Why setting powder also works as dry shampoo
Almost no week goes by without my hair being under a subtle layer of dry shampoo. Because let's be honest: when my hair starts to get a little greasy, it actually looks its best. It shines nicely, my waves hold well, and it feels just a bit sturdier. But then there's always that greasy crown that ruins everything. It's suddenly so greasy that you could practically fry fries in it. Not very charming, then. That's why I reach for dry shampoo, so my locks can last another day and my top looks a little less fried.
But sometimes your hair is suddenly greasier than expected, exactly at the moment when you're away for a weekend, with only hand luggage and without dry shampoo. And yes, that has happened to me more than once. By now I know: no panic. Because in my makeup bag, there's always something that works too. My setting powder. That same powder I use every day to set my makeup turns out to work surprisingly well as dry shampoo. How does that work? I'll explain.
Why does setting powder work as dry shampoo?
It's all about sebum, or: oil. Both dry shampoo and setting powder are designed to absorb that grease. Ingredients like silica or talc work like little sponges that soak up excess oil. By applying a bit of powder at the roots, those shiny strands disappear and your hair looks instantly fresher. It also adds extra texture and volume, as if your hair has just a bit more grip. It may not be exactly the same effect as a wash, but to the eye (and feel), it comes pretty close.
When does this hack come in handy?
Actually at any moment when your hair just isn't cooperating, and you don't have the time or means to wash it. During a city trip, for example, when you're only taking hand luggage and need to save space. Minis are handy, but if you're already bringing a setting powder, why pack something extra? Also handy during festivals, where showers are not exactly abundant or after an unexpected sleepover. And let's be honest: sometimes it's just Monday morning and you simply don't feel like it, right?
Which setting powders work best?
Not every powder is suitable. You want a transparent, matte, loose powder without shimmer particles. Avoid anything with shimmer, unless you don't mind if your hair also takes on your highlighter role. I personally swear by Laura Mercier’s Translucent Setting Powder, but Catrice and Essence also have nice and affordable variants. Do you have dark hair? Then a powder with a warm undertone is a better option, so you don't get a gray haze. The chance is slightly greater with setting powder than with dry shampoo, because those are now also intended and made for dark locks. Provided you use it correctly, of course: shake well, spray from a good distance, really let it sit, massage in, and brush out well.
How to use setting powder in your hair
Divide your hair into a few loose sections and apply a small amount of powder at the roots with a makeup brush, especially on the spots that look the greasiest. Gently massage it in with your fingertips and then brush or comb to remove excess powder. And that's it. If your hair still looks greasy, just repeat the steps again. Dry shampoo is of course a bit coarser than the powder you also apply to your face. By the way, you can't work the other way around: using dry shampoo as setting powder is NOT a good idea, should you be considering that. Dry shampoo often contains more ingredients (think: alcohol and fragrance) than just an absorbent powder, specifically developed to remove grease from your hair. Not really intended for your skin, then.
@emilietommerberg Also a great travel hack #hairhack ♬ Take Me Higher by Diana Ross x SCARDOW – ✮ Scardow
