Dry Shampoo and Hair Loss: Is There a Connection?

When you first discover dry shampoo, it can feel like a magical potion that takes you from the gym to drinks without stepping foot in the shower. But if you’ve noticed extra shedding after using it, you might wonder, Is dry shampoo hair loss a thing?

Does dry shampoo cause hair loss, thinning hair, or other scalp issues? Not directly, but using it all the time could contribute to or worsen these problems.

If used sporadically — like when you really need to hit snooze instead of showering — dry shampoo can be your BFF. However, it shouldn’t be used as a crutch. Spraying it on too often could lead to some not-so-pleasant things for your hair and scalp.

Here, we’ll cover what to know about dry shampoo and hair health, including whether dry shampoo causes hair loss and what to do if you think you’re experiencing dry shampoo hair loss.

Dry shampoo is a cosmetic product with ingredients that absorb oil, like alcohol or starch. But it doesn’t actually clean hair the way washing does. Instead, dry shampoo works by sopping up oil in the hair, making it appear less greasy and fluffier or more textured.

It typically also has fragrance to mask odors and sometimes conditioning agents to hydrate hair (though dry conditioner also exists for this purpose).

Some dry shampoos (even those made with natural ingredients) may also include talc because it’s highly absorbent. Bear in mind, though, research shows that talc can sometimes contain asbestos, a carcinogenic ingredient.

Dry shampoo is often an aerosol product you spray onto your scalp and roots or a loose powder you rub in or sprinkle on. Aerosol products use a propellant to get the spray out of the can. On an ingredients list, propellants might be listed as “propane,” “isobutane,” or “butane.”

It’s called “dry” shampoo because it’s meant to be applied to dry hair and left on — no water required. Some people brush it out, which helps give hair that fluffy, clean look, but it’s not a requirement.

Dry shampoo most likely won’t make your hair fall out. If you’re an occasional dry shampoo user noticing hair loss, the dry shampoo is probably not to blame (that would be too easy).

So if you’re running from the gym to a date and don’t have time to shower, by all means — for the good of everyone involved — give your hair a little spray.

There’s also no science showing a direct link between occasional dry shampoo use and hair loss or thinning.

What’s the deal with dry shampoo hair loss, then? Using dry shampoo regularly could indirectly contribute to hair loss and other scalp conditions, which we’ll cover below.

Using dry shampoo once every few weeks probably won’t hurt your hair health. We get it — these absorbent formulas can do a pretty good job of making your hair look clean, and sometimes, washing (and drying) your hair feels like a bridge too far.

Having said that, the problem arises with the overuse of dry shampoo. When you’re reaching for it regularly, you might not be properly cleansing your scalp as frequently as you should be — like, with regular shampoo and water.

In fact, some experts recommend skipping dry shampoo if you’re already dealing with a scalp condition.

Some research has found that people are most satisfied with their hair and scalp conditions when washing five to six times a week. But this particular study only looked at people of Asian descent, and the findings would likely be different for other hair types.

Keep scrolling to learn how too much dry shampoo may negatively affect hair and scalp health.

Dry Shampoo Can Potentially Cause Folliculitis

Over time, dry shampoo can build up on the scalp, potentially blocking or clogging hair follicles. Dry shampoo formulas often contain sticky ingredients, and if you’re not washing your hair regularly (hence the dry shampoo), they can start building up on your scalp, trapping bacteria and sweat.

Blocked hair follicles are a cause of folliculitis, a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle. With this condition, follicles become red and inflamed and sometimes break open.

If left untreated, severe folliculitis can lead to a type of permanent hair loss called scarring alopecia.

In that sense, dry shampoo hair loss could be a real concern.

Dry Shampoo May Exacerbate Dandruff

Many people wonder, Does dry shampoo help with dandruff? After all, normal shampoo can help keep your hair flake-free. Sorry to burst your bubble, but dry shampoo doesn’t help with dandruff and could actually worsen it.

When you wash your hair, you remove oil from your scalp. When you use dry shampoo, you simply repackage the oil so your hair looks less greasy, but the oil is still sitting there on your scalp.

It’s like a sponge to a spill — whatever dry shampoo sops up remains inside.

This can make dandruff worse. Why? The fungus that comes with one of the causes of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, feeds on excess oil, otherwise known as sebum.

Dry shampoo doesn’t cause dandruff directly — at least, there isn’t any research linking the two. Still, if you reach for the stuff more than you actually wash your hair, don’t be surprised if you start seeing flakes.

Dry Shampoo Can Be, Well…Drying

Many dry shampoos contain alcohol, which can cut grease and dry out the hair, making it brittle.

Dry hair is more prone to breakage than hydrated hair — think about how a dry cookie snaps more easily than a soft one. Extremely parched, brittle hair could lead to hair thinning in some cases.

