Not Sure How to Use Dry Shampoo? Here’s the Right Way to Apply It

Dry shampoo can be a total game-changer for extending styles, refreshing your roots, and skipping a wash day.

But... only if you apply it the right way, and are using an advanced formula designed to leave your hair looking and feeling silky, soft and freshly washed.

So whether you’re new to dry shampoo or wondering if you’ve been using it wrong this whole time, this expert-approved guide explains exactly how to use dry shampoo for clean, soft, refreshed results—featuring Insta-WOW, Color Wow’s advanced dry shampoo.

What Is Dry Shampoo Used For?

Dry shampoo is designed to absorb excess oil at the scalp and roots, and extend the time between washes—making it easier to maintain freshness, style, and volume without needing to shampoo daily. It's especially helpful:

After workouts
On non-wash days
When traveling or short on time
To refresh a blowout or extend a style

How to Apply Dry Shampoo Correctly

Using dry shampoo isn’t difficult—but small mistakes can lead to buildup or dullness. Follow these steps to get the cleanest, most natural-looking finish.

Preparing Your Hair

1. Identify Oily Areas

Focus application on areas that tend to get greasy first—typically the crown, hairline, and temples. These zones need the most attention.

2. Section Your Hair

Don’t spray dry shampoo randomly on the surface. Part hair horizontally in 1–2 inch sections to make sure the product is directed towards the roots and scalp.

Application Process

1. Shake the Bottle/Can

Always shake your dry shampoo well before applying. This ensures the ingredients are properly mixed for even, effective distribution.

2. Maintain Proper Distance

Hold the can 20cm away from your head. Spraying too close can concentrate too much product in one spot.

3. Apply to the Roots

Spray directly onto the roots and oily areas, making sure to spray underneath each section, too.

4. Brush it Out

Traditional sprays require letting the powders absorb for up to 1 minute. Insta-WOW works immediately. Just spray and brush away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overuse of Product

With typical dry shampoos you often have to worry about overuse or applying too close to the scalp, which can result in buildup, clumping or visible residues. With Insta-WOW’s advanced formula you don’t have to worry about these because it’s engineered to brush out after each application, so buildup isn’t an issue.

2. Skipping Regular Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a temporary refresh—it’s not meant to replace washing altogether.

Be sure to reset with a regular shampoo (like Color Security Shampoo) to cleanse your scalp and hair thoroughly.

Why the Formula Matters: How Insta-WOW Makes Application Easier and More Effective

How you use dry shampoo matters—but so does what’s in the can. Traditional formulas often rely on heavy starches or talc to absorb oil, which can build up over time or leave a chalky finish.

Insta-WOW Advanced Dry Shampoo is designed to work differently. Instead of just masking oil, it’s formulated with a shampoo-grade cleansing agent and ultra-fine, high performance starches that absorb it, give it a slip factor, and make it easy for oils to be brushed out of the hair.

Insta-WOW is easier to apply and brush through, which means:

You don’t need to use as much
There’s no gritty or sticky feel
You can use it more frequently without buildup

If you’ve had trouble with dry shampoo in the past—whether it left your roots dull or made your scalp feel coated—the formula could be the issue.

Choosing one that’s designed for daily refreshes without side effects can make a noticeable difference.

FAQ about How to Use Dry Shampoo

Should I wash my hair after using dry shampoo?

Not immediately. Dry shampoo is designed to extend time between traditional washes. That said, you should shampoo regularly to remove buildup and keep the scalp healthy.

Can I dye my hair with dry shampoo in it?

It’s best to dye clean hair. Dry shampoo may interfere with how colour absorbs, so wash your hair before any chemical service.

When should you use dry shampoo?

Use it whenever your hair starts to feel and look greasy. It’s great for in-between wash days or travel.

How often can you use dry shampoo?

This varies by hair type and formula. With an advanced formula like Insta-WOW, daily use is safe.

Can you use dry shampoo on wet hair?

No. Dry shampoo is meant for dry hair only. Applying it to wet or damp hair prevents it from working properly and may cause clumping or residue.

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Read more about scalp health and Insta-WOW:

Not sure where to start on your Color Wow hair journey? Take our 60-second hair quiz to discover the perfect personalised routine for your hair type.