There’s no denying how convenient dry shampoo is— whether you love a more voluminous, second-day-hair look or just didn’t have time to shower. When many of us start noticing hair loss, a common reaction is to reassess the products we use and wonder if there might be a correlation.
For this reason, we checked in with hair experts to determine whether hair loss or thinning could be caused or exacerbated by the usage of the ever-so-popular dry shampoo. Read on for answers, tips and suggestions from Ghanima Abdullah, hairstylist and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, Chief Medical Officer of Ideal Image and co-founder of Modern Dermatology PC.
So, Can Dry Shampoo Cause Hair Loss? Answer: Yes and No
While dry shampoo inherently won’t cause hair loss in healthy hair after occasional use, experts say that frequently using the product (say every day for example) can lead to build up on the scalp, which affects more hair growth. If you have thinning or receding hair, Robinson says to avoid products on the scalp which can lead to buildup. This, she says, “blocks hair follicles” and can stifle growth and volume. “Dry shampoo is a common culprit,” Robinson adds. “While its short term benefits are undeniable, it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo and scalp treatment in-between to clear out buildup and let the scalp breathe.”
Abdullah agrees that dry shampoo is for occasional use when you have already thinning hair, “as in once a month,” if possible. “Using dry shampoo several times a week can cause folliculitis and other scalp issues, including thinning,” she says. If you already have balding spots, Abdullah stresses that “when you use dry shampoo, never spray it” on your scalp. “Only use it on the lengths of your hair and try to restrict its use to once monthly, or at least once between shampoos,” she continues. She concludes that anyone who is already experiencing hair loss should “never use dry shampoo more than once between a wash cycle.”
Overall, if you have healthy hair and are concerned about thinning strands that inevitably come with aging, using dry shampoo once in a while isn’t going to cause instant hair loss. If, however, you already are noticing fallout, Robinson and Abdullah recommend limiting dry shampoo and similar product usage and visiting your dermatologist or doctor for personalized tips and suggestions.
