One of the most difficult hairstyles to wash is braids, and when your braided hair gets oily, greasy, or dirty, it might be a better idea to spray dry shampoo on it.
Before we go forward, we’d like to remind you that there are several types of braids. Regular braids, box braids, and crotchet braids are some of the common types of braids. In this article, we will discuss how to manage each type of braids separately in detail.
To balance the information, we will also tell you how not to handle your braided hair. Dry shampoo will help to add volume and texture to oily, greasy, or slippery hair. After the application of dry shampoo, it is necessary to massage the shampoo into your scalp, and you also need to comb or brush the hair as well. It is needless to remind you that styling is easier and smoother with dry and fresh hair.
How to Use Dry Shampoo on Braids or Twists? 4 Steps
Step 1 – You need to shake the can of dry shampoo before you spray it on your hair. This is because the starch in the product usually settles down. So, you must shake it to mix the ingredients up before you spray the shampoo.
Step 2 – Hold the dry shampoo 12 inches away from your scalp before you begin to spray it. Lift your hair as you spray the shampoo on it. Spray the top of your head, the sides, and the back of your head. Don’t forget your hairline as well.
Step 3 – Wait for about 2 -3 minutes and allow the dry shampoo to sit well before you massage it into your scalp and the roots of your hair gently. You’ll enjoy the cool sensation and soothing of the dry shampoo on your scalp.
Step 4 – After massaging your hair, you can spray the shampoo again. Wait for up to 2 minutes before you brush or comb your braids. The second spraying session will increase the volume of your hair.
If you have black hair, make sure you use the dry shampoo for dark hair and if you’re a brunette, go for the dry shampoo formulated for brunettes.
Can you use dry shampoo on braids?
Yes, nothing stops you from applying dry shampoo to your braids. In fact, it is braided hair that needs shampooing more because it is more difficult to wash. The good news is that we have explained the details right below. In addition, we have also explained the things you should not do when applying dry shampoo to your braids.
Can you use dry shampoo on Box braids?
Yes, of course, you can use dry shampoo on box braids and all kinds of braids. One reason why box braids need more dry shampoo is that it exposes your scalp to the sun and harsh weather. When you have box braids on, your hair and head will need more care.
In addition, we have noticed that braids and twists usually drain the scalp of moisture, keeping it dry and itchy. Dry shampoo can help to mitigate the itchiness of the scalp. For this reason, we will advise you to choose a moisturizing dry shampoo.
How to use dry shampoo on box braids?
As explained above, you need to shake the can of dry shampoo first. You already know why. Shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds.
After that, spray it on your hair while holding the can 12 inches away from your hair. Spray it on your hair. It is always good to start at the top of your head before you spray each of the sides one by one. The back of your head shouldn’t be left out. In fact, it is better to get a friend or family member to spray the back of your head.
Spray the dry shampoo along your hairline too. Many women often miss out the hairline. Let the shampoo settle inside your hair for 2 minutes before you massage it into your scalp. Once again, spray the dry shampoo all over your head sparingly.
Wait for another 2 minutes before you brush your hair. Blot your head with a dry towel. Additionally, you may want to apply sun protection on your scalp. Although this is optional, we think it is necessary since box braids expose the scalp to the sun and harsh weather.
How to use dry shampoo on crochet braids?
Crochet braids will not expose your scalp like box braids, but it also requires dry shampoo if the braided hair is greasy or oily. Of course, crochet braids hairstyle is one of the hottest, and many celebrities rock it. But it is a little difficult to manage. Here’s how to apply dry shampoo to it.
Don’t forget to shake the dry shampoo vigorously for 30 seconds. Now you can spray the dry shampoo on your crochet braids, as explained above. Spray the dry shampoo on your hair and wait for 3 minutes to allow it to sit in.
Crochet braids require a little more dry shampoo than the other two types of braids discussed above. Don’t forget to massage your scalp to allow the shampoo to penetrate to the root of your hair. You can blot it with a clean towel thereafter. We will advise you to choose a dry shampoo with a nice smell.
Your braided hair needs to smell nice all the time. If well-maintained, you can rock your crochet braids for up to 8 weeks.
With dry shampoo, you don’t need to worry about your hair looking too shiny. The shampoo will absorb the excess oil or grease and leave your hair fresh, dry, and smooth.
What should you not do with braids?
After discussing what you should do to your braids, box braids, and crochet braids, we also need to explain what you should not do to your braids. First, if you decide to dye your hair before braiding it, don’t think of applying dry shampoo to your dyed braids. In case you are not aware, dye has chemicals. The chemicals may not hurt your hair but they are likely to react badly with the ingredients in your dry shampoo. And you may not like the result.
The reaction may take its toll on your hair, hair follicles, or scalp. So, never spray dry shampoo into your hair after dying it. Avoid the combination at all costs.
Remember, we told you to spray dry shampoo to your hair at a distance of 12 inches. There’s a reason for that, and we’ll tell you now. What you want is an even distribution of dry shampoo and not patches, puddles, and piles.
If you place the can of shampoo too close to your hair, you’ll get uneven patches and puddles of shampoo on your braids, but if you hold the can at a distance of 12 inches to your hair, you’ll be able to achieve the desired even distribution.
In addition, don’t spray too much dry shampoo on your hair. If it is too much, it can dull the natural luster of your hair, cause hair breakage, or clog your hair follicles. And when your hair follicles are clogged, the growth of your hair may be stunted.
For the same reason, we will advise you not to apply your dry shampoo too often. If you apply it too often, you may end up with too much dry shampoo on your hair. So, you should not apply it more than 2 times a week.
We’d like to also remind you that dry shampoo isn’t shampoo in the real sense. It can’t eliminate dirt from your hair. If you keep applying dry shampoo to your hair without washing it, dirt will keep piling up. Hence, don’t substitute your regular shampoo with dry shampoo. You have to wash your hair at least twice a week.
If you’re able to maintain your braids properly, they could remain fresh and smooth for up to 8 weeks.
Can you dye braids?
Yes, you can dye braids, box braids, crochet braids, and any other types of braids. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, once you dye your braids, don’t attempt to use dry shampoo. As explained above, the chemicals in the dye may react negatively with the ingredients in your dry shampoo.
Final Words
As a conclusive summary, shake your dry shampoo vigorously for 20 -30 seconds before you spray it on your braids. Also, remember to hold it at a distance of 12 inches to your head before you start spraying. This will help you achieve a uniform distribution. Finally, don’t apply dry shampoo to your hair more than twice a week.
