The struggle is real when it comes to wash day for natural hair. Between the time it takes to detangle, wash, and style your hair, sometimes you just don’t have time for all of that. Not to mention that the seasonal saddies have led me to rocking a set of wig braids way longer than I would normally approve. That’s where dry shampoo comes in handy! Dry shampoo can help you freshen up your scalp and extend the life of your hairstyle in between wash days.
Let’s discuss how to use dry shampoo on African-American hair, as well as the benefits of styling wigs and protective styles in between wash days.
When it comes to dry shampoo, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, dry shampoo is not a substitute for washing your hair. It is only meant to be used in-between wash days as a way to freshen up your scalp. Personally, I find that dry shampoo has been the answer to my prayers when it comes to wig musk as well. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about when you’ve been wearing that wig for a couple of hours and your scalp starts to feel like a sauna. Sweet, sweet relief is a canister of dry shampoo.
Second, dry shampoo can be drying on the scalp, so make sure to use it sparingly. And finally, not all dry shampoos are created equal. Some formulas may be more suitable for African-American hair than others and I always follow up with a spray leave-in conditioner to relieve some of the dryness as well as a good oil if it becomes too much.
If you’re looking for a dry shampoo that is specifically designed for African-American hair, I recommend using Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Dry Shampoo. You can check my YouTube channel for some of my other Carol’s Daughter hair reviews. This dry shampoo contains natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil that help to nourish and protect the scalp. It also has a light, refreshing scent that will leave your hair smelling great!
If you’re not sure how to use dry shampoo, here is a quick tutorial:
Step 1. Shake the dry shampoo can well before using.
Step 2. Section off your hair (if it’s not already braided) and spray the dry shampoo at the roots of your hair as we’re focusing on the oily areas.
Step 3. Massage the dry shampoo into your scalp with your fingers.
Step 4. Let the dry shampoo sit for a few minutes, then brush it out of your hair or rub it out with a cloth or paper towel.
Step 5. Style as usual.
Styling wigs and protective styles in between wash days is a great way to keep manipulation of your scalp to a minimum. Wigs and protective styles can also help to protect your hair from the sun and wind, and they can help to keep your scalp moisturized. But let’s not pretend like we don’t push these styles to the very limits especially when we’re paying other people to perform these services for us.
Honesty I don’t know where I would be without some of my favorite synthetic (YES SYNTHETIC) wigs or classic Janet Jackson Poetic Justice box braids. I would have to wash my hair every single day and I really don’t want to do that.
So dry shampoo is a staple in my life unapologetically because when it comes to our kinks, coils, and curls, we just can’t risk anything less than perfection (cue Solange Knowles).
When In Doubt, Pink 