"He can run faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo" JK Rowling
You are now Snape, and for whatever reason (usually laziness) you haven't showered and your hair is in need of some maintenance! Never fear, dry shampoo is here and so am I to give you a list of some to praise, and some to avoid.
Some general tips before we get started:
1. You are human, use your tools.
If you are accidentally or purposefully heavy handed with the dry shampoo, make sure it is evenly distributed. A little tip: use your trusty hair dryer to get all the powder/color settled in and looking natural. While you're at it, give your hair some nice volume by blowing out sections of your hair with a large barreled brush and the hair dryer that is already prepped and ready.
2. Blend people, blend.
My heart breaks a little every time I see a girl with a slightly white spray residue on her head/scalp from hastily applied dry shampoo (or other..erm issues). Do a check of your forehead, part, general scalp, even neck and ears. The whole 'I didn't shower but I'm getting away with it' losses its charm if you look even dirtier than before... just sayin.
3. Recognize defeat
Sometimes, you really need to shower. If you just got back from the gym, a basement gathering of any kind, or your hair is so oily it looks wet... get your lovely self under some hot water and suds. Dry shampoo is a crutch, not a cast. Do not abuse the magic.
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo- $11 for 1oz at Sephora, Target
This product is the most refreshing of the bunch, it smells like lemons and cleanliness and has a wonderfully effective powered formula. My hair always feels cleanest after I use Oscar Blandi, but it does take a bit longer to apply correctly. It is simply a white powder, so it is up to the user to sprinkle and blend carefully without the help of an aerosol nozzle. I always have to use a hairdryer to spread the product evenly, but the extra effort is worth the result! Plus this stuff is a great value, I got it over a year ago and haven't run out yet. *you can get this in aerosol form here, but I haven't tried it!
The Dry Bar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Dry Shampoo- $12 for 1.67 oz from Sephora
Praise be to this dry shampoo- everything about it is wonderful except for the value. It smells wonderful but not overpowering, application is easy, leaves no yucky residue or stiffness, and keeps my hair looking and feeling clean long after application. However, when I purchased this small travel size I was out within a few months. Considering I had only used it maybe 10 times, this seems to be a bit of a rip off. However, if the price tag doesn't matter to you- I haven't found anything that can compare to this caliber.
Batiste Dry Shampoo (Blonde)- $8 for 6.74 oz from Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and many drug stores
Batiste has a huge range of dry shampoos from different scents, color tints, and sizes they have it all and still maintain a good price for the quality and size. The 'hints of color' are really nice for anyone who struggles with the white contrast of dry shampoo powder, and wants to give their color a bit of a makeover without any chalky residue or flaking. I will definitely repurchase this as I like the sweet scent and blonde highlights, and it is readily available at many stores!
Psst Instant Dry Shampoo- around $6 for 5.3 oz at any drugstore
While this is one of the 'original' creators of dry shampoo, the Pssst product didn't impress me. It did the job, but left white residue and didn't have a particularly nice scent. Plus I feel like it look me more dry shampoo than anticipated to get my hair feeling at all clean or refreshed! Kind of a 'meh' product, but a good price tag for the can size!
Some updates to my dry shampoo collection! (hence the not uniform pictures... my bad)
Suave Professionals Beautiful Clean Dry Shampoo- $2.48 for 5 oz at Target
In my November 2014 favorites I mentioned this dry shampoo and how much I am not a fan of it, no matter how cheap it is: 'The smell was fresh, but when I put it in my hair it felt sticky and stiff. Not to mention it left a slightly white and off-color residue in my hair that wasn't easily brushed off or It reminded me of stiff hold hairspray, and I felt yuckier than before.' Thanks, but no thanks Suave.
Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo $4.99 for 180ml/5 oz from Amazon
I have been on a hunt for dry shampoo in Spain so when I finally found this, it had to be mine. Good news is the search was worth it because so far I have been pretty pleased! The smell is fruity but not sickly sweet, and lasts for hours. However, it does feel a bit sticky when applying, and made my hair a little stiff. Good value, but updates on quality to come.
So there you have it, a starter kit for all things dry shampoo! I hope it helps keep you lazy, but at an acceptable level of clean.
With love and lazy Sundays,
Sarah Belle
