As someone with a slew of friends who regularly rely on dry shampoo [1] to get them through the day, I know the power of a solid spray. But because I have superthick and pretty oily hair, [2] I've never been able to fully embrace the dry shampoo movement [3]. Sure, I've used it in the past to hold me over for an event here and there, but I've never considered it a product I can truly fall back on.
Is it because I'm a serial hair washer who's been known to shower twice a day? Probably. (And yes, I know this is a bad habit. A very, very bad habit.) But I've always felt weird about not washing my hair after a workout or a day at the office. In an effort to actually wash my hair less, I took POPSUGAR's senior editor Kelsey Castañon up on the chance to try out COLAB's brand-new line of dry shampoo [4] that's been taking the UK market by storm.
Rather than simply trying out the dry shampoos at the office — which come in fabulously colorful cans, by the way! — I embarked on a three-day journey in which I used only dry shampoo, rather than giving my hair a good old-fashioned wash. While it seemed like a lifetime for me, I'm happy to report that I will be carrying at least one of COLAB's sprays with me everywhere I go from here on out.
Day 1
I decided to start my little experiment over a long weekend. Admittedly, I washed my hair on Saturday morning and let it air dry. When I woke up on Sunday, this is what my hair looked like. Still in pretty good shape, all things considered, but I knew it wouldn't last. I opted to use COLAB's unicorn-scented dry shampoo to start off. A few quick sprays of the superfine mist between the layers of my hair and at the roots, and I was set for the day.
While it's hard to pinpoint exactly what a unicorn smells like, I'd say it has both fruity and earthy undertones. Oddly enough, I found the unicorn spray to be pretty refreshing; it just smells so . . . clean.
Fortunately, I spent my time reading and somehow managing to watch two-and-a-half seasons of Silicone Valley in one sitting. (Don't judge me!) So I didn't feel the overwhelming desire to wash my hair once dinner time came and went. Phew.
Day 2
I woke up Monday with a full day ahead of me: my husband I were planning to grab lunch and go check out some exhibits at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I tend to get very hot when I sleep (yes, I know a personal problem), so I typically shower and wash my hair when I get up for the day.
While I definitely snuck in a shower before we embarked on our day trip, I didn't wash my hair. Rather, I used COLAB's fruity fragrance — appropriately named, given the hints of citrus — and went on my merry way.
I left my hair down throughout the day, and didn't feel like my scalp was dirty or, god forbid, greasy. After snagging dinner with a friend, my hair felt fresh. I was officially becoming confident I could make it through my experiment.
Day 3
On the morning of my third day I woke up at the butt crack of dawn to meet Ellie Kemper for an interview in midtown Manhattan. In any other circumstance, this would be a full-on hair wash — or potential blowout situation — but alas, I had a mission, so I interviewed the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star [6] with dry shampoo hair.
While doing my hair in the morning, I reached for the the Tropical scent. At this moment, I became very concerned that I would smell like a giant ball of perfume, given I had sprayed my hair with three separate scents over the last three days. Fortunately, while the dry shampoo options smell amazing, they're not overwhelming, so it was easy to manage.
This photo is from around 9 a.m. when I got back to my office. Keep in mind I was wearing a hat — it was freezing outside! — so my hair looks a little flatter than usual.
Later on Day 3
While I had a superproductive day at the office, I hadn't squeezed out a workout in two days, and it was time to burn off some energy. I booked a class at Orangetheory Fitness [7] on the way home from work and got a session in. My issue? I sweat like nobody's business. I always have. Midway through the class I was concerned I wasn't going to be able to go to the dinner reservation later that night with my current 'do.
As you can tell from the facial expression in this photo, I was well aware I was in the danger zone. I needed a miracle, a Hail Mary, or perhaps, COLAB's dry shampoo, to get through the evening.
Post-Dinner Day 3
Before dinner, I hopped in the shower to rinse off and wash my face. Again, against all instinct, I did not wash my hair. It seriously pained me not to do this.
While my hair definitely wasn't as fresh as day one, I sprayed a healthy dose of COLAB's unicorn dry shampoo (now officially my favorite scent!) into my hair and brushed it through. I used a lot more than I had previously, so there was a touch of white residue this time around, but nothing overwhelming or unmanageable.
I went to dinner and avoided any sideways glances. In fact, one of my friends told me my hair looked particularly voluminous, which was a nice surprise. I took this photo as soon as I got home and changed into my pajamas to prove I made it through the full three days. And, FYI: I didn't shower until the following morning, so I really saw this little challenge to the bitter end!
My Overall Verdict
As a somewhat cynical person, I can honestly say these dry shampoos are quality purchases. Available at Walmart [8], Target [9] and RiteAid, you can by the whole dang collection with its $5 price tag! I'm obviously partial to the unicorn scent, but you'll definitely want to keep a can of COLAB in your work or gym bag at all times. Maybe there will be less hair washing in my future after all; now, what to do with all that spare time?!