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I’ve talked about layering products before (read this extensive detailed post!) but I thought I’d run through a few FAQ’s about layering texture sprays and dry shampoos.

First off all, let’s talk about the top 2 products in both of those categories in my book.

For some reason the game Scattergories just struck me and I used to absolutely dominate in that game as a kid.

My favorite dry shampoo is, drum roll please, Living Proof PhD Dry Shampoo. Why? Because it cleans, it doesn’t have an overpowering aroma, it’s light, and it’s invisible.

And next up,  my favorite texturizing spray is Amika Un.Done Texture spray. Man it’s good. Adds bulk without weight, and defines the hair so nicely!

So, now that we’ve got those out of the way, let’s talk about application + layering.

For dry shampoo, a well known secret is to spray it in at your root area at night, so it works while you sleep! You could still re-apply in the morning, of course, but this method is really effective at absorbing oil.

When restyling on day 2 or 7, dry shampoo should be the FIRST thing you do to your hair. The closer it can get to the actual hair shaft and root area, the better.

For texture spray, if it’s in an aerosol, as many are, plan on using it dry. You could use it on damp hair but I wouldn’t recommend it. Dry, straight, naturally curly, or curled hair is the best base for it to be really effective. The purpose is to add definition and a light-weight texture so your hair doesn’t look sad and limp. Some texture sprays are waxier than others, and ultimately the choice is just in how much waxy definition you like versus a drier feeling texture spray!

Use texture spray BEFORE hairspray but after any smoothing/de-frizz products.

Got any other dry shampoo or texture spray questions? Leave them below!

More info about dry shampoo here and texture spray here!

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Anne MacPherson says · 04.14.16

Have you ever used dry shampoo on wet hair before you blow dry it out? I went to a new stylist and he suggested I do that. My hair is of course very fine. I have lots of it so it does weigh down easily. My problem seems to be by the end of the day my hair gets oily and flat. I’ve tried to stretch out the days (using tones of dry shampoo) which works but I go through a lot of dry shampoo. I find dry shampoo before blow drying helping to make my hair volumous throughout the day. And… Textured too! So hair elastics and bobby pins stay in place! 🙂 just wondering if doing this will damage my hair in any way?

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Brittany says · 04.14.16

Where is the best place to purchase these items?
Are they available at Cosmoprof or Salon Centric, or is it strictly Sephora or ulta?

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Tiffany says · 04.14.16

I have purchased the dry shampoo from Sephora and ulta. It’s also available from the living proof website. I have purchased Amika’s undone texture spray and their flexible hold hairspray from Amazon.com.

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Kendra says · 04.14.16

I am looking for something to spray on my hair after I dry it to help hold curl until I can put texturizing spray on. my hair is pretty frizzy after drying (maybe it’s my shampoo). Thank you for any suggestions!

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Debi says · 04.14.16

Me too!

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Allena says · 04.14.16

Have you tried using a diffuser when you dry your hair?

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Jessica says · 04.14.16

Hi,
I was using a DeLorenzo product called ‘Salt Spray’ I think it was a texture spray and I love it … but my scalp did not. In fact my hair dresser has completely banned me from using it as it dried my scalp out so much!
I love the way the product gave me bulk though. I’m wondering if you can recommend any texture sprays that don’t dry out the scalp?
Thanks!

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Tiffany says · 04.14.16

The Amika spray that Kate suggests has not dried out my scalp at all. I apply similarly to how Kate has in her videos, and haven’t had dry scalp from it. I have a lot of fine, frizzy hair and I struggled to get curling iron curls to stay all day. Adding this texturizing spray keeps the curls all day long! If you find it is still happening maybe try not using it on the bottom of your hair, and not on your scalp. I don’t use this on my scalp so much. For bulk, I use Aquage uplifting foam which was also recommended by Kate. Check out her YouTube channel if you don’t want to click through the menu’d sections here. All her videos should be under “hair” and super easy to find.

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Jessica says · 04.14.16

Thanks so much Tiffany! I’ll try the amika product. Unfortunately I can’t get Aquage as I’m in Australia and it’s not available. ?

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Katyana says · 04.14.16

I have been using Oribe texturizing spray for a while an LOVE it…but don’t love the price;( I didn’t know if you’ve ever tried Oribe and if Amika works just as well? Amika is half the price which would be fabulous with as quickly as I ca go through a bottle! Thank you!!!;)

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Heather says · 04.14.16

Love the Oribe too, but hate the price!! Amika’s scent was too strong for me, but Living Proof’s isn’t too bad.

