How (and Why) to Use Dry Shampoo

Beauty Refresher:

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Now that you know some clever ways to use dry shampoo, let's back up a little bit and explore how this multitasking miracle product actually works. Discover how (and why) you'll want to make this waterless styling product a part of your hair regimen when you keep reading.
Why use it? Hairstylists agree that shampooing daily can do more hurt than good to your hair and scalp. Using a dry shampoo, however, can refresh your hair without the excessive stripping and dulling properties of a liquid shampoo.
How does it work? The primary ingredient in dry shampoo is a powder or starch that absorbs the oil from hair follicles. Many formulas also include essential oils to nourish the scalp.
How do you apply it? Apply the product (whether it's in powder or hair-spray form) to the roots where needed, allowing a few seconds for the dry shampoo to absorb the excess oils. Next, massage into the scalp and brush your hair to distribute the product from roots to ends. You can also apply the dry shampoo directly to a brush if you're in a hurry. And for a true fringe benefit, sprinkle dry shampoo on your freshly washed bangs to keep oil slicks at bay.

How to Use Vinegar For Hair and Skin Care

5 Surprising Ways to Use Vinegar For Beauty

Many common kitchen ingredients are just as useful in the bathroom. In fact, I turns to vinegar for many DIY hair and skin care remedies.  If you don't have the time to wait for this international beauty product to arrive (or are looking for something a little more practically priced), pick up a bottle of apple cider vinegar at your local grocery store. And to get tips — along with a few of ours — for using vinegar from head to toe, just keep reading.

• For smooth skin: "Because vinegar is acidic, it closes the pores of your skin and makes it extremely shiny,". That's why I recommend mixing vinegar with your body cream. "It also gives a nice smell without having perfume,".
• For shiny, brass-free hair: "Most of the time women don't rinse shampoos and conditioners very well, so hair is [left] heavy and not shiny enough,". To avoid this, I suggests applying five drops of vinegar (mixed with cold water in a bowl) into the hair and scalp after shampooing, conditioning, and rinsing. But instead of washing it out, leave it in to degunk and debrass your strands.
• For a healing bath: Mix a little apple cider vinegar in your bath water to let the anti-inflammatory properties soothe your itchy skin.
• For a clean scalp: Apple cider vinegar has natural antifungal properties and therefore can help eliminate a flaky scalp caused by dandruff. Create your own cleansing shampoo by mixing a solution that's half water, half apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and apply.
• For a clear face: Vinegar balances the pH of the skin and acts as an astringent on oily complexions. Stir up a half-and-half mixture to use as a toner before your daily moisturizing routine.

Shampoo Tips:

 4 Signs That You're Not Washing Your Hair The Right Way

Summer's freak rainstorms and high humidity bring more bad hair days than not, but the culprit could likely be in the shower. Shampooing seems like one of those no-brainer steps that we don't put much thought into (lather up, rinse, on our way), but it's actually fundamental in making your hair look and act like the best version of itself -- not to mention helping styling products work better. We've amassed four ways you might be washing your hair wrong.
Not getting hair wet enough. This is a big one. It's likely that you're rushing, even multitasking in the shower, so you won't be late to work, and immediately plop shampoo on top of your head the second you step in. But take a step back, hair should be soaking wet first. Think about it: the same way a dirty pot is easier to clean after a soak in warm water, your hair and scalp will be much more receptive to cleansing once every part is wet.
Shampooing the ends. Don't do this. Focus shampoo on the scalp where oil is produced. Refrain from reenacting your own personal Herbal Essences commercial and lathering all your hair into a big soapy pouf. Then ends of your hair are the driest, and shampoo will only draw out more moisture. (The same rule applies to conditioner, but reversed: No need to apply to your roots, which will only make them greasy. Target the drier, more tangly ends.)
Washing too often or not enough. We read all the time that you should space out washes as long as possible, but it's not a one-size-fits-all rule here. Some can go a week, while others need to wash everyday. Know your hair type and when it needs cleansing. Experiment by stretching out or increasing washes, and see how your hair responds. Curly hair tends to be more dry and can go longer without washes, while straighter hair can look greasier sooner. Those who are more active and exercise regularly should find a formulation that gentle enough for everyday use. Also, if you have an aversion to fluffy, freshly-washed hair, spot treat areas of the scalp that tend to get oiler first -- particularly around the crown and the top of the head.
Letting residue build up. Dull, blah hair? Do you load in lots of stylers and hairspray every day? After a while that product will start to build up and weigh hair down. Clarify once every few weeks to give your hair a fresh start (any more than that isn't necessary). You don't need to strip your hair to make sure it's squeaky-clean. Find a formula that will get rid of product, but won't dry out your hair's natural moisture. Hair that's entirely deplete of moisture will overcompensate by producing more oil.