Being a busy on the go gal probably means that you don't get to take time for yourself as much as you want or need to. Juggling families, careers, school, housework, a social life, and other duties can make it almost impossible to keep up on the most basic of tasks. This is why we have little things we do throughout the day to save us some much-needed time. These shortcuts can be essential to keeping up with our more than ever demanding lives. Just like microwaved meals, dry shampoo is one of those lifesaving (hair saving) things that many of us just can't go without.
We all know a dry-shampoo-aholic, aka someone who lives, breathes, and dies by dry shampoo. You can practically smell the batiste seeping out of their pores. While it's pretty obvious dry shampoo shouldn't be used every day (hello, it's called a shower?), have you ever thought as to why this is harmful to your health? Dry shampoo uses a concoction of chemicals to get your hair from looking like day 4 hair to day 1 again, all with the press of a nozzle. Sure, its simplicity can be oh so appealing, especially for us long haired babes, but what's lurking inside of your dry shampoo can actually be pretty toxic to your health.
the dangers of dry shampoo
First things first, dry shampoo obviously should not be used every day as a way to replace real showers. They don't remove impurities like a good ole cleansing will, instead they just kind of smother the dirt and oil living on your scalp. You need to actually wash your hair to remove built up dirt, oil, and hair styling products that you may be using.
Like everything in life there is too much of a good thing, and dry shampoo is no different. Realistically you should only be reaching for the stuff about twice a week or less. These rules are for all forms of dry shampoo alike, nontoxic and all! Even with clean ingredients, overusing dry shampoo can cause deposits to build up on the scalp which can easy clog the hair follicle. When the pore is clogged it becomes an easy target for blemishes, ingrown hairs, or even hair loss.
"Regular" dry shampoo that isn't nontoxic, natural, or clean typically emits aerosol, contains irritating fragrance, drying alcohol, petroleum, and oftentimes contains talc powder. Aerosol, often found in spray cans, can be dangerous because they emit VOC's which can cause skin reactions, nose and throat irritation, cancer, and nausea among many other side effects. Alcohol and fragrance can be drying and irritating to the scalp causing an excess amount of itching or dander, especially to sensitive skin types. And of course, we can't forget about our good ole friend Talc. Talc powder can cause chronic lung irritation and has been positively linked in cancer.
why non-toxic is better
On the bright side, nontoxic dry shampoo is way better for your health, contains clean, simple ingredients you don't struggle to pronounce, and there are some great brands that actually work better than the chemical filled stuff you've grown to love! Again, make sure you're using dry shampoo sparingly and to thoroughly wash it out with an organic shampoo when finished. You should only really use dry shampoo when you're in desperate need of covering up some oily roots for a day or two at the most.
the best non-toxic dry shampoos
Acure Dry Shampoo
Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo
Acure dry shampoo uses cornstarch, arrowroot powder, and kaolin clay, along with rosemary and peppermint oil extract to refresh the scalp while absorbing built up dirt and oil. You can find Acure at your local Target or Fresh Thyme, making it super easy to restock whenever you run out. Their dry shampoo is completely natural, made without any fillers or unnecessary chemicals, smells amazing, and it actually works! This formula is super fine grit and lighter in color, making it optimal for those with medium to light hair.
Cocokind Baby Powder
Best Dry Shampoo Overall
The Cocokind Baby Powder uses a mix of organic arrowroot, chamomile, calendula, and aloe powders. Simple as that! Nothing else. This is the overall best dry shampoo for its short ingredient list, texture, bendability, and scent! It feels super lightweight when applied and quickly absorbs oil to keep your hair feeling refreshed throughout the day. The Cocokind baby powder also contains natural therapeutic properties, chamomile works to soothe the skin while aloe calms and relieves any skin irritation. Best of all, it's free from chemicals, preservatives, and talc.
Franklin and Whitman East Falls
Best Dry Shampoo for Dark and Thick Hair
With several different Frank and Whit dry shampoo formulations, East Falls Dark Hair is an all-time fav. Utilizing rhassoul clay, sativa starch, and a blend of lemongrass, clary sage, and bergamot essential oils East Falls cleans and volumizes your hair all in one step. The texture of their dry shampoo is a little gritty, making it a better option for those with coarse hair or those who are looking to volumize and rid their scalp of excess oils.
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