Dry Shampoo Isn't Just For The Day — Here's Why It's Also A Nighttime Staple

Dry shampoo has become a lifesaver for many. The product is a quick and easy way to help keep your hair looking clean and smelling nice between wash days. Dry shampoo often comes in a spray or powder form that is applied to your hair to soak up oil and grease. It can also give your mane some extra volume and texture.

Unfortunately, the product actually does very little to clean the hair and is not a substitute for properly washing your strands with water and actual shampoo. "The scalp collects chemicals and pollutants both from the air and from cosmetic care products," dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, M.D., says in an interview with the Cleveland Clinic. "Dry shampoo freshens your hair by removing oils, but its actual cleansing power is only minimal." It's also not recommended for daily use because the product doesn't require a rinse out, which could create build up that leads to problems like inflammation, dandruff, or even acne.

However, when used moderately, dry shampoo can be a useful product to have in your arsenal. The product is most effectively used by applying the product to the roots and then massaging it into the scalp so that it absorbs as much dirt, oil, and sweat as possible. Many choose to apply dry shampoo during the day, when they're going to be seen in public and need fresh-smelling hair. However, it actually has benefits for nighttime use as well.

Although it's easy to grab for the dry shampoo in the morning when you're getting ready to head to the gym, work, or just getting yourself together, it may actually be more beneficial to you if you use the product at night to help save time during the day. "You're able to touch up your style that has been setting overnight, versus spending too much time in front of the mirror the next day," hairstylist Lindsay Victoria tells Well and Good.

By using a dry shampoo before bed, you can keep your hair from getting oily while you're sleeping. Applying before bed also offers the product more time to sit in the hair for maximum absorption. "One of my favorite tips is to apply at night instead of in the morning," Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., says in an interview with Byrdie. This lets the dry shampoo work overnight to absorb oil and grease, she added.

Using dry shampoo at night can be extremely beneficial if you have fine hair, as well as hair that's prone to excess oil. For these cases, Victoria suggests choosing dry shampoo powder over the spray. Of course, no matter your hair type, there are many other ways to help your locks stay fresh at night.

In addition to trying dry shampoo at night, there are other ways to keep your hair looking good and feeling healthy. A good nighttime routine is key for healthy strands, and it starts with detangling. Be sure to brush your hair before hitting the sheets each night. If it's a hair-washing night, you'll want to dry your strands before bed, as sleeping with wet hair can damage your locks. Before applying dry shampoo, make sure your mane is totally dry.

If you aren't using dry shampoo, you might consider using hair oil or serum before bed for extra protection. Applying a hair mask can also be beneficial to keep your mane looking its best. After using your dry shampoo or other products, you can leave your hair loose or tie it up at night. However, you shouldn't sleep with your hair in tight styles like a bun. Instead, try a braid or a loose ponytail tied with a silk scrunchie. Using a silk pillowcase or bonnet will also prevent hair damage during the night.

Haircare can be a lot of work at times, but using the right products such as dry shampoo can help extend your style and keep your hair looking good longer so that you have more time in your busy schedule.