Workout Shampoos: The Proper Way to Use Them and the Best Products

Do You Use Your Workout Shampoo Properly?

Sellers of hair products suggest using dry shampoo after a workout and force you to buy their products, but they don’t tell you how to properly use dry shampoo to effectively refresh sweaty hair.

If you use dry shampoo to absorb sweat during a workout session, you should apply it to the hair before a workout. Another way to use dry shampoo to manage sweaty post-gym hair is to apply dry shampoo after a workout session. However, for best results, you need to towel dry your hair before application. If you apply dry shampoo to wet hair, your hair will feel powdery and gritty. Try to remove as much moisture as possible and then apply dry shampoo.

However, there is an even better way to deal with sweaty hair after a workout. Dry shampoo mists and foaming dry shampoos work better on sweaty hair than regular dry shampoos. These types of no-rinse shampoos don’t build on your scalp or leave your hair overly dry. After applying them, towel-dry your locks, and then use a blow dryer to refresh your style.

girl wearing ponytail while exercising

In this post, you will learn how to prepare your hair for a workout to minimize the unwanted effects of sweating. You will also discover some dry shampoos and dry shampoo mists formulated especially for absorbing sweat. You will be able to achieve your fitness goals without ruining your hairstyle.

Should you Wash your Hair after every Workout?        

Exercising causes sweating, and sweaty hair is messy, limp, and smells unpleasant. Regular exercising requires frequent hair washing. Daily hair washing takes time because the hair must be dried and styled.

Another problem with frequent hair washing is that chemicals in hair shampoos can strip natural oils and leave your hair dry and vulnerable to damage.

But you don’t have to give up the benefits of physical activity because of the negative effects of sweating on your hair. Instead, you can learn how to minimize the effects of sweating and how to quickly refresh your hairstyle after a workout without shampooing.

a dark-skinned girl with brided hair during workout

How to Prep Your Hair for Exercising

To have as few problems with sweaty hair as possible, it is advisable to prepare your hair before exercising. This makes it easier to exercise and your hair is less exposed to moisture. Sweatbands help absorb sweat, so less moisture remains in your hair. These headbands also look attractive and add style to your fitness outfit.

Another way to reduce exposure to sweat is to put your locks into a protective hairstyle before you start exercising. If you put your hair into braids, it will touch your sweaty skin less during exercise. Low buns or a ponytail are also useful options. If you tie your hair, use covered rubber bands that don’t leave dents or cause breakage.

a young woman with braided hair before a workout

We already mentioned that dry shampoo used before a workout will reduce hair sweating. One of the quality dry shampoos that are formulated to absorb sweat during exercising is Living Proof Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo (Available at Sephora).

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How to Refresh Hair After Workout          

1. Dry Shampoos

Although washing your hair after exercise is not necessary, sweaty hair can look greasy and unsightly when it dries. If you use a dry shampoo to refresh your hairstyle, be sure to towel dry your hair well and then apply the dry shampoo to the hair roots. Examples of well-known brands of dry shampoos that are designed for use after workouts are DOVE Go Active Dry Shampoo (Package contains dry conditioner and dry shampoo sheets) and Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Aquatic Mint (mint scent and cooling sensation).

girl using dry shampoo after a workout

If your hair is on the dry side frequent use of dry shampoo can make it even drier. Dry shampoos also tend to accumulate on the scalp and may clog scalp pores. So, consider using foaming dry shampoo or dry shampoo mist instead of standard dry shampoo.

2. Dry Shampoo Mists

Dry shampoo mists are a good alternative to dry shampoos if you need to refresh your hair after a workout.

These shampoos can be applied to the hair without thorough towel drying. After applying it, wait several minutes, then use a towel to remove moisture and dirt.

Dry shampoo mists don’t dry out the hair because they contain water and other hydrating ingredients. They also do not leave residues or build-up on the scalp. Your hair feels clean and refreshed, even though you have not washed it in the shower. Make sure to always shake the bottle well before use. One of the most known brands is Bumble and Bumble Pret a Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist. This liquid mist is formulated specifically to take sweat and smell from the hair after workouts. For people who are sensitive to strong odors, it wouldn’t be the best choice. 

Other liquid mist brands that may be worth your attention are SUNDAY II SUNDAY ROOT REFRESH Micellar Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar (soothing to the scalp) and SWAIR Showerless Shampoo.

3. Foaming Dry Shampoos

Foaming dry shampoos are a good concept for cleaning and deodorizing sweaty hair but currently available products suffer from serious drawbacks.

a woman exercising yoga at home

Foaming Dry Shampoos: Advantages, Disadvantages and Related Products

What is Foaming Dry Shampoo?

Foaming dry shampoo, also called dry shampoo mousse is a “wet” version of dry shampoo that turns into foam when shaken in the bottle. It offers similar benefits as ordinary dry shampoo; clean, odor-free, and fuller-looking hair.

Dry shampoo foam serves as a hair-washing solution when there isn’t time to take a shower and desperately need a quick fix for your hair. Foaming dry shampoo works by absorbing excess oil on the surface of your hair strands, thereby refreshing it. Just a few seconds after application, it disappears into your hair without leaving a white residue.

Dry mousse is ideal for “day after” washing when your hair is not yet very oily, or if you need to refresh a hairstyle to restore the first-day look.  The small percentage of water that the foam shampoo contains can help if you want to quickly restyle your hairstyle.

a bottle of foaming dry shampoo

If you are used to shampooing your hair daily, dry shampoo mist can stretch your regimen to every other day, leaving your hair clean and soft.

A bonus of dry shampoo foams is odor elimination: If your hair has picked the smell of tobacco or cooking, a foaming dry shampoo will deodorize your hair and eliminate unpleasant smells.

Additionally, foaming shampoo is a convenient solution after a workout when your hair is sweaty and when you need to prepare it for quick blow-drying.

Volumizing is another benefit of foaming dry shampoos: Sometimes you just need a little more volume after regular hair washing. If you apply a dry shampoo mousse to clean wavy hair, it will add more volume and create subtle beachy waves.

Dry Shampoo Foam vs Conventional Dry Shampoo

The main difference between dry shampoo and foaming dry shampoo is hydration:  foaming dry shampoo contains little water, but with a few strong shakes, the emulsion turns into foam that is easily applied to the hair. The water content makes the foaming shampoo non-drying to the hair, while traditional, powder-based dry shampoo can dry out the hair. Because the foaming shampoo does not come in a form of powder or spray, it is readily absorbed into the hair without leaving white residues and without creating a build-up or overly gritty texture. Plus, dry shampoo foam contains more hydrating and nourishing ingredients than ordinary dry shampoo.

Advantages of a Foaming Dry Shampoo

As already mentioned, you can use foam shampoo without fear of white streaks on your dark clothes or in your hair. Unlike dry shampoo, which has a dulling effect on the hair, dry shampoo “mousse” gives your hair more shine. Also, your hair will not look powdery and or be prone to tangling.

While traditional dry shampoo can make curly hair types dry out, dry shampoo mousse helps retain moisture due to the presence of water and conditioning ingredients.  A foaming shampoo will leave dry hair clean and soft to the touch. For curly hair prone to dryness, foaming dry shampoo offers a promising solution.

While conventional dry shampoos can make your scalp feel itchy from product build-up, dry shampoo foam doesn’t stress the scalp. Unlike dry shampoo, foaming shampoo does not clog pores. Instead, it hydrates the scalp and relieves itchiness, so you can feel that your scalp is really clean.

Because foaming dry shampoo is easier to apply to the desired area of the head than traditional dry shampoo, there is less waste as only as much product as needed is used.

woman applying dry shampoo foam to the hair

Instructions

  1. Shake Well!
  2. Shake Well!
  3. Shake Well!

Many people give up using dry shampoo mousse just because they do not understand how important it is to shake the bottle vigorously before application. Shaking turns the liquid into foam which you then pump to the root of your hair. Let the foam sit for a few minutes and then distribute it over the rest of your hair. You can blow-dry hair to refresh the style. Important: Do not apply too much of the product to avoid sticky and heavy hair. Start with a small amount and then apply more if needed.

The Downside of Foaming Dry Shampoos

If you apply more of a dry shampoo mousse than necessary, the hair can look greasy, wet, and sticky. Overall, while the general effect on hair that is dry by nature is mostly positive, users who have oily hair have less reason to be satisfied as their hair can still look greasy after application.

a woman is refreshing her hair with foaming dry shampoo

1. R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist

This is one of the most effective foaming shampoos geared toward people who have dry or normal hair. It is ideal for refreshing the scalp and hair between washes and for soothing itchy scalps. Glycerin in its formula supports water retention in the hair, while silica makes hair stronger and more resistant to breakage. Castor oil retains moisture and nourishes the scalp and hair. The scent is subtle and unisex.

