Are Dry Shampoos And Conditioners Safe For Thinning Hair? We Asked The Experts
April 23, 2023 by Marissa Matozzo
Looking to prevent thinning tresses or hair loss while also keeping that second-day mane in check? You’re probably no stranger to dry shampoos and conditioners as a potential solution to oily, greasy and flat locks as a way to add volume. But can they actually cause thinning hair, or potentially exacerbate the issue? We wanted to get to the bottom of this, so we reached out to hair stylists, dermatologists and experts to learn more about these products and whether or not they are safe to use for thinner, finer hair.
We checked in with dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, Chief Medical Officer of Ideal Image and co-founder of Modern Dermatology PC and Ghanima Abdullah, hairstylist and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and Lauren Holland, professional hairstylist at Headspace Hair Artistry for advice on how to safely use these beloved and convenient hair tools whether you’re losing hair or worried about this in the future.
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Are Dry Shampoos & Conditioners Okay To Use On Thinning Hair? Answer: Once A Month
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 warns to avoid any products on the scalp (yes that means dry shampoo and conditioner) which can lead to buildup. The problem with these products, she says, is that they can “block hair follicles” and 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 best 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 stresses.
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Pro Tip: Never Spray Directly Onto The Scalp
If you already have balding spots, Abdullah urges that “when you use dry shampoo," to "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 both adamantly recommend limiting dry shampoo and similar product usage and visiting your dermatologist or doctor for personalized haircare tips and suggestions.
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Additionally, Holland notes that scalp care is just as important as haircare if preventing thinning or treating it is your goal. "Give your scalp a break between washes. Your natural oils are produced for a reason, so give them a chance to their job," Holland advises.
She also suggests "avoiding using styling products such as gels, waxes, hairsprays and dry shampoos on a regular basis," as these will cause the aforementioned build up as they settle on your scalp and clog hair follicles. "Once a hair follicle is damaged, there is no reversal unfortunately," she says. The more you know!