Speaking Volumes: Celebrating National Dry Shampoo Day

Happy National Dry Shampoo Day! And now, for the explanation: Dry shampoo is a haircare product designed to refresh the hair without the need for water. It typically comes in the form of a powder, aerosol spray or foam. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and grease from the scalp and hair, leaving it looking and feeling fresher between regular washes. But, why have an entire day dedicated to it? Well...

Imagine: You’ve been on the go with a head of 2-day (or 3...or 4—we won’t judge) hair, and just don’t have the time nor the gumption for a full wash. Or, maybe you REALLY need to find an effective way to keep your gloriously textured locks moisturized, nourished and smelling lovely between washes? Well, dry shampoo is your solution! Or, it is for many, according to a poll conducted by Vagaro in honor of National Dry Shampoo Day.

Read on for some cool poll insights

Who Uses Dry Shampoo?

Nearly three quarters of survey participants said they use dry shampoo. That surprised us a bit, too. The majority of participants who reported using dry shampoo users are female. No surprises there, as women commonly use it to tame frizziness, extend the life of a blowout, freshen their hair after a workout1, or moisturize between washing. Plus, it saves valuable time throughout your week.

Of course, none of this means guys can’t benefit from dry shampoo too, as 33% of survey participants know. For men who want to control their hair oil levels, add texture and moisture, or space out how often they wash their hair, dry shampoo might be a good option1. To the fellas out there with thinning hair, take heed:

Excess oil can weigh hair down, making it appear thinner (and greasier)
Dry hair is brittle hair, and brittle hair seldom sticks around for long
A little extra volume and texture is a GOOD thing

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Frequency of Use

We already covered how people often use dry shampoo because they don’t have time for a full wash, or don’t have ready access to water when you’re out & about. But dry shampoo shouldn’t be thought of as a last resort, as our survey illustrates. Most respondents dry-shampoo their hair with some regularity, in some cases more often than they wash it in a week.

Of course, how often you should use dry shampoo depends on your:

Hair type
Texture
Length
Oil levels

Dry Shampoo Types

There are some exceptions (e.g., mist, paste) but most dry shampoos are offered in the following forms:

Dry Shampoo Powder

Dry shampoo powder usually contains fewer ingredients and is applied by sprinkling it onto the scalp. Careful, though—if you’re overzealous in your application, you can end up with a powdery mess up top. (A little hack for you: Using a big makeup brush as an applicator can help you avoid that undesirable dust storm!)

Dry Shampoo Foam

Dry shampoo foam has one key ingredient that sets it apart from other types: water. Yes, this type of dry shampoo is, at its heart, kind of...wet. One benefit of the water, according to some, is that you can blow-dry straight or wavy hair back into place after use2.

Dry Shampoo Spray

Aerosol dry shampoo works much the same way as hairspray or mousse. Just section your hair, point, spray and work it in—easy-peasy. Maybe that’s why it was, by far, the most popular among our survey respondents (67%).

At least, that’s what we figured, until we saw that nearly 60% of participants said they use dry shampoo for oil control. The relationship became clear: Most participants preferred aerosol dry shampoo for the specific function of oil control.

Dry Shampoo by the Numbers

Now, you may not use dry shampoo. In fact, this may be the first time you’ve heard about it. But according to our research, the dry shampoo industry generates nearly $1.3 billion a year in the U.S. alone, and that’s projected to increase more than 5% through 2025!

If you're a salon owner, then perhaps this is a good time to stock your shelves (and online store) with dry shampoo?

Popular Dry Shampoo Brands

Who are the major haircare and beauty companies helping drive the growth of this industry? Some of these names might be new to you; others you’ve probably known (and used) for years:

Batiste

Batiste is widely regarded as one of the leading brands in the dry shampoo market. Always sulfate-, paraben- and sodium-free, Batiste offers a range of formulations for different hair types and colors and come in many different scents.

Dove

Dove is a brand that needs no introduction; its signature soap has been cleansing and moisturizing skin since the days when gasoline cost $.31/gallon. Turns out, Dove keeps it modern with dry shampoos formulated to refresh hair while also providing nourishment.

Living Proof

Living Proof is popular for its high-quality, science-backed haircare products. In fact, it began as a collaboration between hairstylists and MIT professors. Living Proof’s dry shampoos are known for their quality and innovative formulations.

Klorane

Klorane is a French brand known for its botanical-based haircare products, including gentle and effective dry shampoos suitable for various hair types. Some of their dry shampoo botanical mixtures include mint, nettle, flax and oat milk, among other natural ingredients.

Bumble and Bumble

Bumble and Bumble is a respected brand in the haircare industry, with a wide range of products used in salons everywhere. Their prêt-à-powder dry shampoos provide texture, volume, and freshness for a range of hair types and lifestyles.

Oribe

Oribe is a luxury haircare brand known for their high-end products. While they may not have as much of a footprint in the dry shampoo space as the others on this list, they do offer it as part of their Gold Lust line (Gold Lust...that name just oozes luxury, doesn’t it?!)

What’s the best way to celebrate National Dry Shampoo Day? Maybe by giving it a try? Well, that’s up to you. Which dry shampoo type to use, and the frequency of application depends on you and your hair needs. Do your research. A trip to the dermatologist can tell you if you have excessively dry or oily hair, or a skin issue that would prevent you from using dry shampoo. After that, maybe a chat with your hair stylist or colorist about the benefits and drawbacks of dry shampoo, and the best brands to try for your hair type is in order. In fact, head over to the Vagaro Marketplace to book your next appointment now!

As for those aforementioned stylists and colorists: If you’re shopping for booking & management software that puts your needs first—no matter what size your business is—start your FREE 30-day trial of Vagaro and experience the difference you deserve.

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