Dry-shampoo

 

In the 1970s and ‘80s, dry-shampoo was the latest trend, but finally it lost popularity. No wonder, because the residues of the snow-white powder were difficult to remove from hair. Meanwhile, the products have considerably changed. Dry-shampoo is regaining popularity for clear reasons. New and innovative formulations with valuable plant-based extracts have excellent grooming effects and are very easy to use and to remove from hair. Modern dry-shampoo protects the environment because it helps to save water. It perfectly corresponds to the trend towards “waterless products” / “water-free cosmetics” and is much more than a useful emergency helper when one is short of time.

 

How does dry-shampoo work?

As the name implies, dry-shampoo is applied to dry hair. Generally, it is suitable for all hair types. It is especially preferred for hair that becomes oily again shortly after washing or tends to become oily at the roots.

The way of functioning is simple. Excessive oils and sebum from roots and scalp as well as dirt from the environment are absorbed by the starch contained in the product. Afterwards the hair looks like freshly washed.

The mode of use is easy and uncomplicated as well.

An aerosol, i.e. a spray, is used as follows:

Cover your shoulders with a towel to protect the clothes. Brush hair thoroughly. Shake the spray container and then spray the dry-shampoo from a distance of 20 to 30 centimeters onto the hair using short spraying pumps. The dry-shampoo should be left on the hair for two or three minutes to develop its full effectiveness and be able to absorb all impurities, oil and styling residues. Finally, massage hair with a towel and brush out the dry-shampoo thoroughly. Brushes with natural bristles are best; sharp-edged plastic bristles could cause split ends. Voilà, a fresh look!

A dry-shampoo in powder form preferably is applied with a large makeup brush. The further procedure is the same as described before: massage in, leave on for some minutes, brush out.

If you want more volume for fine hair, apply a small amount of dry-shampoo with head down. The residues are not brushed out but blown away with a hair-dryer. Pinned-up hair is easier to style with a small dose of dry-shampoo because the powder gives more grip to the hair.

 

Which are the ingredients of dry shampoo?

The quality differs widely. The differences mainly refer to the ingredients. Products with plant-based ingredients of so-called superfoods are good choices to treat scalp and hair as gently, softly and environmental-friendly as possible. The dry-shampoo should be free of substances like silicones, sulfates, parabens, talcum (suspected to be potentially cancerogenic) and solvents (propylene). The perfumes lilial (probably impairing fertility) and lyral (potentially allergenic) probably are critical to health. Caution is advised with borate in dry-shampoo. The substance binds oil at the hair roots but is suspected of releasing boric acid that is dangerous to fertility.

Rice flour in dry-shampoo, on the other hand, is ecologically correct.

Bio corn starch, too, absorbs excessive oil. The same applies to tapioca starch from the processed and dried manioc root. It is well-known for its absorbent properties. Used in dry-shampoo, it can be easily brushed out.

Enriched with plant-based pigments, dry-shampoo effectively enhances hair’s natural color.

It is really possible to manufacture dry-shampoo formulations which are safe to health. The effectiveness can be enhanced, for example, by the addition of vitamins.

 

Portraits of proven ingredients of dry-shampoo

Tapioca starch

INCI: Tapioca Starch

CAS number: 9005-25-8

EINECS/ELINCS number: 232-679-6

Extraction: from manioc root

Effects: absorbs dirt, oil, sebum and secretions from skin

Kaolin / white clay

Alternative term: china clay

Definition: iron-free potassium-silicate compound

INCI: Kaolin

CAS number: 1332-58-7

EINECS/ELINCS number: 310-194-1

Effects: binds fluid and other substances, has a “blotting-paper” effect, purifying and cleansing

Corn starch

INCI: Zea Mays (Corn) Starch

CAS number: 9005-25-8

EINECS/ELINCS number: 232-679-6

Effects: absorbent, absorbs fine substances, prevents powder products from becoming sticky

Rice starch

INCI: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch

CAS number: 9005-25-8

EINECS/ELINCS number: 232-679-6

Effects: cohesion of products with powdery and pulverized components, absorbs fine substances, absorbent, hydrating, refreshing

Cetrimonium chloride

Definition: cationic conditioner

INCI: Cetrimonium Chloride

CAS number: 112-02-7

EINECS/ELINCS number: 203-928-6

Effects: antistatic, inhibits frizzling, detangling

Behentrimonium chloride

Definition: antistatic hair conditioning substance

INCI: Behentrimonium Chloride

CAS number: 17301-53-0

EINECS/ELINCS number: 241-327-0

Effects: detangling, softens hair

 

Superior dry-shampoo by Cosmacon

Today’s dry-shampoo has nothing in common with the obsolete product of the 1970s and ‘80s. Its image has fundamentally changed, from a scientific point of view as well as in consumers’ perception.

According to the latest state of knowledge, regular use of dry-shampoo is absolutely harmless and highly efficient at the same time – providing that the product is free of controversial substances. A high-quality formula will achieve excellent results, quickly absorbing excessive sebum to give hair a fresh look in a flash. We, Cosmacon, are well positioned to develop the superior dry-shampoo, whether aerosol or non-aerosol, for you.