Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair?

We typically choose dry shampoos based on how they feel, smell and make our hair look, but it's important to look at the ingredients before making a final pick. While most ingredients are considered safe, there are some that are probably best left behind, Blaisure says. Avoid the usual sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, says Biosilk ambassador Ivan Rodriguez, and get to know the following ingredients:

Starch

Starch is the main component of dry shampoos. According to Philip B., starch dry shampoos often have a high alcohol content, which is not usually an issue due to the number of oil glands in the scalp, but it can be for those with sensitive and/or dry scalps.

Talc

Talc is another popular dry shampoo ingredient. It coats hair in that unmistakable white film and can be "pretty toxic," Leila Nations of Fatboy Hair says. On top of that, talc can cause acne and irritation. There are also concerns that talc powder (and rice starch) could contain pesticide residues, Blaisure says.

Silicone

Silicone appears in dry shampoos as well as other hair products. There are some good silicones, but the category gets a bad rap because of ones that can irritate the scalp and weaken hair follicles, Philip B. says. He suggests doing a patch test and listening to your body's response to see if the product is a good fit.

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