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Apply and remove dry shampoo

For roots that look oily between regular washes. A small, label-directed application can absorb some oil, then brushing or combing removes the loose powder before buildup accumulates.

A woman lifts a dry section and aims an unlabeled aerosol can at the exposed roots from a distance.

Step by step

  1. A woman parts her own dry hair at a mirror to inspect the roots.
    STEP 1 OF 4

    Read the label and check your roots

    • Confirm that your hair is completely dry. Read the label for format, distance, amount, waiting time, warnings and removal.
    • At a mirror, part the hair and identify only the root areas that look oily. Keep nearby lengths and your face out of the application path.
  2. A woman lifts a dry section and aims an unlabeled aerosol can at the exposed roots from a distance.
    STEP 2 OF 4

    Apply a little where needed

    • Lift one narrow dry section. For an aerosol, hold the can at its labeled distance and use a short burst only where directed.
    • For non-aerosol powder, use its labeled applicator and amount at the roots. Do not copy the pictured aerosol distance or make a powder cloud.

    The photo demonstrates an aerosol. A pump, squeeze bottle or loose powder follows its own applicator and distance directions.

  3. A woman gently distributes dry shampoo at her roots with her fingertips.
    STEP 3 OF 4

    Wait, then distribute gently

    • Leave the product untouched for the label’s stated time. Do not add more while you wait.
    • If the label directs it, use fingertip pads to distribute the product through the roots without scratching the scalp.
  4. A woman gently brushes through her dry hair to remove loose dry-shampoo residue.
    STEP 4 OF 4

    Remove loose powder and finish

    • Brush, comb or work out the powder exactly as the label directs. Use gentle passes until no loose powder residue remains.
    • Stop if your scalp burns, itches or feels irritated. At your next regular wash, use shampoo and water rather than adding another layer.

About 2–5 min hands-on for parting oily roots, applying, distributing and removing loose powder. Add the selected label's waiting time. The next shampoo-and-water wash is separate.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. The number of oily areas and powder-removal method matter more than total hair length.

You’re done when…

The targeted roots look less oily, no loose powder residue remains, and the hair and scalp feel comfortable. A regular shampoo-and-water wash remains due after limited between-wash use.