Dry Shampoo: What It Is, How to Use It and the Best Options in South Africa

TL;DR:

• Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil at the roots to extend time between washes — it doesn’t clean hair the way shampoo does
• Spray 20–30cm from the roots, wait 30–60 seconds, then massage in and brush through — skipping the wait leaves white residue
• It’s not a daily substitute for washing — used every day without washing, it builds up and clogs follicles
• Professional formulas (Kérastase, Redken, Moroccanoil) have finer, less visible starch particles and better fragrances than supermarket alternatives
• Best used on day two or three hair, not immediately after washing

Dry shampoo is one of the most used and most misused products in hair care. Used correctly it’s genuinely transformative — it extends blow-dry results, adds volume at the roots, and saves significant time on non-wash days. Used incorrectly it creates white residue, buildup and scalp irritation. Here’s how our stylists use and recommend it.

Meet the experts:
Royston and Warren at Cavendish Square — Judy, head trainer — Lewis, owner — Jackie at Gardens Centre — Debbie and Nikí at V&A Waterfront — Danny and Charlene at Canal Walk — Lynette, Samantha and Dominique at Constantia Village

01 — What Dry Shampoo Actually Does

Dry shampoo works by depositing starch, clay or alcohol particles at the roots that absorb sebum (scalp oil) and water. It makes oily, flat roots look and feel fresher. It does not clean the scalp or hair the way a water-based shampoo does — it absorbs and disguises oiliness rather than removing it. Used on already-clean hair it adds texture and volume. Used on oily roots it extends the life of a blow-dry.

“Dry shampoo buys you time — it doesn’t replace a wash,” says Judy, head trainer. “It’s the difference between a flat, greasy day-two root and a refreshed, voluminous one. Most of our clients use it on day two or three after a blow-dry to extend the style. That’s the right application.”

02 — How to Apply Without White Residue

Distance: hold the can 20–30cm from the roots. Spray in short bursts into the roots of sectioned hair — not onto the lengths. Wait 30 to 60 seconds — this is the step most people skip, and it’s where the starch particles do their work absorbing the oil. Massage into the scalp with fingertips, then brush through. The white cast disappears and the roots look clean and full.

“The wait is everything,” says Charlene at Canal Walk. “Clients spray and immediately rub it in and get a grey-white cast that looks terrible. If you wait a full minute and let the starch absorb the oil before you work it in, the product disappears into the hair and the roots look clean. Same product, completely different result.”

03 — How Often Is Too Often

Dry shampoo is a day-two or day-three product — not a daily replacement for washing. Used every day without washing in between, starch and oil buildup accumulates on the scalp and in the follicle opening. Over time this can lead to irritation, itchiness, and in some cases contribute to hair loss from clogged follicles. Use it to extend a wash by one or two days, then wash thoroughly — preferably with a clarifying or scalp-rebalancing shampoo to remove the accumulated residue.

“I see clients who use dry shampoo daily and wonder why their scalp is itchy,” says Royston at Cavendish. “The product is building up. You need to wash it out properly every few days. A clarifying shampoo once a week or fortnight clears everything and resets the scalp.”

04 — Professional vs Supermarket Dry Shampoo

Professional dry shampoos use finer starch or mineral particles that absorb oil more efficiently and leave less visible residue. The fragrance is typically better too, which matters on hair that’s two or three days old. Retail versions often use coarser starch that leaves more white cast and provides less actual oil absorption. For dark or brunette hair, the visible white residue issue is more significant — professional formulas handle this significantly better.

“For dark hair especially, professional dry shampoo is worth the difference in cost,” says Jackie at Gardens Centre. “The cheaper supermarket versions work, but the residue is visible and the oil absorption lasts a shorter time. Professional formulas are invisible on dark hair when applied and worked in correctly.”

05 — What Our Stylists Recommend

Kérastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo — fine particles, excellent oil absorption, virtually invisible on all hair colours. Our most recommended for colour-treated hair.

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo (light and dark tones) — available in light and dark variants — the dark formula for brunettes significantly reduces visible residue. Argan oil-infused for added condition.

Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo — lightweight formula with an invisible finish, good for all hair colours. Refreshes and adds volume without build-up.

“Moroccanoil Dark Tones is the one I recommend to most brunette and darker-haired clients,” says Danny at Canal Walk. “A light-coloured dry shampoo on dark hair is always going to show more, regardless of technique. Dark-toned formulas are formulated to match the hair and disappear completely.”

06 — Using Dry Shampoo Proactively for Volume

Dry shampoo doesn’t have to be a reactive product (used when hair gets oily). Applied to clean, dry roots after a blow-dry, it adds texture and grip that holds volume longer — particularly useful for fine hair that deflates quickly. Apply before styling for a blow-dry that lasts an extra day without touching it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?

Used correctly (a few times per week, washed out regularly), no. Used daily without washing, yes — buildup on the scalp and follicles can cause irritation and itching. Wash thoroughly every few days and use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove accumulated residue.

How do I avoid white residue from dry shampoo?

Hold the can 20–30cm from the roots. Wait 30–60 seconds after spraying before working it in. Massage with fingertips, then brush through. The wait is the step that eliminates white cast.

Can I use dry shampoo on dark hair?

Yes — use a formula specifically designed for dark hair (Moroccanoil Dark Tones, or a tinted dry shampoo). Standard white formulas on dark hair show more residue. The dark variants are formulated to absorb without the visible white cast.

How often should I use dry shampoo?

Day two or three between washes. Not daily. Regular use without washing leads to scalp buildup. Aim to wash every 2–3 days and use dry shampoo in between to extend the style.

Should I apply dry shampoo before or after styling?

For volume and texture before styling: apply to clean, dry roots before blow-drying or finishing. For extending a previous blow-dry: apply to day-two or day-three roots, wait, massage, and brush. Both uses are correct — the timing depends on what you need it to do.

Shop professional dry shampoo at Partners Hair, or find your nearest salon. Free delivery on orders over R390.