2. Pret-a-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist by Bumble and Bumble

a woman relaxing after a workout

This liquid mist is formulated specifically to clean and eliminate odor in sweaty hair. When you don’t have time to wash your hair after working out, this dry shampoo will cut down on greasiness and take the sweat and smell out of your strands. Just spray it on your wet/sweaty hair and blow-dry it.

Important: Not for people who are sensitive to scents. The scent is perfumy and too strong.

3. “Pump stopped working”: OGX Bodifying + Bamboo Fiber-Full Body Renew Dry Shampoo

a broken pump of a foaming dry shampoo

This foam dry shampoo works beautifully for normal to dry hair, but if you have oily hair, this dry shampoo may make your locks even greasier and heavier.

Unfortunately, a faulty pump design leads to a clogged pump which usually stops dispensing the product after just a few uses.  It is a problem with the entire product line and has proven disappointing for people who have given it a try. Some people have tried to run hot water over the pump to make the nozzle clean and functional. But, let’s face it, dry shampoo is supposed to help save time and make life easier!  It would be a good idea to stay away from this product until the pump design is rectified.  

4. Why Do Your Favorite Products Get Discontinued? TRESemme Fresh Start Waterless Foam Shampoo

Tresemme stopped making this product, and now you can’t buy it in your local store. You only can find it as an overpriced item online which is very frustrating for many loyal consumers who have been using the product for decades. Why any manufacturer would discontinue a popular product is a mystery.

Maybe an alternative would soon emerge on the horizon.

5. Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam

This product is formulated to refresh normal or dry hair between washes and is not strong enough to cleanse oily scalps. It smells great and doesn’t leave a residue. However, this cleansing foam doesn’t work well for eliminating greasiness. If your hair is oily, you might want to stick to traditional dry shampoo.

While the concept of dry shampoo foam sounds promising, the results are mixed if not poor. We look forward to product tweaks and developments in the future, and we will keep you posted!

sports woman training in a morning gym

Dry Shampoos for Colored Hair: Benefits and Suggested Products

Is Dry Shampoo Good for Colored Hair?

One of the main causes of color fading is frequent hair washing. As you know, the color of your hair dye washes out a bit with each wash. The easiest way to go longer between washings is to add dry shampoo to your hair care regimen.

If your colored hair is screaming for attention, here are some of the benefits that dry shampoo can offer you.

1. Pump Up the Volume to Fine Hair

Well, for some people, it can be hard to skip a day without a wash. Baby fine hair may get greasy the second day after washing. For such hair types, dry shampoo can be a godsend. Not only does this product do a great job of soaking up excess oil, but it further adds texture to fine hair and makes it look fuller. Pump up the volume today, the dry shampoo way!

Woman applying dry shampoo powder

2. Eliminates Sweat

In addition to excess oil, another factor that requires frequent hair washing is sweating. If you go to the gym or “shake it until you make it” at home with a Zumbo video, your hair may lose its “freshness” and smell badly after high-intensity exercise. However, don’t fret about the sweat any longer since dry shampoo absorbs sweat and eliminates unwanted, gross odors from your hair. Keep this fantastic confidence booster in your purse, gym bag, or briefcase, and savor that “freshly washed” look and smell in a matter of seconds.

3. Saves Your Money

If you wear bangs, they typically get greasy quickly since they continuously touch your forehead. Let dry shampoo give you more BANGS for your bucks literally and figuratively. A few puffs of this miracle product will soak up the oil and make your bangs look adorable, youthful, and sassy!

4. Saves Your Time

Any win in life is a race against the clock, right? Well, allow the dry shampoo to be your amazing time-saver. It’s a lifesaver for emergencies when you don’t have time to shampoo and style your hair. If you’re in quarantine for 15, let dry shampoo rescue your locks, time, and sanity!

5. Makes Your Hair Color Last

In addition to the reasons above, finding a good dry shampoo is a necessity for color-treated hair. This product will allow you to go longer between shampooing, preserve the freshness of your hair color, keep hair clean between washes, and add a little oomph to flat greasy hair. It’s time to dry (shampoo), not cry, folks!

Yet not all dry shampoos are formulated the same way. Some inexpensive store brands can contain aluminum, sulfates, parabens, and other chemicals that aren’t health/color friendly. Synthetic, irritating fragrances in aerosol formulas can harass your scalp, while some types of alcohol can dry out your hair. Such cheap dry shampoos can leave your hair looking chalky and dull, so check yourself before you wreck yourself and your hair color!

6. Contains Plant-Based Ingredients

Color-friendly dry shampoos are not only safe for color-treated hair, but they also contain natural ingredients to nourish chemically treated hair. Such color-friendly components deliver antioxidants that prevent free radical damage, moisturizers that soften over-processed strands, and UV filters that neutralize the color-fading effects of sun rays.

