Dry Shampoo Vs Dry Conditioner – What’s The Difference?
We’re all familiar with the staple hair care product: dry shampoo.
If you are anything like me, dry shampoo is your best friend.
It soaks up all the oils from the scalp without the need to wash every single day, and even prolongs your blowout.
I was surprised when I saw that there are dry conditioners on the market. My first thoughts were, “How is that possible?“
All I could picture was using a product that absorbs oil from my ends!
However, I quickly learned the real purpose of a dry conditioner.
Much like dry shampoo, dry conditioner prolongs your hairstyle, but it does more than that.
So what is the difference between a dry shampoo and a conditioner?
Dry shampoo soaks up excess oil on your scalp between washes, making your hair look fresh. Dry conditioner detangles, softens, and hydrates the ends like a regular conditioner, but without water.
What else can dry conditioners accomplish? Do they work well in conjunction with dry shampoos?
Dry conditioner has opened up a new world of hairstyling possibilities. Let’s dive deeper into this dynamic dry duo and their benefits.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo isn’t only for oily scalps. It can serve various other purposes that you may not have heard of:
- Preserve your hairstyle
- Add volume to your hair
- Prevent oil before it begins
- Add more grip to bobby pins
- Conceal dark roots (if you use colored dry shampoo)
- Add extra hold to back-combed hair
- Fluff up hair or bangs for a bedhead beach look
How to Use Dry Shampoo
I know you may be thinking, “I know how to use dry shampoo, how hard can it be?“
But there’s always a way to up your game. If you want to achieve a particular outcome with your dry shampoo, there are a few tips and tricks that can help:
Tip 1: You don’t have to use dry shampoo when your hair is already greasy. If you are looking to preserve a blowout, spraying a little dry shampoo before bed can soak up oils while you sleep.
Tip 2: Make sure to part your hair. Parting your hair in workable sections will allow for even distribution.
Even distribution will leave you looking and feeling refreshed instead of like you have clumps of products on your scalp.
Tip 3: Spray dry shampoo into the hair 8-12 inches away from the scalp for the best outcome if you are using an aerosol shampoo.
Applying close to the scalp doesn’t mean the product will work efficiently. Spraying at a distance will also help avoid the product leaving a residue on the scalp.
Tip 4: Brush out your hair after applying your dry shampoo! This is the perfect time to massage the scalp and allow the dry shampoo to work its magic.
It also helps to evenly distribute powdered dry shampoo.
What Type of Dry Shampoo Will Work For Me?
There are two popular types of dry shampoo. You may have already noticed that dry shampoo is available in aerosol and powder forms.
Aerosol Dry Shampoo
This type of dry shampoo is perhaps the one we see the most often. It’s an excellent option for fine to medium hair types.
Hair that gets weighed down easily will benefit from an aerosol. It’s fast-absorbing, adds volume, and leaves hair soft and shiny.
Powder Dry Shampoo
Powder dry shampoos are a great option for thicker/coarser hair types.
Powders usually sit on the scalp and can potentially weigh down finer hair. Powder dry shampoos can have cleaner ingredients and packaging than aerosols.
They are also more environmentally friendly.
These are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for dry shampoo.
This is the perfect time to experiment with what works best for you.
People with fine hair can still rock powder-form dry shampoos. It always comes down to personal preference.
Dry Conditioner
When I first thought about using a dry conditioner, I thought it would perform the same as a dry shampoo. I couldn’t imagine stripping away my beautiful ends!
However, dry conditioner does the exact opposite, acting much like a typical conditioner:
- Detangles the hair
- Hydrates the hair
- Reduces frizz
- Doubles as a finishing spray
- Condition the hair without water
- Adds shine
- Revives limp hair
- Prolongs a blowout
Dry conditioners can provide yummy benefits to our hair.
It makes sense that dry shampoo and dry conditioner work much like their shampoo/conditioner counterparts, just without the water.
Healthline states that “dry conditioners can contain ingredients like silicones or oils that help reduce frizz and boost hydration.”
How to Use Dry Conditioner
Dry conditioners are usually in a dry aerosol formulation.
Like dry shampoos, dry conditioners are fairly intuitive in application, but there are still some things you’ll want to keep in mind:
Tip 1: Dry conditioners provide much more moisture than dry shampoos. It is best to spray the product from mid-length to the ends of the hair.
This is the area that will most likely need the most hydration. Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp when it’s dry.
Tip 2: Dry conditioners are a great finishing spray in conjunction with heat styling—a great way to add texture and reduce frizz.
Apply the product with your head upside down and distribute with a blow dryer.
Tip 3: Don’t mistake this for a leave-in conditioner. Leave-ins are usually used on wet, freshly washed hair. Dry conditioner does not require water to add moisture.
It dries down when it comes into contact with the hair.
Tip 4: Use it as often as you need or want to. According to NYC Dermatologist Francesca J Fusco, in an interview with Allure, she states that “dry conditioners are entirely safe for long-term use.
They don’t cause damage to the hair or scalp. Unless you are allergic to a particular ingredient.”
Is a Dry Conditioner Right For Me?
A dry conditioner can be a lifesaver in a bottle. However, the big question you may be asking is whether it is suitable for all hair types.
People who can benefit from dry conditioners can have thin/fine and medium/thick hair. It’s a fast and easy way to give your hair a boost of hydration.
Those with curly, coily, or kinky locks can still use dry conditioners. However, they may not reap the same benefits.
