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Apply and remove dry shampoo

If your roots look oily before your next wash, a little dry shampoo can absorb some of the oil. Choose the aerosol or powder route below, then wait and remove the loose residue.

Step by step

  1. A woman parts her own dry hair at a mirror to inspect the roots.
    STEP 1 OF 6

    Find the roots that need it

    • Start with completely dry hair. At a mirror, part the hair to find the areas that look oily.
    • Read your product’s amount, preparation, distance, waiting time and removal directions. Shake or open it as directed.
    • Choose one route: aerosol uses step 2, then 4–6. Non-aerosol powder uses step 3, then 4–6.
  2. A woman lifts a dry section and aims an aerosol can at the exposed roots from a distance.
    STEP 2 OF 6

    For aerosol: spray the roots

    • Lift a narrow section with one hand. Aim the can at the exposed roots, away from your face, at the distance on its label.
    • Use a short burst as directed. Move to another oily area only if needed; do not coat all your hair.
    • Put the can down. Skip step 3 and go to step 4.
  3. A woman lifts a dry section and squeezes the sides of a non-aerosol bottle to apply powder toward the exposed roots.
    STEP 3 OF 6

    For powder: use its applicator

    • Use this step instead of step 2. Lift a narrow section with one hand to expose the oily roots.
    • For a squeeze bottle like the one shown, gently squeeze its sides. Follow its directions for bottle position, distance and amount.
    • Apply only to the oily areas, then put the container down. A pump, shaker or dab-on applicator needs its own directions.

    The photo shows a squeeze bottle. It does not set the distance or dose for your product; follow its label and avoid making a powder cloud.

  4. A woman waits with both hands on the counter and her dry hair untouched after applying dry shampoo.
    STEP 4 OF 6

    Leave it alone for the stated time

    • Let the hair fall back into place and keep your hands off it for the waiting time on the label.
    • Use a timer if helpful. Do not add more product while you wait.
  5. A woman gently distributes dry shampoo at her roots with her fingertips.
    STEP 5 OF 6

    Gently spread it at the roots

    • If your directions call for fingertip distribution, use the soft pads of your fingers to work gently through the treated roots.
    • Keep your nails off the scalp. If your label goes straight to removal, skip this step.
  6. A woman gently brushes through her dry hair to remove loose dry-shampoo residue.
    STEP 6 OF 6

    Remove the loose powder

    • Brush, comb or work out the loose powder as your product directs. The photo shows brushing; hand removal may be an option on your label.
    • Work gently without pulling through knots. If powder remains, continue the label’s removal method instead of adding more.
    • Close the container and wash your hands. Plan a shampoo-and-water wash after one or two uses, or sooner if needed.

About 2–5 min hands-on for checking roots, applying one format, distributing if required, removing loose powder and cleanup. Add the label’s wait. Washing is separate.

Editorial estimate, not measured. More oily areas, difficult reach or slower residue removal can take longer.

You’re done when…

You have removed the loose powder using the method on the label. If roots still look oily or feel coated, plan a wash instead of adding more. Dry shampoo does not make the hair clean.