We all enjoy the sensation of clean, fresh hair after a shampoo, but let's face it, life does not always present us with time or energy to lather, rinse, condition, and repeat. That's where dry shampoo comes in as a temporary solution, while regular shampoo is still the best for long-term hair and scalp care. Both of them are in your regimen, but being aware of differences, advantages, and disadvantages will important in determining which one your hair requires and when.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, we asked the same questions to our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital - Noida, and here is how you can make an informed choice. Let’s break it down.
What Is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a type of hair product (generally in spray or powder form) that soaks up additional grease and oil from the scalp without water. It's a popular product among busy professionals, gym enthusiasts, and people who want to space out hair washes.
What Is Regular Shampoo?
Normal shampoo is a liquid cleanser that utilises surfactants to get rid of oil, dirt, sweat, and deposits on the scalp and hair when washed with water. It's the conventional way of cleansing hair and a necessity for scalp health.
Pros and Cons of Dry Shampoo
As with every time-saving beauty product, there are advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of.
Pros:
- Time-saving: Ideal for busy mornings or post-workout.
- Volume boost: Can add texture and volume to limp or fine hair.
- Convenient: Travel-friendly and does not need water.
- Hair colour longevity: Reduces wash frequency, causing colored hair to last longer.
Cons:
- Not a deep clean: Simply masks oil and buildup, does not eliminate it.
- Scalp issues: Excess use can clog hair follicles, causing irritation or dandruff.
- Residue: Can leave a white or chalky cast, particularly on darker hair.
- Temporary solution: Functions briefly; hair still must be washed regularly.
Pros and Cons of Frequent Shampoo
Regular shampoo is the tried-and-true method for cleansing your hair, yet it also has its advantages and disadvantages based on how frequently and what kind you employ.
Pros:
- Comprehensive clean: Washes away dirt, sweat, excess oils, and product residue.
- Scalp health: Leaves follicles clean, minimising dandruff and irritation.
- Personalised choices: Broad spectrum for various types of hair, dry, oily, curly, or color-treated.
- Refreshing experience: There's nothing quite like the feeling of clean, just-washed hair.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Water, lathering, and drying needed.
- Stripping natural oils: Too much washing dries out hair and scalp.
- Fading hair color: Causes colored hair to lose its vibrancy more quickly.
- Over-washing risks: Daily shampooing can upset scalp's natural balance.
Which One Should You Use?
Dr Gulati highlighted that the answer isn't about picking one over the other, it's all about balance.
- Use dry shampoo as a last-minute pick-me-up between washes, during hectic days, or when you just need a volume boost.
- Reserve regular shampoo for deep cleaning, scalp health, and overall long-term hair well-being.
Dr Gulati suggests keeping shampoo sessions to two to three times a week (depending on hair type), and dry shampoo in moderate use between.
Bottomline
Dry shampoo is your quick fix to clean-looking hair, but it can't beat the deep cleaning that regular shampoo offers. For healthy, happy locks, let them work together: regular shampoo for the fresh start, dry shampoo for the quick touch-ups in between.