells like flowers and is cruelty-free, which I love. Moroccanoil (has argan oil) is also safe for color-treated hair, which is very important. It’s a great product but it may not be suitable for all hair colors. |
| amika | amika has a light, pleasant, slightly floral smell. It is also sulfate-free and is safe for color-treated hair. But the best thing about amika is it’s made in the USA. See my list of hairbrushes made in the USA. Sadly there are not many. |
| Dove | Dove dry shampoo has a baby power smell. It is safe for everyone, meaning safe for color treated hair and all hair colors. Does leave a powdery residue. Leaves your hair in it’s natural state. |
| Batiste | Batiste is not suitable for all hair colors. It’s not safe to use on color-treated hair. But the price is a huge advantage. the last time I check the price it was the lowest price of all the dry shampoos. |
| OGX | OGX is a favorite pick. It is suitable for all hair colors, sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair. And made in the United States. Great product to absorb oil from your hair leaving it fresh looking. A good rule is to use a small amount and add more as needed for best results. This way I avoid using excess product. |
Tip: I do not recommend using hair straightening brushes on wet hair due to it could damage your hair. I only recommend using straightening brushes on damp hair. And I do not recommend straightening you hair every day. Who wants damaged hair, right?
Shampoo Tips
- Concentrate shampoo on the scalp. When washing your hair, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp (below the top layer), rather than washing the entire length of hair. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse.
- Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you use a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions hair. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength and offering some protection from harmful UV rays. Also consider using a leave-in conditioner.
- Concentrate conditioner on the tips of the hair. Because conditioners can make fine hair look limp, they only should be used on the tips of the hair and not on the scalp or length of the hair.
- Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type. For example, if you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for color-treated hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider a “2-in-1” shampoo. Regardless of cost, many shampoo and conditioner brands provide the same benefits.
- Protect hair when swimming. Protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Wear a tight-fitting swim cap and use a specially formulated swimmers shampoo and deep conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture.”
Conclusion And Summary
In summary, the answer is yes, but there are a few essential tips to follow to ensure a smooth, shiny finish while minimizing hair breakage and brittleness.
Whether you have relaxed hair, curly hair, or coarse hair, incorporating dry shampoo into your hair care routine can help refresh your locks on days when you want to extend your wash day. The fresh scent and oil-absorbing properties make dry shampoo a popular choice for many hair types, including thin hair.
Before straightening your hair, it’s I always say it’s vital to ensure that the dry shampoo is evenly distributed throughout your hair. Using a wide-toothed comb, gently brush through your hair, focusing on the roots and hairline. This will help avoid any residue buildup and ensure your hair is ready for heat styling.
To protect your hair from unnecessary heat exposure, consider using a heat setting spray or hairspray before straightening. This will create a barrier on your hair shaft, shielding your strands from the damaging effects of heat tools like flat irons.
When straightening your hair, opt for a low heat setting to minimize heat exposure. If you’re following the Curly Girl Method, you may be even more cautious about using hot tools on your hair. In this case, make sure you use a heat protectant and a lower temperature setting on your flat iron.
To achieve a polished finish, you can use a blow dryer with a cool air setting to set your straightened hair in place. This will help reduce any lingering hair air or frizz, leaving your hair looking sleek and smooth.
Lastly, don’t forget to include deep conditioning treatments, like hair masks, in your hair care routine to maintain hair health and prevent hair breakage. This is especially important if you regularly use heat tools and hair elastics, which can weaken your hair strands over time.
By following my expert tips mentioned above, you can enjoy the benefits of dry shampoo while still achieving a beautiful, straightened hairstyle. Just remember to take care of your hair and be gentle with it to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Dry Shampoo Lifesaver
Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver for day hair, especially when you’re dealing with an oily scalp or greasy hair. It works by absorbing excess oils and can refresh your hair without the need for washing. However, when it comes to using a flat iron after applying dry shampoo, it’s essential to consider a few factors.
Firstly, ensure your hair is thoroughly brushed after the application of dry shampoo to distribute the product and remove any excess. This step prepares your hair for the straightening process and ensures that the flat iron doesn’t ‘bake in’ the dry shampoo, which can lead to brittle hair.
If you have fine or damaged hair, using heat treatments like a flat iron might cause further harm. Overuse of heat on already compromised hair cuticles can inhibit hair growth and cause damage. Instead, consider heat-free alternatives like braids or other hairstyles that can give your hair a break.
If you still wish to use your flat iron, consider using a heat protectant before straightening your hair. Products like argan oil can act as a natural heat protectant while nourishing your hair. Also, be mindful of the heat settings on your flat iron. Choose a tool with adjustable heat settings and use the lowest temperature setting that effectively straightens your hair to minimize heat damage.
Remember, though dry shampoos can be a convenient quick fix, nothing substitutes for clean hair. Regularly washing and conditioning your hair, in combination with straightening treatments, can maintain your hair’s health and luster. Lastly, always listen to your hair’s needs during the styling process, and give it the care it deserves.
References
- According to Shampoo and conditioners, “What a dermatologist should know?, “Healthy hair looks clean, soft to feel, shiny, untangled, has no frizz and is bouncy when shaking the head. To have this, you require not only a good overall health and freedom from disease but a daily chore of maintenance and grooming of hair. For a smooth, wet and dry feel, friction between hair and skin should be minimized in wet and dry environment, respectively, and if you desire a good feel with respect to bouncing and shaking of the hair during walking and running, friction low between hair fibers. Shampoos and conditioners of today target some of the factors responsible for helping the hair look healthy through their various ingredients.“
- According to Does dry shampoo actually keep your hair clean?, “These alcohol – or starch-based sprays claim to nix the grease and oils in your hair while adding volume. They also seem to fall in line with the trend toward less frequent wet shampooing.“
- According to Essentials of hair care often neglected, Hair cleansing, “A shampoo is technically designed to clean the scalp of sebum and prevent the development of folliculitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoos are intended to rid the hair of sebum, sweat components, desquamated stratum corneum, styling products, and environmental dirt. The idea of beautifying the hair is really a secondary concern that is primarily addressed by a conditioner.“
- According to AAD Tips for healthy hair. “Wash oily hair more frequently. How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces.
If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day.
If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently.
As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be shampooing enough. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases. - Image by Robin Higgins from Pixabay
- Image by Martine Auvray from Pixabay