Can you use baby powder as dry shampoo

Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in a day to devote to washing your hair. We get it. We've all been there. For this reason, dry shampoo is a hair care essential that comes through just when your oily roots make your hair stringy or body-free.

We also know that there are many beauty hacks floating around on TikTok and Instagram. One of the most popular is using baby powder as a dry shampoo. Since it is likely a cheaper alternative and one you can reach for if you've run out of your go-to dry shampoo, we wanted to do a deep dive to see how experts viewed applying baby powder to the scalp. So we spoke with board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, and trichologist Kari Williams, Ph.D. Keep reading to find out what they had to say.

Meet the Expert

• Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
• Kari Williams, Ph.D., is a board-certified trichologist, licensed cosmetologist, and member of DevaCurl's Expert Curl Council.
  

Baby Powder vs. Dry Shampoo

You may be wondering what the differences are between baby powder and dry shampoos. Well, there are quite a few. And there are differences in dry shampoo formulas as well. "There are different types of dry shampoo," says King. "Some use a starch to absorb oil, while others are alcohol-based."

King notes dry shampoos formulated with starch are more comparable to baby powder. But starch-based dry shampoos and powders don't cleanse the scalp. "If used too frequently or in great volumes, they may trap bacteria and yeast and can contribute to acne or seborrheic dermatitis. Also, keep in mind that some dry shampoos and baby powders may contain the mineral talc. In its natural state, talc can contain asbestos, which can be associated with some cancers."

Benefits of Using Baby Powder as a Dry Shampoo

Our two experts had varying opinions on this, but we think they're both worth sharing. For starters, King recommends avoiding ingredients like butane, propane, isobutane, siloxane, silicones, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, phenoxyethanol cetrimonium chloride, parabens, and sulfates, which she shares are less likely to be found in baby powders. However, these ingredients can be found in some dry shampoos. Even with baby powders formulated sans King's list of no-no ingredients, she does not recommend using baby powder regularly. Instead, she advises using it in small amounts no more than twice per week.

Williams suggests leaving baby powder out of your hair care routine entirely. "I would not promote the use of baby powder as an option for a dry shampoo," she tells us. "There are potential risks that could compromise the health of the scalp when introducing products not formulated for use on the scalp." She emphasizes that this is especially important for anyone with undiagnosed scalp conditions that can become irritated or inflamed.

Hair and Scalp Considerations

If you're looking to remove odor and oil from the hair until your next wash day and have no scalp conditions, Williams says "technically" baby powder could be used. However, she still emphasizes, "I recommend a product formulated for this need."

For anyone with existing scalp conditions or scalp discomfort in the form of excessive buildup, flaking, or itching, Williams says using baby powder is a no-no.

How to Use Baby Powder as a Dry Shampoo

Using baby powder on your scalp requires a less is more attitude, since it isn't formulated for hair or scalp use. First, section the hair, then shake a small amount of baby powder on the fingertips and massage it into the scalp. Wait a few minutes for the powder to absorb the oil, then brush your hair to remove any white residue.

The Final Takeaway

Based on our experts' insights, we'd say using baby powder on your scalp shouldn't be a regular part of your hair care routine. However, if you're in a pinch, using the baby powder in your medicine cabinet can take care of your oily hair woes. In the meantime, check out our picks for the best dry shampoos formulated for the scalp and hair.

Published on: 5 July 2022, 19:26 pm IST

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The monsoon season is here and we can’t stop but gush over the greenery. However, one thing that stops swaying and loses its bounce during the rainy season is our hair. Humidity can make our mane go sticky, frizzy and unkempt. No styling stays in place and hair starts to look flatter and limp. That’s when most of us turn to dry shampoos. They not only add bounce to our hair but also help in controlling excess oil production in the scalp.

However, many women have found our own hack for a pricey dry shampoo– baby powder! It is finely milled, lightweight and does pretty much the same job without burning a hole in the pocket. But, is it really okay to use baby powder as a replacement for dry shampoo?

Health Shots spoke to Dr Gunjan Verma, Consultant Dermatologist, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, who helped us clear our doubts around dry shampoo.

What is dry shampoo?

Dr Verma says, “Basically, dry shampoo is used by most women due to their busy schedules. In a majority of the cases, women are not able to wash their hair with water every day. These powder-based shampoos are alcohol and starch-based products that absorb excess oil from the scalp that is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. These days even celebrities are endorsing these brands so people are buying it even though it is costly.”

“Since there is a lack of cheaper alternatives available, people are using baby powder as dry shampoos. However, It is advised to use products that are designed and authorized to be used on scalps. Since baby products are not designed for hair, there are many hair problems young people can face. Therefore, it is suggested not to use this alternative as it can turn out harmful in the long run,” she adds.

Though baby powder works the same as a dry shampoo, there are some drawbacks:

1. The formulation of baby powder is different from that of dry shampoo. Baby powder has talc and certain mineral oils that are not good for the scalp.
2. Some talcum powder may have sulphur or artificial fragrance that can turn out to be very harmful to the scalps.
3. Women suffering from acne, seborrheic dermatitis or any other condition of the face and scalp should not resort to baby powder as it may worsen the problems and cause hair loss and alopecia too.
4. “If a person has dark-coloured hair and they are using white-coloured baby powder on the scalp, it may leave a white residue that not only looks bad but also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria,” says Dr Verma.
5. People with scanty and thin hair should steer clear of it. The powder may also look ugly and harm the roots by causing product buildup and clogging of pores.
6. For women who have problems like dandruff and eczema, it is recommended to not use baby powder or a dry shampoo.
7. One must also avoid alcohol-based products which have butane, propane and isobutane which are most likely found in some dry shampoos.

You should understand the fact that these shampoos are not an alternative to conventional ways of washing your hair with shampoo and water. A proper hair cleansing routine needs to be followed even more religiously if one is using a dry shampoo to avoid product buildup and prevent scalp infections. One must thoroughly read the composition of the product before using it. It is okay to use baby powder once in a while but it should not be used as a habit and one must be resistant to using it. If absolutely necessary, don’t forget to wash your hair immediately after coming back.

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