Dry shampoo can be a great substitute for washing your hair when you’re short of time. But should you use dry shampoo on colored hair? In this article, we reveal how dry shampoo may affect hair dye.
While dry shampoo will not immediately affect hair dye, it can affect the dyeing process itself by forming a layer between the hair and the colorant. It can also dry out the scalp and hair, rather than providing a full clean.
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What Is Dry Shampoo?
For those who are not acquainted with dry shampoo, it is commonly an aerosol spray. The spray applies a thin layer of powder or alcohol into your roots, absorbing excess oil.
This makes hair appear cleaner and fresher, making it a great help when you can’t find time to shower before an appointment.
Dry shampoo was invented to change the appearance of unwashed hair, and it succeeds as an infrequent treatment.
In fact, it has been noted that sales of dry shampoo have been increasing while regular shampoo sales decrease. This is due to its growing popularity as a convenient product.
Many hair care companies produce dry shampoo. These formulas most often contain starch or alcohol. The dry shampoo soaks up or dries excess oil and leaves hair looking cleaner.
However, dry shampoo also dries out the natural oils created by your scalp. This could leave your scalp itchy and open to issues such as dandruff.
Does Dry Shampoo Affect Hair Dye?
Dry shampoo does not directly interfere with hair dye or hair that has been previously dyed. However, just like other topical solutions such as a keratin treatment, it may interfere with the dyeing process when applied.
This means it could potentially change the color result you achieve.
It is recommended that hair be washed 12-24 hours at most before using hair dye and dry shampoo should not be part of the dyeing procedure. So make sure you haven’t applied dry shampoo prior to dying your hair.
If you have a large amount of build-up leftover by dry shampoo in your hair when you apply your dye of choice, it can stop the color from developing well.
Oily hair makes it difficult for hair dye to develop evenly, but dry shampoo will only make the problem worse. This is because it creates a layer between hair and product.
Bleached or processed hair is often more brittle and drier than natural hair. If you have damaged hair, it is therefore even more important to dry keep dry shampoo at a minimum.
Less Washing, Less Fading?
It can be argued that dry shampoo does benefit those with colored hair. This is because it prolongs the period between washing sessions.
Even the longest-lasting hair dyes fade as a result of overwashing. The reduced frequency of washes that accompanies dry shampoo may therefore benefit your colored hair.
It differs for individual cases, but for the cautious, you should clean your hair with water and washing products after using dry shampoo. This will help to keep your hair free from buildup.
Follow each wash with a conditioning treatment or daily oil to keep dyed hair healthy.
So while dry shampoo should never be used as a replacement for washing and cleansing of the hair, it can of course be useful.
Also Read: Does Hair Dye Expire? (Everything You Need To Know)
Does Dry Shampoo Damage Colored Hair?
Dry shampoo can damage colored hair when used incorrectly or during the dyeing process.
When dry shampoo absorbs grease and oil from hair, it also dries out the ‘good’ natural oil that keeps hair soft and supple.
If you dry out these oils daily without cleansing the scalp, it can cause major problems.
These include:
- A buildup of chemicals on hair
- Dandruff/ dry, flaky skin on the scalp
- Dry, fragile hair
- Slow regrowth
- Blocked pores
Dry shampoo has its uses as a hair product, but it does not have a place in any healthy daily routine. Your hair needs its natural oils to protect your scalp and hair from the stress of everyday life.
By replacing water and shampoo cleansing regularly with an application of spray, it leads to a buildup of starch or other ingredients on the hair and scalp.
If combined with regular long-term use, the effects will likely become more pronounced.
Dry Shampoo For Dyed Hair
Even if we pretend that dry shampoo is not damaging your hair when used too regularly over time, certain formulas can still interfere with your style if used sparingly.
Dry shampoo designed for colored hair features a tint or coat of color to match the desired user, from brunette to blonde and more.
This is designed to match your hair dye or natural color and prevent the white coating that can be left by colorless, powder-based dry shampoo.
While a colored dry shampoo may help with root touch up in-between appointments, make sure to replenish moisture and care for the hair to ensure it remains in a healthy condition.
Unfortunately, colored dry shampoo can still make your hair color appear dull, dry, and unhealthy. This is due to the matte layer that may appear.
This prevents the natural shine of healthy hair from being seen and conceals the color you worked hard to achieve.
White dry shampoo can also make the roots appear gray, or white, and cause hair to look dirtier from a distance.
Styling Dyed Hair With Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo does work well as an occasional styling product for dyed hair. Just make sure to regularly wash your hair to prevent drying out your scalp.
For example, if you are a lover of big hairstyles, dry shampoo is often used to add texture and mattify hair before styling.
The best dry shampoo for this is Tigi Bed Head Oh Bee Hive which you can find on Amazon. The dry shampoo helps to volumize and lift up your hair.
As mentioned, this should not be a regular occurrence. Using too much dry shampoo can cause build-up in your recently dyed hair.
How Often Should I Use Dry Shampoo?
Applying dry shampoo more than two days in a row can start to cause issues for your hair and scalp.
It is recommended that you only use it up to two times per week. Daily use will eventually begin to affect both your hair and hair dye, even if it does not seem to be the case.
Health websites often recommend that dry shampoo is not overused for this reason. Dry shampoo is not a nourishing or moisturizing product but rather a specialized treatment for oily hair to reduce shine and grease.
If you want to keep your hair dye bright, avoid the overuse of dry shampoo. Of course, take advantage of the product to skip the occasional washing when needed.
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