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Colleen says · 04.14.16

This isn’t exactly about dry shampoo, but it is about making my morning routine easier! I was wondering how often it’s okay to use a leave-in conditioner? I like to do so because it speeds up my shower time and my blow-dry time.

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Allison says · 04.14.16

Hi! I’m a long time reader, and I’ve tried virtually all of your hair tutorials. I have thick, straight hair that seems to act much like yours after a blow dry. I use many of the products you’ve recommended including texture sprays, but I feel like my hair always ends up looking straight & limp. Your hair looks incredibly soft, and full of body.

When I run my fingers through my soft waves, they separate in a way that doesn’t look nice, and leaves my hair straight & limp at the top, with some frizzy curls at the bottom. I’ve watched your videos over & over, and I seem to be doing things the way you’re doing them, but I’m not getting the same soft, pretty results. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

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Lisa says · 04.14.16

I have the same problem and don’t understand what I’m doing wrong.

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Aileen says · 04.14.16

I LOVE both the Living Proof dry shampoo and Amika Undone but do you have any drugstore recommendations for dry shampoo? I use it often and the price is a little high to use on the regular.

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Anne says · 04.14.16

The Salon Grafix dry spray shampoo is amazing! I love the texture it leaves, and it’s the only “drugstore” dry shampoo I’ve found to actually make my hair seem cleaner and not overpowered with scent. It’s about $7 at Walgreens as well as Amazon. I have dark hair and it doesn’t leave a white or powdery residue. Love!

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Karin says · 04.14.16

I actually prefer Suave dry shampoo. I have tried them all and always come back to Suave.

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Jessica Horton says · 04.14.16

I love “Not Your Mothers Dry Shampoo” It’s cheap, and can be found at Ulta!

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Renee McCranie says · 04.16.16

Yes! It’s the best! I’ve tried Suave, Tresemme, Dove, Pantene, Aussie, and I come back to “Not your Mother’s Clean Freak” ❤️

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Bethy says · 04.14.16

Thank you ladies! This was my question too. I was super excited to try the Living Proof and while it’s quite good, I seem to need a fair bit and the bottle is pretty small. Overall I was underwhelmed. I’m going to give a few of your suggestions a try, maybe a combo will help me get more mileage out of the Living Proof. Love the Amika Texture spray, I wish it wasn’t such a hassle to buy in Canada – I get one bottle and ration every spritz!

Great post-whether I love the products or not, I’m never sorry to try a Kate recommendation!

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McCall J says · 04.14.16

My favorite drug store dry shampoos are 1. Batiste and 2. Suave I actually think Batiste is even better than Living Proof (and smells better too!)!

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Breanna C says · 04.14.16

I have tried many dry shampoos, including the expensive ones,but I would say my top favorite is Dove’s dry shampoo. It is under $7. I believe around $5. A CLOSE second/third are suave and tresemme. These three are cheap (under $7) and work great and smell great. For all the hype and cost, the expensive ones don’t wow me usually.

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Lisa says · 04.15.16

My favourite is Marc Anthony’s invisible dry shampoo. I have wavy hair that I literally only brush in the shower every second day, so I can’t use the ones with white powder. I’m in Canada and get it at Superstore for $10, though last time it was on sale for 5.99!!

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Tiffany says · 04.14.16

Living proof dry shampoo actually converted me into a dry shampoo lover after having many failed attempts at a good dry shampoo. Baby powder I used before I even knew they made dry shampoo years ago, and before living proof this would be my method. The one decent one I had some success with was Garnier Fructis’s. The smell is lovely.

Drug store texture sprays that I use so that I don’t spend a ton of money on Amika’s are Not Your Mother’s (amazing smell, I like the smell better than Amika) but the product isn’t as good. Another decent texturizing spray is Gardier Fructis’s. You have to use a lot more than Amika’s but I think both are definitely do-able more regularly if the higher end products are tough to always afford like they are for me.

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Stefanie says · 04.14.16

I’ve heard some scary things about dry shampoo like it building up on your scalp and causing irritation and to the extreme hair fallout in some cases. Do you have any thoughts about this? I love Living Proof’s dry shampoo and hope that using a more high quality product will help me avoid these problems.

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Allie Byars says · 04.14.16

I use baby powder in my hair (I have dark brown hair and it doesn’t show. I sprinkle it on the night before or first thing in the morning if I forget. I rub it into my scalp then do my makeup and get ready then deal with my hair. I’ve used my wand and curling iron on it with no problems too. I am looking for a texturizing spray though. I have fine hair and lots of it. I have a salt spray I love for scrunched waves but if I use it more than once a week it make my head itch too.