Dry Shampoo Can Interfere With Topical Scalp Medication

Dry shampoo can form a barrier on the scalp, making it hard for topical medications to do their job. One of the best-known topical scalp medications is minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine®).

If you’re using minoxidil, be sure to apply it to clean, dry hair — we mean actually clean, not dry shampoo hair.

Dry Shampoo Could Potentially Contain Benzene

In 2021, many popular dry shampoo products were recalled because they were found to contain benzene. This chemical isn’t supposed to be in dry shampoo (and wouldn’t be listed on an ingredient label). However, research suggests it made its way into dry shampoos during the manufacturing process.

Benzene is a known carcinogen. If you bought your dry shampoo in 2021 or earlier, we recommend tossing it just in case. Benzene aside, it’s probably expired.

Generally speaking, yes. It’s okay to use dry shampoo once in a while or between washes — but it doesn’t actually clean your hair or scalp. You don’t have to lather up with proper shampoo in the shower every single day. However, washing your hair the traditional way at least a few times a week is essential for hair health and general hygiene.

It depends on a few things, like your hair type and length, what other products you put in your hair, how often you break a sweat, the specific dry shampoo you’re using, and how often you wash with regular shampoo. But in general, using dry shampoo no more than once or twice a week is probably best.

If you love the convenience of dry shampoo or going longer between washes, there are other things you can try that won’t damage your hair.

Alternatives to dry shampoo include blotting paper, apple cider vinegar, clarifying shampoo, and absorbent substances like cornstarch, rice starch, or arrowroot powder.

Blotting Paper

Blotting papers are often used to tone down shine on the face, particularly the T-zone. But they can also be used on the roots of your hair to sop up oil without leaving behind residue.

Though you can use the same papers you would on your nose, some brands make larger blotting paper specifically for hair. A coffee filter also works in a pinch.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

There hasn’t been much research on apple cider vinegar and hair. But anecdotally, many people like to rinse with a mixture of vinegar and water to get their scalp feeling squeaky-clean.

ACV could help remove buildup left behind from dry shampoo and help your hair look cleaner for longer.

Clarifying Shampoo

If going longer between washes is the goal, clarifying shampoo may be your new go-to.

These formulas are made using soap ingredients that remove sebum from the hair and strip buildup left behind by haircare products, including gel, hairspray, or dry shampoo.

Cornstarch, Rice Starch, or Arrowroot Powder

Some folks like to avoid talc and make their own dry shampoo powder. You can use cornstarch, rice starch, or arrowroot powder, all of which help absorb oil and even mask odors.

You might also mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg if you have darker hair, as these powdery substances can sometimes leave hair looking white. Just remember, any type of powder can cause buildup on the scalp.

If you’re noticing severe hair loss, it’s more likely genetics are causing it than dry shampoo. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) affects as many as 50 percent of men by age 50. But you don’t have to just grin and bear it.

Here are a few popular hair loss treatments available on our telehealth platform:

• Finasteride. Finasteride is most commonly an oral medication (though it’s also available topically) that treats androgenetic alopecia by blocking the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone closely associated with hair loss.

• Minoxidil. Minoxidil (available as minoxidil foam or minoxidil solution) encourages hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved specifically for male pattern baldness, but an oral version is also available off-label.

• Prescription topical spray. Our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray combines these two powerful ingredients in one easy-to-use product.

• Hair loss shampoo. For boosting hair growth without medication, our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto is a good place to start. Saw palmetto has been shown to partially block DHT.

• Dandruff shampoo. If you’re dealing with dandruff, whether from dry shampoo or something else, try a medicated shampoo. Our dandruff detox shampoo (with 1% pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid) helps promote healthy hair and a flake-free, hydrated scalp.

Does dry shampoo make your hair fall out? Not exactly. But if you rely on it instead of regular washing, it might start to cause issues for your hair and scalp.

Here’s what to remember about dry shampoo and hair health:

• Moderation is key. Although occasional dry shampoo use is generally safe and convenient, overreliance can lead to scalp and hair issues, like folliculitis, dandruff exacerbation, and dryness. Regular washing with traditional shampoo is crucial for scalp health.

• Ingredients matter. Be mindful of the ingredients in your dry shampoo. Some formulations may contain potentially harmful substances like talc (which can have asbestos contamination) and benzene. To keep it simple, you can easily make your own DIY dry shampoo powder.

• Alternatives are available. If you want to go longer between washes, consider alternatives like blotting papers, apple cider vinegar rinses, or clarifying shampoos. For those experiencing significant hair loss, it’s more likely due to genetics, and treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are available options to explore.

Ready to learn more about hair loss treatments? We’ll help you set up an online consultation with a healthcare professional who can explain your treatment options and, if appropriate, prescribe a medication that’s right for you.

And if you want to learn more about haircare products and hair loss, check out our guide to pomade and hair loss.