Sometimes there isn’t time to wash your hair. Life gets hectic and washing then styling your hair can be a time-consuming activity. Thankfully, dry shampoo has entered the picture. Cheers to modern science! But when it comes to dry shampoo powders versus sprays, which is more effective? Should you use an aerosol spray or a powder product, which is a more recent addition to the beauty shelves? Let’s examine the pros and cons.
Benefits Of Dry Shampoo
The modern marvel that is dry shampoo is a lifesaver in today’s non-stop world. Not only does it let you extend the life of a blowout, but it lets natural oils moisturize your ends while refreshing your strands. Plus, if you’ve been to the gym and just don’t have time for a wash, choosing a scented dry shampoo helps you feel clean while getting you presentable to continue with your day.
If you’ve been in the market for a dry shampoo, you’ve noticed that the options available have tripled. Now you have to compare the pros and cons of dry shampoo powders versus sprays plus take into account products that are tinted, volumizing and fragrance-free. There are so many options that one needs a primer to make an educated decision.
Do Fewer Ingredients Mean Healthier Hair?
The main difference when it comes to dry shampoo powders versus sprays is that powders are typically made with fewer ingredients that often are better for your scalp, hair and the environment. Common ingredients in dry shampoo powders include arrowroot, clay and essential oils. Many of the brands that manufacture dry shampoo powders are dedicated to clean beauty and a clean environment.
The popular arrowroot ingredient in dry shampoo powders absorbs oil thereby mattifying the hair. Because it removes the excess sebum, it also adds volume to the hair. Clay not only absorbs oil but also soaks up toxins. Essential oils finish the job by adding a pleasant smell to the powder, refreshing you and your hair. The main benefit of these ingredients is that they don’t dry out the hair or scalp.
How To Avoid The Mess
So why isn’t everyone running to Ulta or Sephora to buy this miracle mane product? It’s because powders are often messy to apply. They sometimes leave a dusty or chalky residue that makes you look like you’ve got a skin condition or like you’re auditioning for a play about Grandma Moses.
There’s a simple solution for this, however. Get yourself a makeup brush, and the chalky mess won’t be a problem. Buy a new one or use an old one specifically for this purpose. If you opt for the latter, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry it before use. Treat the dry shampoo and brush as you would the application of loose powder. Gently tap the brush on your roots and your hair will be refreshed without the mess.
Some people swear by another beauty hack: using talc. It works the same way as dry shampoo powder. Apply a little to the roots and it will absorb the oil. Use a brush or towel to get rid of the excess, as this method is also messy. The downside, however, is that talc has been associated with cancer of the lungs when inhaled as well as other cancers where it has been applied. Talc has been used in baby powder and cosmetics, and several lawsuits have been filed related to these cancer concerns.
Easier Application But Are There Downsides?
There’s no denying that dry shampoo sprays are easier to apply. Just shake the bottle, aim and spray. It’s easier to get even distribution of the product in your hair. It’s also faster to apply and be out the door with a fresh, styled look.
However, the ingredient list for aerosol spray cans is much longer than for dry powders. Dry shampoo sprays typically include chemicals such as propane, isobutane, panthenol and alcohol, the latter of which can dry out hair. These sprays can also include preservatives such as phenoxyethanol as well as synthetic fragrances. With these added ingredients, there’s more potential for harm to the environment and to you.
Another downside of the dry shampoo spray is that it doesn’t last as long as the powder. Depending on how often you use a spray, you might go through a bottle in less than a month. Those that use the powder can go months – even half a year – without having to repurchase their favorite oil absorber. In the long run, dry shampoo sprays will cost you more money.
The Winner Is Clear
After weighing the pros and cons, dry shampoo powders seem to edge out their spray counterparts. They have the same results but come with added benefits, namely exposure to fewer potentially harmful ingredients as well as cost savings. The only downside to powders is the potential mess but that is easily avoided with the makeup brush hack discussed earlier.
Which is your favorite product for getting rid of excess oil in your hair and refreshing your look? Do you prefer the powder or the spray? Any other benefits or downsides we missed? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Recommended Products
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Cream
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance-Free
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