Dirty (Hair) Secrets

It’s no secret that at times our hair resembles Mr. Grease Lightning’s fugly twin. You know the look. Slick-nasty. Being totally frank, sometimes it’s the snooze button’s fault, or screaming kidlets, or sheer laziness that prevents us from the shower. In my case, my mop visits every Tuesday and Friday. Oh hush it! I just heard about 10 of you at once gasp in horror. It’s true! Hair can actually be trained to get dirty less often.

Just hear me out and take notes…
 

Why Does Hair Get Greasy?

Where does your hair rank on the dirty scale? Well, that all depends on the amount of oil your body produces. Some of us are well-oiled machines (and NOT in a good way). The good news? We can tell our oil factory to pipe-it-down a notch by simply washing our hair less. You see, when the oil stays on the hair it sends the message, “She’s good and slick already. Tell the guys below she doesn’t need another dousing.” So naturally (by our own oil) moisturized hair tells oil glands to slow down. Simply put? Hair that’s washed everyday isn’t retaining moisture on it’s own (because you’re washing it away). That raises the white flag of “dry” despair and oil comes in to to the rescue. Just who we DIDN’T want to show up to save the day, right?
 
What Can I Do About It?

Wash it less. If you’re a daily washer, start by washing every other day. If you wash every other day, stretch it out to two days. It took time; but I can go without washing every 3-5 days. I know you’re all saying, “Um…gross. I still have to go out in public. And no. A hat ISN’T an option.” Ladies, I COMPLETELY understand. Go ahead and exhale any anxiety you’re holding in. Because, here’s where our little friend, Dry SHHampoo comes into the picture (with the added emphasis on SHHH because no one needs to know you DIDN’T wash that morning. It can be YOUR little secret).
 
What IS Dry Shampoo?

It’s sweet merciful magic in a can. The magic is a spray-on form of powder that’s applied to the roots of your hair. When applied it “masks” existing oil that’s already on your hair by giving it a matte appearance. Here’s the kicker! You ready? It’s not taking AWAY the oil itself, just the sheen oil gives. So that fooled oil factory never gets the memo to produce MORE oil. See? Your hair is staying naturally moisturized by the oil but looks clean.
 
When Should I Use It?

Okay. I hope you’re all still with me. It seems only logical to use dry shampoo when your hair is dirty, right? Well, I apply it even when my hair is clean! Maybe too obsessed? I beg to differ. I’ve noticed when I apply the dry shampoo to clean roots, then any oil that may sneak in later gets soaked up by the powder that’s already waiting its arrival. Booyah! That oil won’t even know what hit it. Obviously, you also want to apply it between washes when your hair isn’t looking it’s hottest.
 
How Do I Apply It?

A little actually goes a long way. You’ll know if you’ve overdone it because the white haired grandma staring back at you in the mirror will say so! I concentrate on the crown of my head (from my ears upward). You’ll want to spray lightly at the roots by lifting it up in sections. Continue to lift in sections while spraying. Once you’ve covered the whole crown let the powder sit for a bit. It needs some time to work its magic. I like to do my makeup at this point (or maybe you’d prefer singing a little song to pass the time… who knows). Now comes the time to blend it. Use your fingertips to shake your hair around at the roots. This helps disperse the powder evenly without it falling out. Using a brush will make too much of the powder fall out.
 
What Are The Perks?
The way I see it there are three: 1) healthier hair from not washing daily 2) saves time 3) more body/texture to your style
 
What Brand Should I Buy?
It’s not necessary to buy overly priced powder. The higher the price tag doesn’t necessarily equal better results. I use Beyond the Zone and it can be purchased at your local Sally Beauty Supply store.