Experts: Dry Shampoo Overuse May Cause Hair Loss
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Dry Shampoo is a styling secret many woman swear by.
"You've just saved yourself two hours of hair fixing," said dry shampoo user Artemis Kouroush about the product.
Dry shampoo is designed to soak up oil in between washing so your hair looks fresh without the fuss.
"I usually use it five days a week," said Kouroush.
But not every dry shampoo user is pleased with their results.
A picture posted by Nicole Baxter of Belfast on Facebook and shared more than 33,000 times has left many dry shampoo users scratching their heads.
Baxter's dermatologist and doctor blamed dry shampoo for a large bald patch on her head.
The post led to dozens of articles and blogs asking if dry shampoo was dangerous.
Experts Weigh In
Dermatologists and salon educators told CBS11 it's not the dry shampoo itself that's dangerous.
Problems can come up when people misuse it or use it too much and the product builds up on their scalp.
"You can suffocate your scalp, It's almost like a huge pimple will grow and they have to get it lanced from a dermatologist," said Stephanie Johnson of Deep Ellum Hair Studio.
Johnson is a licensed hair stylist and trained cosmetology educator for Aveda in Dallas.
She said the natural oils that need to escape your scalp can be trapped by dry shampoo if someone uses it too much.
"They are literally creating an "oil cake" in their hair and then we see it," said Johnson.
Dermatologist Dr. James Ralston of Dermatology Center of McKinney said dry shampoo can plug the hair follicle and trap bacteria.
"The trapped bacteria causes inflammation in the follicle which leads to pimples or cysts. Brushing it leads to scabs and disrupts the hair follicles which leads to hair loss," said Dr. Ralston.
Dr. Ralston also pointed out that users can become allergic to it.
"Continuing to use it if you have an allergy can lead to scars and those scars can lead to permanent hair loss," said Dr. Ralston.
Dry shampoo user and dermatologist Dr. Christy Riddle of White Rock Dermatology advised don't dump dry shampoo for good just yet.
"I know I'll continue to use it," said Dr. Riddle.
Dr. Riddle said to avoid spraying it directly on skin to save the scalp from irritation.
"Acne, inflamed hair follicles that are itchy, painful, bumpy. It's an irritant," said Dr. Riddle.
Bottom line: All the experts told CBS11's Consumer Justice unit using dry shampoo once or twice a week is alright.
Johnson said users should spray the product six inches from their head and spray it on the root, not the scalp.
Batiste, the company that makes the product that Nicole blamed her issues on told CBS 11 through email:
"Batiste Dry Shampoo is committed to producing quality products which are used every day by millions of loyal customers globally. We would like to assure our customers that all Batiste Dry Shampoo products comply with all government regulations. As with any beauty product, use only as directed and discontinue use if any sensitivity occurs. For any questions or concerns, please contact our Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-952-5080."
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