What’s Wrong with Aerosol Dry Shampoo?

Are you a dry shampoo lover? With how easy and convenient it is, dry shampoo can easily become a staple in your routine to cut down on wash days or extend a blowout. Dry shampoo really is a lifesaver, but in its aerosol form, it can also contribute to environmental harm and even lead to health problems. 

Let’s talk about what’s wrong with aerosol dry shampoo, why it matters, and what the best dry shampoo alternatives are.

Environmental Impact of Aerosol Dry Shampoo

While the regulations on aerosols have improved drastically over the years, aerosol dry shampoos still don't contain the most eco-conscious ingredients. Aerosol dry shampoo works by using compressed, propellant (and highly flammable) gas like propane and butane to spray out the product. Every spray of an aerosol hair product is anywhere from 10-70% gas, the rest being your actual hair product. While every spray is small in mass compared to other activities that emit greenhouse gasses, these gasses do emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which contribute to degraded air quality long-term and may harm humans when inhaled. If accidentally inhaled directly, people may see respiratory problems, asthma attacks, nausea, and/or vomiting. That’s not exactly what you’re looking for in your dry shampoo, is it?

How Aerosol Dry Shampoo Impacts Your Health

Beyond the harmful effects of VOCs and propellant gasses, aerosol dry shampoo can negatively affect your health in other ways. Many conventional dry shampoos also contain drying alcohols, which can be extremely drying to hair, particularly on the scalp. They can also contain silicones, which can lead to buildup or dryness. With continued use over time, or excessive use, these ingredients can wreak havoc on your scalp and hair, leading to irritation, dryness, and breakage. This buildup can also cause clogged pores, resulting in acne and breakouts on your scalp. 

Why You Should Switch to Powder Dry Shampoo

While aerosol dry shampoos are certainly convenient, if you’re worried about the issues they may pose, powder dry shampoo is a welcome alternative. Natural powder dry shampoo not only eliminates the environmental harm factor, but it is also made with good-for-you ingredients that can actually strengthen your hair instead of drying it out. 

Powder dry shampoo is not a replacement for washing your hair, but it can certainly help extend time between wash days or blowouts! Using it as part of your styling routine can extend your ’do by a day or two or even a few, which helps reduce your overall water consumption as well. Who doesn’t love fewer wash days?! 

If you’re looking for a powder dry shampoo, ours is packed with plant protein that can help add volume and fullness to your hair, as well as bamboo powder to absorb excess oil. Powder dry shampoo is best applied with a makeup brush for an easy, effective application, removing the aerosol component. We recommend using it just once or twice a week to avoid excessive buildup. It is easy to use and travel-friendly, unlike aerosol cans!