People with thick, curly hair can use dry conditioners along with heat styling for the best results.
Heat styling coarse/curly hair with a dry conditioner will help prevent the hair from becoming weighed down by the product.
Curly-haired girls may benefit from serum or oil for hydration.
Overall, a dry conditioner is a great tool to use if you want to prolong your hairstyle or add a little extra oomph.
If your hair could use a boost of moisture or you want to tame frizz, a dry conditioner is worth a try!
The Main Differences Between Dry Shampoo and Dry Conditioner
Think of dry shampoo as your regular shampoo. It takes away oil and the appearance of dirty hair and focuses on the scalp.
However, unlike a regular shampoo, dry shampoos can’t truly cleanse your hair.
Still, dry shampoo will not harm your hair. Just scrub well and wash it out when you next wash your hair.
Likewise, you can think of a dry conditioner like your regular conditioner.
It adds shine, moisture, reduces frizz, and is a detangler.
Just like you avoid putting conditioner on your scalp, you also want to avoid leaving conditioner on your scalp. Dry conditioner will also not harm your hair.
Can I Use Dry Shampoo and Dry Conditioner Together to Style My Hair?
Yes! These two are a match made in heaven. You don’t have to give up dry shampoo if you are interested in dry conditioners.
Spray your dry shampoo to add volume and remove oil. Follow with a dry conditioner for a boost of shine and hydration.
Best Dry Shampoos and Conditioners
Now that you’ve read all about dry shampoos and conditioners, here are some products to try if you’re ready to give your hair some wash-free nourishment:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Acure Dry Shampoo | Multiple hair types, 100% vegan, rosemary & cocoa |
| 2. | Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo | With charcoal & biotin, sulfate-free, travel-friendly |
| 3. | IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo | Deep-cleansing, detoxifying, all hair types |
| 1. | Amika Silken Up Dry Conditioner | Safe for treated hair, sea buckthorn berry-infused |
| 2. | Eva NYC Forget Me Knot Dry Conditioner | All hair types, sulfate-free, vegan & cruelty-free |
| 3. | Aussie Petal Soft Dry Conditioner | For dry hair, jojoba and macadamia oil added, sulfate-free |
Let’s check them out in more detail.
3 Best Dry Shampoos
1. Acure Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is in a clean powder formula.
The powder is colored and perfectly matches dark hair. However, there is an option for lighter hair colors.
This dry shampoo is formulated with cocoa and rosemary (or peppermint and rosemary for lighter hair colors) to soothe and nourish the scalp.
The two dry shampoo options are also suited for different hair types – oily and dry.
Most will be able to sustain their hair with one of these beauties.
Acure’s dry shampoos are also 100% vegan, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about putting them on your hair.
2. Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo
This option from Briogeo is a nature-friendly, aerosol-free dry shampoo.
This harsh sulfate-free charcoal-and-biotin formula will keep hair of any type in good shape.
The charcoal works to detoxify the scalp, leaving it fresh and healthy. Biotin adds nutrients.
It’s also free of silicones, parabens, and harsh dyes.
Plus, if you’re worried about the impact of your products, this non-aerosol spray is also vegan and cruelty-free.
3. IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
Last but certainly not least is a charcoal-infused dry shampoo from IGK.
It is suitable for all hair types and textures and is especially useful for naturally oily scalps.
First Class Charcoal Detox is just that: a detoxifier that immediately eliminates grease, dirt, oil, and odors upon application.
Like any great dry shampoo, it also adds volume and texture.
Thanks to the white tea powder in the ingredient list, it’s also soothing on the scalp while eliminating oil.
Best Dry Conditioners
1. Amika Silken Up Dry Conditioner
A weightless formula that softens, detangles, and smoothes hair.
This dry conditioner from up-and-coming brand Amika is an excellent choice for nourishing those locks between wash days.
It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn berry and other antioxidants.
It adds softness and silkiness without weighing hair down. Plus, it is safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, and Brazilian-treated hair.
2. Eva NYC Forget Me Knot Dry Conditioner
Eva NYC’s Forget Me Knot dry conditioner will reduce frizz and static in a flash.
It is formulated with Vitamin B5 to soften and Vitamin C to nourish your hair when you don’t have time for a complete wash.
Best of all, this dry conditioner is suitable for all hair types, even vulnerable treated hair.
It is certified vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free, so you can feel good about using this on your hair.
3. Aussie Petal Soft Dry Conditioner
Extend your blowout with ease with this surprising find from Aussie.
Formulated with macadamia oil and Australian jojoba oil, this is the underdog dry conditioner you might never have anticipated.
Ideal for dry hair types, Petal Soft dry conditioner adds plenty of softness to hair that needs extra care and moisture.
Plus, the fresh coconut, peach, and vanilla scent will add some luxurious vacation vibes to your day. Best of all, it’s paraben and sulfate-free.
Related Questions
Are the Silicones in Dry Conditioners Harmful to My Hair?
No. If you are concerned about silicones within the product or fear a reaction, always perform a patch test before using a dry conditioner.
Silicones can build up on the hair, but they are harmless to have in styling products.
Use a clarifying shampoo/conditioner to reduce product build-up.
How Often Can I Use a Dry Conditioner?
It’s safe to use a dry conditioner every couple of days for a refresh.
Always follow the directions and read the label on your dry conditioner to see what the company recommends.
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