A woman using dry shampoo spray

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Color-Safe Dry Shampoo Brands

Here’s a list of hand-picked dry shampoos that are gentle for your dye job and deserve a spot in your bathroom cabinet.  

Float Your Boat with Oats: 1. Klorane Dry Shampoo Powder with Oat Milk

Keep your hair color in the safety zone! This non-aerosol dry shampoo is formulated with non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. Oat milk soothes sensitive scalps and gives moisture and softness to dry hair. Corn and rice starches absorb excess oil, dirt, and odor, allowing you to minimize the color-fading effect of frequent shampooing.

Rub a few squirts of this product into your scalp and leave it to sit for up to five minutes. The result is clean, refreshed, and bouncy hair. This powder also adds a bit of volume and uplifts your roots.

It works better for blonde than brunette hair and can even help blend in regrown roots.

Klorane Dry Shampoo Powder is more cost-efficient than aerosol-based products. Its powdery non-flammable formula is especially convenient when traveling. Ibiza, anyone?

This environmentally friendly dry shampoo comes in recyclable packaging. Go green and glam!

The application method may take some practice to master; avoid applying the product when you wearing dark clothes to avoid visible dandruff-like flakes on your clothes.

Pretty and Perky: 2. amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

This award-winning (Beauty Launchpad’s “Readers’ Choice Awards 2017: Haircare”) shampoo has gentler ingredients than other dry shampoos on the market. Its formula is free of sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride, phthalates, triclosan, gluten, aluminum, talc, and mineral oil. That’s why it’s super safe for colored and keratin-straightened hair. Score a win with gorgeous hair!

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This dry shampoo spray uses rice starch to absorb excess oil, product buildup, and odor. Not only does it make your colored hair look freshly clean, but it also adds body and texture to flat and fine hair. Use it, too, to extend your hairstyle. The spray is clear and won’t leave white residue on your hair. Be petty and perky with this product!

Sea Buckthorn Extract keeps damaging free radicals at bay.

It also delivers a light fruity scent. Grab some tropical island vibes today!

Detox Your Locks: 3. IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo

If you have fine/thin colored hair that gets oily fast, this powerful dry shampoo can become your new best friend. This Detox Dry Shampoo keeps your colored hair clean for longer than most dry shampoos and gives fullness to fine/thin hair that tends to flatten out and look greasy. It’s also highly efficient at absorbing sweat and odor, so you can spin, do yoga, or work those kettlebells!

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IGK Dry Shampoo provides UV protection to prevent further damage and color fading.

It has a nice refreshing floral scent while you detox your locks!

4. A little Lasts a Long Way: dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo Powder

This shampoo powder instantly makes your hair clean, voluminous, and healthy-looking. It also makes your hair look fuller and protects your hair color.

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It contains apple cider vinegar known for its color-locking and shine-boosting capabilities. It doesn’t leave white residue on your strands and the powder quickly goes away after brushing.

Use this ACV dry shampoo on days after coloring and when you want to prolong the time between washings to keep your color bright and long-lasting.

Tinted Dry Shampoos

Colored dry shampoos are designed to meet the specific needs of brunette hair, as they eliminate the issue of a visible powdery residue. Additionally, tinted formulas can be used to blend your grown-out roots between colorings and to hide thinning areas in your hair.

The downside is that the application can be a little messy and your fingertips may be stained from rubbing the powder in.

Veg Head: 5. All Natural, Vegan Dry Shampoo Powder for Brunettes and Blondes by Handmade Heroes

This tinted dry shampoo powder is designed for light, medium, and dark brunette hair. It will not turn your dark hair white. Be a veg head and win the hair color game!

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The formula uses rice powder to soak up the oil to give you much-needed break between shampooing. It deodorizes your hair with charcoal and infuses it with a wonderful scent of essential oils.

The non-aerosol formula is environmentally friendly, convenient for traveling, and lasts forever.

In sum, you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to score a gold medal with dry shampoos for color-treated hair!

Woman with freshly clean hair relaxing in the chair

All You Need to Know About Colored Dry Shampoos

Dry shampoo can be a great addition to your beauty routine. Having this product on hand is a lifesaver when you need to look good, but don’t have time to wash your hair. It works by instantly absorbing any excess oils, leaving your hair looking clean and refreshed. As a result, dry shampoo can add an extra day or two to your wash cycle.