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Tiffany says · 04.14.16

If you can’t afford Amika’s- I have used Gardier Fructis’s texture spray and although I have to use more of the product, I am really pleased with the results. I also have lots of fine hair. Try not to use the texturizing spray so close to your scalp if it makes it itchy. I use mine from the ends up.

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Becky says · 04.14.16

http://m.cvs.com/shop/beauty/hair-care/styling/cvs-pro-results-volumize-texture-spray-8-oz-prodid-1013650?skuId=968815

This is a great product for anyone who wants to try a texture spray but doesn’t want to spend a lot. I spray it all through my fine hair, brush through and then curl or flat iron.

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Laura Noll says · 04.14.16

The tip to apply dry shampoo before bed has changed my hair life forever! It almost completely prevents my fine hair from getting oily at all, where normally it’s disgustingly oily in the morning. I use Batiste, as well as whatever dry shampoo I might get in a birchbox.

And thank you for mentioning the Tarte 30% off on their website! I ordered some cool stuff I can’t wait to try, including a blush you recommended yesterday and Lash Paint Mascara. (:

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Taylor McFarland says · 04.14.16

Hi Kate! I have absolutely loved reading your blog for years! I have a hard time with dry shampoo. I feel like they all do the opposite and add that greasy look rather than combat against it. Am I crazy for feeling this way? I would love to find one that actually helps me wear day 2 hair. I’ve never tried living proof, do you think this one would do the trick for me?

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Elizabeth Daisy says · 04.14.16

I love dry shampoo also lovely, I’ve never heard of the products you mentioned before but definitely want to try these now you’ve said how fabulous they are.

Elizabeth xo | Elizabeth-Daisy.com

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Laura Neaves says · 04.14.16

Aveda makes a great dry shampoo as well! I love it.

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Jillian says · 04.14.16

I have tried the Amika texture spay and liked it, but was wishing it had a bit more texture. Any recommendations for a texture spray with a bit more grip, but that is still a dry finish and not waxy? Thanks Kate, I have tried so many of your product recommendations!

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Hailee H. says · 04.14.16

Hi Kate!

I’ve been using the Living Proof Dry Shampoo, and I do really like it. But sometimes I feel like I still have greasy roots after using it (usually at the top or crown (?) of my head). Am I not using enough? Am I using too little? This has been a very dramatic inner struggle for me while getting ready in the mornings, hah!

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Elizabeth H. says · 04.14.16

For naturally curly hair, should a dry shampoo routine be different? Obviously brushing through naturally very curly hair is impossible. Will that make dry shampoo ineffective? Thanks!

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Lisa says · 04.15.16

Use an invisible dry shampoo, not the ones that leave a white powder and require you to brush it out. I literally only brush my hair in the shower every other day, so this dry shampoo I use either the night before, or even in the morning. I like the Marc Anthony one, but I’m in Canada so I buy it at Superstore for $10.

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Lynn says · 04.14.16

I have both Living Proof & Amika dry shampoos, have tried Dove, Tresseme, and Suave. My problem is my hair feels filthy after using ANY of them, plus it looks very dry & frizzy. I don’t know what I am doing wrong, and I follow the instructions perfectly!so frustrating!

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Julie Fiehler says · 04.14.16

Where does a “dry conditioner” fit in the routine? My hair seems to get drier as time goes on between shampoos. Thanks!!

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Jodi says · 04.15.16

I always worry about the residue from dry shampoo getting on my hot curling iron since it’s clay based. Are there any issues with this? I hadn’t thought about using it the night before. Maybe that would be less of a risk.

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Mel says · 04.18.16

Thank you so much. If been on the hunt for a good dry shampoo! Purchasing your recommendation asap 🙂

Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

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DeAnn says · 04.26.16

Just now reading this thread. My friend swears by Batiste Dry shampoo. http://www.amazon.com/Batiste-Shampoo-Original-Ounce-Packaging/dp/B00TB00DK2/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1461719774&sr=8-3&keywords=dry+shampoo

It’s super cheap on Amazon and she and her sister-in-law think it’s the greatest…and her hair always looks great. You can get different scents and also get a spray for blondes or brunettes…maybe it deposits a little color? Has anyone else tried this? I’d love a product that works just as well as Living Proof but is literally 1/5 the price! Seems to have similar ingredients…one does not seem more natural than the other. Thoughts?

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