Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo: Does It Really Work?
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By now, you probably know that you shouldn’t be washing your hair every day. And while embracing no-wash days is better for your scalp health, some of us have difficulty fighting off greasy, oily hair after going a day without a lather, rinse, repeat. Many of us turn to dry shampoos to keep our hair looking clean in-between washes, but some have tried less-conventional routes to keep our scalps grease-free. Enter: baby powder as dry shampoo.
If you’re like me, my hair is super fine and my scalp tends to get oily just hours after a good cleanse. I have tried countless dry shampoo products over the years, but many of them left my hair still feeling greasy, sometimes even sticky. When I finally tried baby powder, it was a game-changer for my hair-care routine and my tresses can last a lot longer in between washes with the help of a little sprinkle. Not only does the baby powder absorb the oil on my scalp like magic, but the powder also gives my roots texture and volume they so desperately need.
While this concept may seem new to you, people have been using baby powder, or like starches, as dry shampoo for a long time. And since it’s likely a cheaper alternative to most dry shampoo products, we spoke to experts to answer all your burning questions about this seemingly tried-and-true method. Below, our experts explain the key differences between baby powder and dry shampoo, the possible benefits to using this method, things to keep in mind regarding your scalp health, and how to actually use baby powder to keep your hair looking and feeling clean for longer.
Baby powder vs. dry shampoo
Dry shampoos are products that are applied to the scalp between washes to freshen up hair, says Brendan Camp, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “Dry shampoos work by absorbing oil and residue; they do not clean the hair.” Many dry shampoos contain ingredients that absorb oil, such as alcohol, talc, starch, or clay, he adds.
Baby powder is a talc or cornstarch-based powder used primarily as a dry lubricant to absorb excess moisture and minimize friction on the skin, says Dr. Camp. “Some baby powders also contain fragrance. Baby powders are sometimes also used as a dry shampoo substitute.”
Dry shampoos are specifically designed to absorb excess oil, dirt and residue on the scalp without washing it, explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “Since the purpose of a dry shampoo is to absorb the excess oils secreted from the scalp, which is why some people have considered the use of baby powder instead of dry shampoo, as baby powder is known to absorb excess moisture.”
However, keep in mind that while baby powder can be helpful for oil absorption in the hair, it doesn’t provide the same additional benefits of dry shampoo such as fragrance, volumizing or texturizing the hair, says Jennifer Korab, hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon in Hillsborough, NJ.
Benefits of using baby powder as dry shampoo
Baby powder can be used in a pinch if you are unable to wash your hair or are out of dry shampoo, says Dr. Camp. Some perks of using baby powder include:
tends to be more affordable
often a bathroom staple
absorbs oil
has a gentle fragrance
Baby powder also has the advantage of having none of the added ingredients needed in aerosol formulas, so they may be more gentle on the skin, notes Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
While not technically a scalp product, using baby powder as a dry shampoo is something like a beauty hack, says Dr. Camp. However, “the regular use of baby powder as a dry shampoo is debatable.”
Scalp and hair considerations
Before you hop aboard the baby powder train, it’s important to consider any underlying skin conditions including dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema, as the scalp may become more inflamed or irritated, says Dr. Garshick. “[Baby powder] can be drying and so should not be used regularly as it may contribute to irritation.” For those with sensitivity in the scalp, it is best to use a product that is fragrance-free, she adds.
Some things to consider are hair color, scalp sensitivity and residue, adds Korab. “Baby powder typically has a white color, which can be more noticeable on darker hair. If you have dark hair, it’s important to blend the baby powder thoroughly or choose a tinted dry shampoo option to avoid leaving a white residue.” To prevent scalp sensitivity and residue, be sure to thoroughly brush through your hair removing any extra powder, she notes.
Whether you use baby powder or dry shampoo, it is important to use a traditional shampoo regularly to remove it, says Dr. Zeichner. “As the powders, either from baby powder or from dry shampoo, combine with oil and build up on the skin, it can become problematic.” Not only can it lead to skin irritation, but it can create an environment that allows for microorganisms like yeast and bacteria to overgrow, he adds. “Ultimately, this may translate to irritation, inflammation, worsening of conditions like dandruff, or even lead to pimples.”
Apart from leaving a white cast and posing possible irritation to your sensitive scalp, there are some important health dangers to raise as well. Talc, a popular ingredient in many baby powders, has broader health risks, says Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is the potential for contamination of talc with asbestos, a known cancer-causing agent when inhaled, so to fully avoid the risk, look for talc-free powders when you can.
How to use baby powder as dry shampoo
Less is more when using baby powder as a dry shampoo, says Dr. Camp.
Start by sectioning your hair, says Korab. “Using a small amount of baby powder and applying it to your hair by using your hands or a small makeup brush can be helpful.” Sprinkle a small amount onto your roots, and use your fingers or a small brush to thoroughly massage it in, minimizing any white residue.
Try to avoid clumps of powder building up in any given area, and do the best you can to evenly coat oily areas of your scalp, says Dr. Zeichner.
Keep in mind that although baby powder works to absorb oils produced from the scalp, it should not necessarily be the main form of hair wash as it doesn’t actually clean the scalp, says Dr. Garshick. “If anyone has a sensitive scalp, it is best to avoid baby powder and remember that less is more to minimize dryness and irritation.” Regardless of using dry shampoo or baby powder, it is still important to remember to wash your hair to rinse away build up, she adds.
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