Dry shampoo can be a brilliant shortcut when your roots look oily but the rest of your hair still looks good. It can also give freshly washed hair a little grip and lift. The trick is where you put it, how much you use and what you do after spraying.

The two-minute routine for greasy roots

1. Start with dry hair. Dry shampoo works best at the roots of dry hair. If you’ve just done a workout, let your scalp and hair dry first.

2. Part your hair into sections. Lift a section, apply a small amount to the roots, then move to the next. Focus on the crown, parting and areas around the hairline that look oily. You don’t need to coat your lengths.

3. Give it a moment. Follow the directions on your product, especially the distance to hold an aerosol can from your head. Let the product sit briefly so it can absorb oil before you touch it.

4. Work it through. Massage the roots with your fingertips, then brush or comb where it suits your style. If you can still see powder, keep working it through rather than adding more.

5. Check in natural light. A quick look near a window makes it easier to spot any residue along your parting or hairline.

Start with less than you think you need. You can always add another light application to a greasy patch; too much at once can leave hair feeling coated.

Want volume rather than an oil fix?

Apply a little dry shampoo to the roots at the crown, even if your hair isn’t particularly greasy. Let it settle, then massage the roots and gently lift them with your fingers. For extra height, change your parting or flip your hair to the opposite side for a moment before styling it back.

Fine hair can benefit from a light touch. The aim is a little texture and separation at the roots, not a cloud of product through every layer.

The night-before trick

If you know your roots tend to look oily by morning, try a small amount before bed. Apply it to dry roots, give it time to settle, then leave it alone. In the morning, massage or brush it through and see whether you need any more. This gives you a head start without piling on product as you’re heading out the door.

Remember: it’s a refresh, not a wash!

Dry shampoo absorbs some oil and can make hair look cleaner, but it doesn’t remove sweat, dirt or product build-up from your scalp. Keep washing your hair as often as your scalp needs, especially if you’ve been exercising or layering on styling products.