Sometimes a post-workout hair wash and blow dry is just not in the cards. Here, the best powder alternatives.
In the locker room, it’s all about efficiency. Given that the number one time offender is the hair wash and blow dry, may we suggest simply removing it from the equation? Enter the dry shampoo. “It’s perfect for women who work out in the middle of the day,” says stylist Eluit Rivera, owner of Eluit Salon in New York City. “A dry shampoo cuts all the grease from hair and, in most cases, even adds a nice scent. It also prevents over washing, which most women do.”
Whether you use an actual hair powder or a spray, the key is choosing one with a light consistency. “You should apply it mostly on the crown of the head and around the hairline,” suggests Rivera. Leave it on for two minutes, brush your hair (which dissolves the powder), then style as usual. A gust from the blow dryer can help, giving you a little extra shine and volume.
A few words of caution: Try not to use dry shampoos more than twice per week. “Your hair can start to look dull from all the build up,” says Rivera. And if you have a dry scalp or very coarse hair (which also tends to be dry), avoid them altogether. The residue from a dry shampoo can be a moisture inhibitor.
Here, some of the best H20-free options: