Displaying items by tag: Dry Shampoo

Can Dry Shampooing Cause Hair Loss?

Many individuals look at dry shampoo as a godsend. Literally, all you have to do is shower a few sprays over your hair, fluff it a bit, and the fine powder contained in the spray absorbs the excess oil in your hair and refreshes it almost immediately.

With its ease of use and effective “cleansing” power, it’s no wonder that this convenience product has been making a vast comeback in recent years. But, is there a downside to this seeming “wonder product”? 

According to recent research and the shared experience of several individuals, it’s possible that dry shampoo isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, some individuals are even experiencing hair loss that may be related to dry shampoo use.

As early as last April, doctors and dry shampoo users alike began spreading word that the product may be the cause of hair and scalp issues. One user in particular Nicole Baxter of Belfast shared a post on Facebook warning her friends that regular use of a popular brand of dry shampoo had led to her own hair loss, giving her a bald patch and developing a sore, itchy, flaky scalp. News traveled fast, and the post was shared more than 30,000 times. According to the post, the young woman’s doctor suggested that the dry shampoo she had been using regularly was to blame for her hair and scalp concerns. 

The use of powder to “clean” the hair is no new concept. The Victorians used arrowroot to sprinkle on their hair and absorb grease. Likewise, powders such as cornstarch and even ground oatmeal have been used in the past. Today, dry shampoos are composed of ingredients such tapioca starch, powdered rice protein, and even clay. Each of which is dispensed the form of an aerosol.

The real issue, though, is that dry shampoo is really not shampoo at all. While shampoo is in the name of the product, it’s really a misnomer. Typical shampoos clean the scalp and hair with detergent-like ingredients, effectively breaking down and removing dirt. Dry shampoo doesn’t actually cleanse the scalp or hair at all. All that dry shampoo does is absorb the oil on the scalp so that the hair looks and feels fresher.

With that effect, dry shampoo does not clean the hair or scalp and is really just a cosmetic product that needs washed out regularly. If it isn’t, then it can cause issues such as blocked pores, skin irritation, and scaling. The product can even lead to seborrheic dermatitis, involving such issues as red, flaky, itch, inflamed skin and even hair loss.

So, is dry shampoo safe to use? It is when used for its intended purpose – buying your hairstyle an extra day. But, it’s really not a safe alternative for regular hair washing and shouldn’t be used as one.

Ready to Try a Dry Shampoo? Here's What You Need to Know.

Dry shampoos are an easy way to freshen your hair without having to wet & wash. When you are busy or on the run, the powder (usually starch or talc-based) absorbs excess grease and dirt by being sprayed or sprinkled onto the scalp.

The process is simple:

• Apply the dry shampoo to your scalp
• Work into roots of hair by massaging with your fingers
• Let sit for about a minute
• Brush and style as usual

While there are benefits, there are also some problems associated with the regular use of dry shampoo.

The Pros:

• Dry shampoos are easy and convenient to use for those who do not want to wash their hair often or have hair that easily becomes greasy throughout the day. Many people also use dry shampoos for a quick fix after going to the gym.
• By eliminating the need for daily styling, you can avoid excessive heat that causes damaged hair and split ends.
• By blow-drying, curling, and straightening less often, your hair gets a break from the heat.
• Dry shampoo can be used in certain problem areas of the hair, such as bangs that collect forehead oils.
• It can also be used in areas that need more volume than the rest of the hair.
• It is affordable. If you are willing to pay a little more, some dry shampoos even use an assortment of natural ingredients.

The Cons:

• Dry shampoo can aggravate existing scalp problems, such as dandruff
• Some cheap dry shampoo brands contain slightly toxic ingredients, while also leaving visible flakes and white powder in your hair.
• Dry shampoos can dry your hair and scalp out to the point where it no longer looks healthy and shiny.
• By stripping away natural oils and clogging the scalps pores, regrowth can become slower and/or difficult.

If you do decide to occasionally use dry shampoo, be willing to spend a little extra on the organic products that do not use aluminum, and be sure to use it sparingly.

Solutions for Hair Loss

At Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas / Fort Worth, we take pride in being able to offer you both surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions. By introducing new and innovative technologies, we can provide our clients with the widest array of hair loss solutions.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated in the search for answers. At Apollo of Dallas / Fort Worth that frustration ends! We strive not only to solve your hair loss problem, but to provide the most positive, comfortable, and confidential service in the hair replacement industry.

Call us now for a FREE consultation! Get your life back!