Hair powders are a great style refresher, allowing you to perk up tired hair and add texture without washing. No wonder they are fast gaining in popularity.
Men and women will find a powder a handy way to add a little lift to limp locks, without leaving a heavy product feel. Good hair powders are very finely milled, so don't be tempted to try talc as it won't disappear into hair in the same way.
Although dry shampoos may sound as if they do the same job, they are less suited for targeted styling and are designed primarily to absorb oil in hair that really could do with a wash, but isn't able to get the full immersion experience. They also sometimes carry a stronger fragrance to help in the freshening up process.
To find out more about how to make the most of hair powders, we spoke to Guy Roberts, owner of Vada salon. He's a fan and uses powders in the salon and for fashion work. Here's his advice.
What are they and how do they work?
Styling powders are a game changer to how you style your hair. In an often palm-sized pack, they're an antidote to limp locks, boosting volume at the roots without making hair stiff like hairspray.
Who are they most useful for?
Styling powder gives you instant volume: root lift, texture, control and is good for all hair types. Between air conditioning, weather changes and excessive blow drying, hair can start to fall into the brittle, heat-damaged category. The powders are especially good for fine, limp hair and are perfect for that last-minute perk-up, when you go from work to a night on the town.
Do some leave a visible residue (for example, on darker hair) and how do you choose the right one for your hair?
The unscented powder is lightweight and super fine, so it blends easily with a bit of tousling. Although the bottle is often tiny, a shake or two is all you need.
Do you need to wash them out the next day (is there build-up?) or can you restyle your hair?
Apart from providing the textured look, powders have an oil-absorbing affect akin to a dry shampoo, giving you an extra day between washes. These are a solution when you are worried about getting floppy hair through the messy few days until your next shampoo. Say goodbye to "mopville".