Can You Use Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair?

Dry shampoo is a godsend for keeping hair fresh between washes. A quick spritz soaks up grease at the roots and adds volume. But did you know you can also use it on wet strands for even more benefits?

Using dry shampoo on damp hair is an unexpected technique gaining traction on TikTok and with stylists. Applying it to wet locks before blow drying amps up volume and helps extend the life of your style.

But is the wet shampoo trend right for you? Here’s what you need to know about this unlikely hair hack.

What Does Dry Shampoo Do?

First, let’s review how traditional dry shampoo works. The key ingredients are starches like rice powder or cornstarch. These absorb oil on the scalp the same way loose powder mattifies skin.

When sprayed onto dirty hair, the fine powder blots up excess grease and buildup. This leaves hair looking freshly washed by removing oily residue.

Some other benefits of dry shampoo:

• Adds texture and body
• Creates the appearance of thicker hair
• Lifts limp or weighed down roots
• Leaves a brushed out, day-old style
• Helps preserve heat styled hair

So dry shampoo is ideal for refreshing hair and removing oil. But can it also work on wet strands?

Using Dry Shampoo on Wet Hair

Applying dry shampoo to wet hair may seem counterintuitive. However, some stylists swear by it for amping up volume even on freshly washed locks.

Celebrity stylist Michael Dueñas says spraying damp hair with dry shampoo before blow drying gives incredible lift at the roots. Since it contains no actual hold, hair still looks and feels completely natural – just thicker.

Here’s the basic technique:

• Shampoo and condition hair as normal. Rinse thoroughly.

• Towel or air dry hair until damp but not fully soaked. About 90% dry.

• Section clean, damp hair. Spray dry shampoo thoroughly from roots to ends.

• Blow dry as usual using a round brush. The dry shampoo boosts volume and body.

• Lock in the style with light hold hairspray if needed.

The key is applying to damp yet not dripping hair. If hair is too wet, dry shampoo won’t penetrate as effectively. Let it dry just enough so the powder adheres.

This works best for creating lots of natural volume. If you want an intensely locked style, a root boosting mousse would be better. The dry shampoo won’t add any actual hold – just fullness and texture.

Why Use on Wet Hair Over Dry?

Applying dry shampoo to dry hair does remove oil and revive hair. So why bother using it on wet strands?

A few potential benefits:

More Volume

On damp hair, dry shampoo adheres to the hair shaft instead of just the roots. This builds body and thickness from root to tip before heat styling.

Oil Control

It can absorb oil on the scalp before it forms. This helps hair stay fresher longer after shampooing.

Extend Your Style

The added grit helps styles like smooth blowouts and curls last longer between washes.

Thicken Strands

For fine or thinning hair, coating wet strands makes each seem fuller. This creates the optical illusion of thicker hair.

Lighten Hair

Much like a clarifying treatment, the starch can slightly lighten some color-treated hair when used on wet strands.

Add Grip

The powder provides texture for better hold during the blow dry process. This aids volume and lift at the roots.

Is Wet Hair Shampoo Safe?

Using dry shampoo on damp freshly washed hair comes with minimal risk. However, here are a few precautions:

• Avoid getting spray directly in your eyes. The alcohol content can irritate.

• Watch out for white residue. Thoroughly brush and blow out to blend the powder in.

• Don’t overdo it. Using excessively on wet hair can lead to buildup over time.

• Add other volumizers too. Use mousse or foam along with dry shampoo for extra lift.

• Beware of drying out hair. Relying on it daily could make hair brittle. Use a good conditioner.