Dry Shampoo for Hair Loss: Trichologist Shares if It’s OK to Use and the Best Formulas for Thinning Hair

It’s hard to remember what we ever did before we were introduced to dry shampoo. It’s likely the style extender and oil-sapper has become your go-to hero product for days where you just need a quick touch up before you head out the door, when you don’t have time for a full wash and style. However, there has been some talk around whether or not dry shampoo can cause hair loss, and if those with thinning hair should be using dry shampoo. To break it down, we tapped a top trichologist to answer your dry shampoo questions surrounding thinning hair, as well as get the scoop on the best dry shampoos for thinning hair.

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The history of dry shampoo

While we think of dry shampoo nowadays as an easy way to “refresh” our hair when it’s been a few days since our last wash, they were actually originally created as a way to help those who physically can’t wash their hair, explains trichologist Kerry Yates .

“Dry shampoos were originally created to help people who may be incapacitated, unable to physically wash and rinse their hair, (and give them) another way to get semi-clean hair,” Yates explains. “(It was) designed as a shake-in product, like a powder that was then meant to be combed or brushed out.”

Believe it or not, dry shampoo dates back all the way to the 1940s. It’s nothing new, but although it’s been around for decades, it didn’t start becoming heavily used and ultra-popular until the 2010s.

“Traditionally known as a ‘hospital styling product’, dry shampoos did not hit the big time until the blow-out became a standard weekly service. Beauty consumers wanting to extend the life of their blow-out investment needed the perfect product,” explains Yates.

Nowadays, there are a plethora of dry shampoos on the market, and just about every hair product brand has their own version. “Dry shampoos no longer leave that white cast of yesteryears, and they are less sticky and stiff. Dry shampoos have evolved into the ultimate styling tool created to not only eliminate that limp, oily look of dirty hair, but also add instant volume and texture to the hair,” says Yates. “Available in multiple formats (spray, powder, paste), a dry shampoo supports every (hair) type and texture.”

Is dry shampoo good for your hair?

Many wonder if dry shampoo is hurting or helping their hair. Ultimately, it shouldn’t really be doing either. It can “help” your hair in the sense that it can make it look better and revive it, but dry shampoo won’t necessarily help the health of your hair. However, it shouldn’t hurt or damage your hair either — as long as you’re choosing the right dry shampoo for your hair type.

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Some dry shampoos contain harmful ingredients like chemical parabens or, as we saw in many aerosol dry shampoos that were recalled a few years back . Specifically, benzene, a carcinogen that can lead to a variety of health concerns including blood disorders and cancer. No matter what type of hair you have, make sure you’re doing a scan of the ingredient list to make sure your dry shampoo is free of these toxins.

Further, dry shampoos can cause dryness in our strands if used too often or incorrectly. Most dry shampoos are made of starch, which gives it those oil-sapping powers. If you are only relying on dry shampoo to “clean” hair, aka using it multiple times per week or per day, you may notice your strands drying out. It’s important to note that while dry shampoo can be a style extender and increase time between washes, it’s not actually cleaning your hair — you still should be washing with shampoo and nourishing with conditioner.

Can dry shampoo cause hair loss?

If you suffer from hair loss and/or hair thinning, it’s completely understandable to be a bit skeptical when it comes to using dry shampoo. Ultimately though, as long as you’re choosing a dry shampoo with clean, non-toxic ingredients, and you’re not heavily relying on it or swapping it with your normal hair wash routine, you shouldn’t be experience hair loss — and if you are, it’s time to change your dry shampoo.

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If you are experiencing hair loss from dry shampoo, it’s likely because you aren’t washing your hair enough to rid the scalp of any dry shampoo build up. “My only warning to dry shampoo customers is do not go for days/weeks without washing your hair. Repeatedly applying dry shampoo to the roots will ultimately lead to follicle-clogging, unhealthy scalp conditions, and, sadly, hair loss!” warns Yates.

The 5 best dry shampoos for thinning hair

Keep reading for Yates’ top picks for the best dry shampoos for thinning hair. Using these will give hair a refreshed, bouncy, voluminous style in seconds without sacrificing the integrity of your hair or scalp.

Best clean dry shampoo for thinning hair

This foam-to-powder dry shampoo does wonders when it comes to ridding hair of excess oil and creating texture and body. Yates is a fan of Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo for thinning hair because it is a “clean and green formula. They use Tapioca starch and witch hazel to eliminate that oily look of second-day hair. The added witch hazel supports scalp health.”

Best detox dry shampoo for thinning hair

If the main reason you use dry shampoo is to give hair more volume and to make hair look like you just got it redone, IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo is for you. “Infused with charcoal, this dry shampoo pulls double duty by keeping the scalp clean while also “fluffing” the hair to camouflage thin areas. The ultimate stylist tool for extending any salon style!” says Yates.

Best strengthening dry shampoo for thinning hair

Why not get a refreshed look while supporting strands at the same time? Virtue Refresh Dry Shampoo does just that, with a “specialty mix (that) delivers the benefits of a dry shampoo while also supporting optimal strand health at the root level,” Yates explains. “Thin hair is fragile, so added support is always a benefit.”

Best dry shampoo for all hair types

If you don’t necessarily have thinning hair but you still need a great dry shampoo recommendation, look no further than Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo . It not only works well, but smells divine as well. “Not specifically created to support thin hair, but it is the supreme dry shampoo due to the amazing fragrance,” suggests Yates.

Best scented dry shampoo for thinning hair

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo has a cult following and for good reason. Yates says the formula works well for those with thinning hair, however, one caveat: “Like the other dry shampoos, this will not help you regrow hair,” advises Yates. This specific one is a limited edition, as it’s vanilla scented and smells warm and cozy for fall!

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