WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT USING DRY SHAMPOO AFTER A WORKOUT
When it comes to managing workout hair, most of us have been doing it all wrong! The common approach (exercising, sweating, and then reaching for dry shampoo afterward) might actually be contributing to scalp issues and sabotaging your hair's health.
As someone who's researched and tested countless hair care approaches for active women, I've discovered that the type of dry shampoo and timing of application can make a significant difference when it comes to maintaining a healthy scalp.
Are Aerosol Dry Shampoos Stronger?
There's a widespread assumption that aerosol dry shampoos are much stronger and therefore better for managing workout sweat. What most people don't realize is that strength absolutely doesn't come from the propellant delivery system or synthetic ingredients. In fact, these aerosol formulas sometimes create more problems than they solve.
Aerosol dry shampoos often contain alcohol, which dries out hair and increases the risk of breakage. Overuse can lead to product buildup, clogged hair follicles, and even folliculitis (a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle). These issues can contribute to hair loss or scalp irritation.
The Sweat Trap
When you apply dry shampoo after a workout, you're addressing sweat that has already settled into your hair and scalp. This creates a situation where the dry shampoo traps the moisture and sweat against your scalp rather than properly absorbing it.
This trapped moisture encourages the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi, such as Malassezia, which are linked to dandruff and scalp irritation.
The Pre-Workout Solution
To prevent this altogether, I recommend going in with a natural dry shampoo BEFORE you workout. You might be thinking “why the would I do that?” but hear me out... Firstly, natural dry shampoos are so much better for your hair because they are alcohol-free and use gentle, yet effective ingredients like rice starches to absorb excess moisture while you sweat.
Because you’re not trapping moisture to your scalp, this technique is going to prevent the overgrowth of scalp bacteria and will ultimately result in fresher, cleaner hair after your workout sessions and better hair health overall!
Which natural dry shampoo should I use?
After seeing many women struggle with aerosol dry shampoos, I ended up formulating my own natural dry shampoo that is designed to absorb moisture as it occurs without the use of propellants, look for ingredients like natural starches (rice starch is my favorite because it’s micronized, does not clump easily, and absorbs a lot of oil). I also added a subtle tint to help it blend seamlessly into darker hair tones, since many consumers shared concerns about the white cast left by most dry shampoos.
A Better Approach
By applying natural dry shampoo before exercise, you're working with your body's natural processes rather than against them. This also improves your hair’s immediate appearance – so it doesn’t look like a hot mess right after your workout!
Do you have a question about this approach or other scalp issues? Let me know in the comments below.
