The Problem With Dry Shampoo

(2 minute read)

For many decades, people all over the world have used dry shampoo to freshen up their hair in between washes. After all, using a dry shampoo is a quick, easy and convenient way to absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking good when you don’t have the time or inclination to wash it. The bonus is that it can be used anywhere, anytime without the need for water.

Dry shampoos are quick and convenient to use by but they can have negative effects on your health & the environment. Image source: Canva

However, there is downside to dry shampoo that you may not be aware of or ever considered.

The dark side of dry shampoo

Like many things in life, dry shampoo has its advantages and disadvantages. We've already mentioned some of the pros above but there are some cons, too. The negative aspects of people using dry shampoo include:

• they often come in aerosol cans – these cans rely on propellants to deliver the product and propellants typically contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• VOCs can directly and indirectly negatively effect both people and the planet - they’re associated with toxicity, carcinogenicity, ozone depletion and global climate change
• whether by design or not, some dry shampoo formulas also contain microplastics – microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than 5mm in length which inevitably end up in our waterways and are harmful to marine and aquatic life

"But I simply can't give up my dry shampoo", I hear you say. Don't worry. The good news is: there are natural alternatives to the mainstream brands we often see on supermarket shelves.

Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo

Happily, there are numerous natural brands that produce dry shampoo products made with non-toxic, natural ingredients like cornstarch, tapioca starch and kaolin. These ingredients are effective at absorbing excess oil in the hair which can make it look dirty as well as oily.

These ethical brands are committed to providing hair care products that are safer for you and also eco-friendly. This includes packaging their dry shampoo in non-aerosol containers.

Make the Switch

So, if you're someone who likes to keep dry shampoo on hand for those times when your hair needs a quick 'pick-me-up' - but you're also concerned about the health of our planet and the environment - opt for a natural dry shampoo brand. Take a look at these two brands, available at Naturally Safe Cosmetics:

1. Raww Wow Hair! Dry Shampoo for Blonde to Brunette hair with Peppermint scent - featuring a lightweight formula that's free from potentially contaminated talc, hold the nozzle close to the root area and press the pump, then disperse with your fingers. Also available for Brunette hair with Choc Mint scent, featuring Cocoa so it blends in more easily with dark hair.

2. MooGoo Natural Dry Shampoo - suitable for all hair types and colours, simply shake the powder onto your scalp and roots and use your fingers to spread evenly throughout your hair.

Sources: National Center for Biotechnology Information; Natural Ocean Service