Dry shampoo has become more and more en vogue in recent years, partially due to the added convenience of being able to keep hair clean without the hassle of showering and hair drying. However, many people don’t realize that dry shampoo isn’t actually shampoo at all. These products work by using alcohol to absorb natural oil that is found in the hair, making it less noticeable and hair less greasy. But it is important to note, it doesn’t actually remove oil and dirt from the hair to clean it the way shampoo and water does. Additionally, if not used properly, dry shampoo can pose some issues to the health of the hair and scalp. Today, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants wanted to discuss some of these issues, and if using dry shampoo can contribute to hair loss.

When used in moderation and as recommended, dry shampoo is typically safe and fine for hair health. However, using it too often and for extended periods of time can damage the hair and scalp, leading to potential issues. Products that contain alcohol are used to help dry the hair, but being overly dry can cause individual hair fibers to crack and get snagged on each other while brushing or combing your hair, which can lead to breakage. Additionally, excess use of dry shampoo over time can lead to a buildup of the product on your scalp, leading to itching and other potential issues like folliculitis.

So while using dry shampoo might not technically be a cause of hair loss, poor scalp health and damaged hair follicles can be, so people should be aware of the effects these products can have over time. That doesn’t mean that they should never be used. Dry shampoo can be alright to use, as long as you resist using it more than two days in a row, find the right product for your hair color and type, only use it in areas that need it, and make sure to continue washing your hair with regular shampoo and water as well.

In the case that hair loss or hair thinning does occur, we offer a wide variety of outstanding and effective hair loss treatments at our Center for Non-Surgical Hair Loss and Center for Women’s Hair Loss. Performed by our licensed hair loss experts, we develop customized treatment plans based on the unique needs of each patient, as well as the specific causes of their hair loss issues. Our non-surgical hair loss treatments include prescription (custom compound & non-custom) medications (oral and topical), laser treatments, AnteAGE® MD hair restoration, microneedling with natural growth factors, and more.

This is not to say that dry shampoo is dangerous or shouldn’t ever be used, we just thought people should be aware of this information in the spirit of promoting good long-term hair and scalp health. For more information on hair loss and our available non-surgical hair restoration treatments, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.