Dry shampoo is perfect for occasions when you’re not able to wash your hair, like when you’re out camping or traveling.

Also, it can make unmanageable hair easier to style by creating the texture necessary for braids or updos to hold in place. Dry shampoo is capable of leaving fine hair feeling thicker and giving extra oomph to limp hair.

Unfortunately, conventional dry shampoos can leave a dull, white finish on dark hair. But not to worry, there is a new type of dry shampoo is geared to meet the needs of dark hair-colored dry shampoos.

a young girl camping in the mountains

Advantages of Tinted Dry Shampoos

Colored dry shampoos are specially formulated for darker hair tones. Although they do not eliminate the residue issue, a colored version won’t leave the obvious white residue in your hair like ordinary dry shampoos. Tinted dry shampoos come in different shades to suit different hair colors. They offer some benefits that regular dry shampoos don’t provide:

  • Colored dry shampoos blend in more naturally than regular dry shampoos.
  • Colored pigments help blend your roots with the rest of your hair so that you can go longer between salon visits.
  • A hint of color helps cover bald spots on the scalp, giving the appearance of higher hair density.

Unfortunately, the same ingredients that help cover your roots and bald spots contribute to a very messy application. The pigments in tinted dry shampoo can leave brown residue on your bathroom surfaces and can sprinkle on your shower curtains and walls when you wash your hair. It will stain your fingers if you touch your hair, and you might transfer pigment to your face and clothing. It can leave dark powder under your nails if you scratch your scalp. Colored dry shampoos can also stain your pillowcase, clothing, or any other light-colored fabric. The good news is that the pigment will wash away easily with water.

How to Use a Colored Dry Shampoo

You must be careful when using a tinted dry shampoo, as the application can be messy. The proper use will give you the desired effect without the unwanted mess.

When using a spray bottle, give it a good shake before use.

Make sure you are in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling the aerosol vapors. Keep the nozzle about 10“ away from your hair. You can use an old newspaper to prevent the pigments from leaving dark marks on your face if you have already completed your makeup routine.

Spray the product onto your hair, focusing on the root area, and leave it for a few minutes. Be careful not to overdo it because using too much product may leave stains on your scalp and can cause your hair to look and feel dull and dry.

Use your fingertips to rub the product into your roots, then flip your head over and brush out all excess product.

Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after each use to avoid transferring pigments to anything you touch.

A tinted dry shampoo is not meant to replace your regular shampoo. Using dry shampoo too often can leave buildup in your hair.

Are they Worth the Mess?

A tinted dry shampoo is not a dream product for most users. It tends to build up in the hair and can have a dulling effect. You must be careful when using it to avoid making a mess all over. However, some people may benefit from tinted dry shampoos. The best candidates for this product are individuals with fine, thinning, dark, color-treated, or straight hair.

In addition to eliminating oiliness, individuals with fine hair can use tinted dry shampoo to make their hair appear thicker. Those with thinning hair can use a tinted dry shampoo to cover the areas of concern, making them less noticeable.

Many users with dark hair will find this product useful for refreshing their hair between washings and for adding some coverage to make root regrowth less noticeable. This way, they can prolong the time between touch-ups.

When buying an aerosol dry shampoo, look for a product that is not loaded with chemicals. Some of the most common chemicals in dry shampoos include Butane, Isobutane, Eugenol, Coumarin, fragrance, and other chemicals that can be harmful if they are inhaled or come in contact with your skin. Tinted dry shampoos are not more toxic than regular dry shampoos. Most of the pigments in tinted dry shampoos, like iron oxide or mineral pigments, are completely safe for use in personal care products.

Active beautiful woman with long dark hair

Colored Dry Shampoo Brands

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For those who prefer natural ingredients, Bumble & Bumble Brownish Hair Powder has the safest ingredients among tinted aerosol dry shampoos. This hair powder is ideal for covering grays and masking thinning hair. Unfortunately, the application is pretty messy.

Another colored dry shampoo made from nature-derived ingredients is All-Natural, Vegan Dry Shampoo Powder for Brunettes and Blondes by Handmade Heroes. This product uses kaolin clay and rice and cocoa powders to fight excess grease and add volume to the hair. While most commercial dry shampoos use synthetic fragrances, this product uses a blend of essential oils to create a nice, refreshing scent.

The tinted dry shampoos with synthetic ingredients include BATISTE Hint of Color Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo Divine Dark, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – Natural Tint, Ag Hair Brunette Dry Shampoo, and Ag Hair Light Brown Dry Shampoo.

young brunette woman posing in the front  of the camper