Why you should be using dry shampoo before your workout—not after

A typical pre-workout routine involves eating a healthy snack or drinking an energizing shake. But if you’re trying to limit the number of times you wash your hair each week, you might want to spritz on some dry shampoo before you sweat it out.

Sweating is an unavoidable part of working out. If you’re hitting the gym regularly, you’re probably shampooing too frequently, stripping your hair of its natural oils. While there’s only so much dry shampoo can do after your hair is already soaked with sweat, it’s a pre-workout hero.

“Prepping with dry shampoo is one of my favorite tricks,” says celebrity hairstylist Kristen Shaw. “Think of it as your tool to balance out your sweat. When you prep with it, then sweat, it basically acts like a barrier for your hair. Plus, you tend to get some great texture when the two elements combine.”

“Prepping with dry shampoo is one of my favorite tricks. When you prep with it, then sweat, it basically acts like a barrier for your hair.” —Kristen Shaw, celebrity hairstylist

As opposed to trying to get rid of a sweaty mess, spritzing on some dry shampoo before hitting the gym makes getting ready afterward a cinch. Who has time to wash, dry, and style every day? Not me, that’s for sure.

“Spritz the dry shampoo on your roots all over, then use your fingers to emulsify and activate,” she says. “Throw your hair in a high bun or low bun so that you get some good texture and no creases while you work out. Then, after you’re finished, take your hair down and shake up your roots again so you activate the dry shampoo again.”

It’s that easy. By taking one extra step, you’ll have a post-workout look that’s so fresh no one will believe you just hit the gym.

While dry shampoo and the best non-aerosol dry shampoo are worthy opponents to take on sweaty hair, there are some other tips that can help transform your post-workout routine, too. Like throwing your hair into Taryn Toomey’s beloved workout bouffant, or—as one celeb hairstylist recommends—grabbing a headband.