Journal · Hairstyling
How to use dry shampoo: the secret to second day hair
We all know that glorious feeling of freshly washed hair. It’s shiny, squeaky clean and impossible not to twirl around your finger. Even so, skipping a wash can be one of the best things you do for your hair. Here’s why I’m a fan of second day hair, and exactly how to use dry shampoo so it looks fresh, full and effortless.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
The short version
- Second day hair means washing on day one, skipping the shampoo on day two and washing again on day three.
- Dry shampoo soaks up oil at the roots and adds volume and texture, so hair looks fresh between washes.
- Apply it to dry roots, wait a few minutes, then brush or massage it through.
- Slightly lived-in hair also holds curls and updos beautifully, which is why stylists love it.
Why I’m a fan of second day hair
I clearly remember my hairdresser telling me, when I was young, that I should skip a day of shampoo. Did I listen? Of course not! I was young and knew everything. As it turns out, she was right.
By second day hair, I mean washing your hair on day one, skipping the shampoo on day two and washing again on day three. To be clear, I’m not suggesting you skip the shower, just the shampoo! I leave personal hygiene in your hands.
Shampoo removes your hair’s natural oils, and not all oil is bad. In fact, many people find that once they wash a little less often, their hair feels softer and less oily over time. Luckily, you don’t need to wear a hat on day two. That’s where dry shampoo comes in, and it’s terrific for camping, too.
How to use dry shampoo, step by step
Dry shampoo is easy to use, but a few small details make all the difference.
01
Start with dry hair
First, make sure your hair is completely dry, since dry shampoo can’t absorb oil from damp roots.
02
Section the roots
Next, part your hair in a few places, so you can reach the roots where oil builds up.
03
Apply with care
Then sprinkle powder and massage it in, or hold a spray about 20 to 25 centimetres from your hair.
04
Wait a few minutes
After that, give it a few minutes to absorb the oil, perhaps while you brush your teeth.
05
Brush it through
Finally, brush or massage the product thoroughly through your hair, which removes any white cast and adds volume.
Corrie’s tip
Apply dry shampoo the night before. As a result, it has hours to absorb oil while you sleep, and your hair looks fuller in the morning.
Dry shampoo powder or spray?
Both work beautifully. The right one depends on your hair and how you like to style it. When I first wrote this post, my favourites were one of each.
Volume and texture
Powder
- Sprinkle into the roots, then massage in
- Adds grip, so it’s great for updos as well as braids
- My pick back then: Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder, which smelled lovely too
Quick and easy
Spray
- Hold about 20 to 25 cm away and mist the roots
- Ideal when you’re short on time
- My pick back then: Klorane’s dry shampoo with oat milk, a gentle, botanical option
For darker hair
Tinted formulas
- Leave no white cast on brunette or black hair
- Blend easily into the roots
- Worth trying if regular formulas look chalky
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Give your hair time to adjust
If you’re about to take the big leap into the world of dry shampoos and powders, I recommend that you pack your patience. If your hair is used to being washed every day, it may feel oilier at first.
As with anything, there’s an adjustment period. So, give yourself and your hair a few weeks to settle into the new routine.
Second day hair and dry shampoo for your wedding
Here’s a little stylist secret: very freshly washed hair can be slippery, so it doesn’t always hold curls or pins as well. That’s why, for most updos and curled styles, I prefer hair that was washed the night before or the day before. See how this works for a wedding chignon or soft boho wedding hair.
Every head of hair is different, though. Very fine or oily hair may look best washed that morning, so we’ll decide together at your bridal trial. Either way, a little dry shampoo or texturising powder at the roots gives your style extra grip and volume. For the rest of your prep, follow my wedding beauty timeline.
How to use dry shampoo: your questions
How do you use dry shampoo correctly?
Apply it to dry roots, either by sprinkling powder or spraying from about 20 to 25 cm away. Then wait a few minutes and brush or massage it through.
How often can I use dry shampoo?
Generally, it’s best between washes rather than for many days in a row. Make sure you still wash your hair and scalp regularly, so product doesn’t build up.
What does second day hair mean?
It means washing your hair on day one, skipping the shampoo on day two and washing again on day three, often with dry shampoo to refresh the roots in between.
Should I wash my hair the morning of my wedding?
For most updos and curled styles, hair washed the night before or the day before holds better. However, very fine or oily hair may need a morning wash, so ask your stylist at your trial.
Planning your wedding hair? Let’s find the style that holds.
Share your date and venue, plus a few photos of styles you love. We’ll test your hair at your trial and check availability in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa.