Damaging Effects of Dry Shampoo May 15, 2018
Although many haircare products tout their ability to make hair stronger, longer, shinier, less frizzy, etc. few products do anything to help improve overall scalp health. Given that the foundation of healthy hair is a healthy scalp, this is alarming. Some products can even damage hair and scalp health! In today’s post, I discuss the damaging effects of dry shampoo, as well as share 6 amazing hair products for sensitive scalps.
My Hair Story: The Damaging Effects of Dry Shampoo
During college, article after article I told me that washing my hair daily was damaging my hair. However, as someone with thin hair frequent cleansing is a necessity. It is known that thin hair gets greasy quicker. According to various online outlets I could “train” my hair to be less oily by washing it less. Wanting to improve my hair health, I attempted to “train” it
As a result, I started using dry shampoo in between washes to give my hair the illusion of looking cleaner. The dry shampoo did make my hair look less greasy. However, it did nothing to “train” my scalp. Little did I know of the damaging effects of dry shampoo.
The overuse of dry shampoo permanently ruined my scalp. Dry shampoo damaged my scalp so bad that it turned bright red. My skin itched uncontrollably. Moreover, my hair started to fall out in clumps.
Thankfully, as I write this post my scalp is no longer actively inflamed to the point where I am dealing with significant hair loss. After I stopped using dry shampoo and received treatments from my dermatologist the worst of my inflammation subsided.
However, since experiencing the damaging effects of dry shampoo, my scalp health may never be the same. Moreover, I am disheartened that my hair will likely never look as healthy as it once did. Also, my scalp is sensitive to most styling products and shampoos.
Over time, I found that clarifying shampoos work best for my ultra-sensitive scalp. These shampoos thoroughly strip the scalp of product gunk. Also, clarifying shampoos don’t leave a residue.
Nevertheless, clarifying shampoos are not perfect for daily use. In fact, these shampoos strip hair coloring from dyed hair. Also, if used too frequently, these shampoos can leave the hair feeling like straw.
Hair Care Products for Sensitive Scalps
Drugstore
Head and Shoulders – Classic Clean Hair Shampoo
Although not the sexiest brand at the drugstore, Head and Shoulders is a tried-and-true brand that is known for being good for individuals with dandruff. The formula reduces oil buildup and helps to prevent flakes from forming. Also, this is a super affordable product.
Neutrogena T-Gel
The Neutrogena T-Gel was one of the first shampoos that truly cleansed my scalp and prevented my stubborn itchiness from returning. This shampoo is formulated specifically for dry, itchy scalps. It is recommended by dermatologists for the those with Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and Psoriasis on the scalp for good reason.
This is definitely one of the pricier shampoos at the drug store. Also, the product has a very strong, chemical/medical smell.
Salon
Healthy Sexy Hair – Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner
Man, do I love the Healthy Sexy Hair Tri-Wheat Leave-in Conditioner. Not only does it smell great, but it leaves my hair detangled and smooth. I apply this by directly spraying onto my damp hair after showering or by spraying onto my wet brush. My preferred method of application is to spray onto my brush and gently work through my wet hair from ends to roots. This conditioner doesn’t leave a film on my scalp, nor does it weigh my fine hair down.
“Natural”
Lush makes all three of my *holy grail* hair-care products – the Jumping Juniper Bar Shampoo, I Love Juicy Shampoo and Daddy-O.
Jumping Juniper
I lather my Jumping Juniper bar in my hand. Then work the product into the scalp. This is my favorite clarifying shampoo I’ve tried so far. Additionally, this product is great for traveling because it is not a liquid.
That being said, this shampoo bar can make my hair feel like straw. Sometimes, I pre-condition, wash my hair, and then condition the ends of my hair again when using this shampoo. Jumping Juniper can strip color from dyed hair. Above all, my biggest annoyance is that this product is no longer sold in-store (online only).
This product is relatively inexpensive at $10.95, given that bar can last for up to 80 washes. However, accidentally leaving the bar soaked in water may waste product.
I Love Juicy
Some people love Lucy, but I Love Juicy. 🙂 This is an awesome shampoo for cleansing the hair without being too harsh. I Love Juicy does not leave any residue and makes my scalp happy.
Daddy-O
Despite all my scalp issues, I still love to experiment with hair coloring. At any given point, I am a varied shade of “bronde.” For roughly 2/3 of a year, my hair had cool-toned, silver highlights. Therefore, I needed to invest in a purple shampoo for color treated silver and blonde hair.
However, I was nervous given my scalp condition. Daddy-O was a great shampoo for cleansing my scalp without stripping my hair of its silvery hues. Out of all the LUSH shampoos I’ve used, this has the most synthetic ingredients.
Although there are quite a few great options on this list, there are still more clarifying shampoos that I want to try. Please let me know in the comments any that you would recommend.
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Did you enjoy my post on the damaging effects of dry shampoo & my top hair care products for sensitive scalps? Check out my review of the Loma Daily Shampoo and Conditioner.
What do you think about the damaging effects of dry shampoo? Do you use dry shampoo regularly? What are your favorite hair care products for sensitive scalps?
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