Here's how dry shampoo could be doing your hair more harm than good

I think by now we can all agree that dry shampoo is a staple in nearly every girl’s beauty cabinet.

For me, I wash my hair only 1-2 times a week, so dry shampoo happens to be one of my most-used beauty tools day in and day out.

And while there’s nothing more satisfying than spraying your favourite dry shampoo and watching your oily hair come back to life, there is unfortunately a downside to using this must-have product on the reg.

In fact, frequent dry shampoo use can lead to a number of problems that range from moderate to severe, depending on your sensitivity.

Here are some of the most common issues that dry shampoo can cause and how to fix them!

RELATED: Best shampoos for thinning hair

RELATED: Best shampoos for dandruff

Dry, brittle hair

One of the most common issues that dry shampoo addicts face is dry hair. While dry shampoo keeps your blowout fresh by soaking up all your unwanted oil, it also happens to soak up the essential oils your hair needs to stay healthy and strong.

Dry hair is an early sign of damage and can lead to breakage and hair loss, so if you’re noticing your hair is starting to lean towards the drier side, try using a hair mask or conditioning treatment once a week.

And it might sound counter-intuitive, but swapping out one or two days of dry shampoo for actual shampoo can really help as well.

bh recommends: bhave Deep Intense Conditioning Masque

Seborrheic dermatitis

Excessive dry shampoo use can lead to a scalp condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which manifests itself in scaly red patches, irritation, and dandruff. This can happen to dry shampoo users who frequently use it multiple days in a row as the scalp has essentially no room to breathe. As a result, a buildup of dry shampoo, oil, pollutants, and other hair products creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus to grow which can lead to seborrheic dermatitis.

As this is not an easy condition to fix once you have it, if you’re worried about developing seborrheic dermatitis, stop using dry shampoo as frequently and start using products formulated to soothe and repair an irritated scalp.

RELATED: 7 products to soothe and itchy, irritated scalp

Pimples on your scalp

Another symptom of buildup, pimples or cysts on the scalp can be an annoying and painful issue for those who love dry shampoo. Breakouts on the scalp occur when the buildup traps bacteria. And while a small breakout here or there may not seem like a big deal (especially if it’s hidden under a full head of hair!), the more often you break out on your scalp, the more likely you are to scar. These scars can permanently damage hair follicles, preventing them from growing new, healthy hair.

To prevent pimples on your scalp, try using a clarifying dandruff shampoo or a shampoo with salicylic acid.

bh recommends: Aveda Invati Advanced™ Exfoliating Shampoo  and Kérastase Paris Bain Divalent

Hair loss and balding

Possibly the worst problem of all, those who use dry shampoo regularly may experience hair loss. This can be for a few reasons, but it primarily occurs when the hair follicle gets damaged (from pimple scarring or too much buildup) and as a result, the hair falls out and/or the follicle stops being able to produce new hair. 

It sounds scary, but if this is happening to you - don’t worry! With some love and care, your scalp will eventually heal and your hair will grow back. Unfortunately, you’ll have to stop using hair products for a while, including dry shampoo, to keep your scalp free from buildup, bacteria, and breakouts. 

You may also want to invest in a thickening shampoo or a hair growth supplement.

bh recommends: Viviscal Maximum Hair Growth Supplements and Women's REGAINE Foam

Do you use dry shampoo? Have you noticed any of these issues?

Image via @tashoakley