Hair care products to use when you're too lazy to shampoo

There are a few things everyone thinks about when they are desperately trying to fall asleep. Will the Game Of Thrones prequel be as good as the OG show? Should I quit my job and open a cafe on a beach in Bali? And one that I am sure everyone has thought of at some point or another—“If I washed my hair two days ago, how long do I have until it’s a hot, greasy mess up there? 

We are a very 'have your cake and eat it too' kind of generation. We want our hair to be its happiest self all the time without actually having to wash it every day. And realistically, we can’t wash our hair every day. Not only will that dry out our hair by blocking our natural sebum production but also who has the time? It’s an age-old conundrum. One that we’re here to help you through. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite products that will give you the washed-hair feeling without you having to go through an intense arm workout.  

Side note: These products are not alternatives to shampoo and conditioner. They are just quick solutions on the in-between wash days when you need to look presentable while internally maintaining your lazy-girl aesthetic. 

Morrocanoil’s Dry Shampoo Dark Tones Hair Spray 

This dry shampoo by Morronoil is a cleansing spray formulated to absorb oil, get rid of buildup and odour. It is developed especially for dark hair and does not leave a chalky residue or a greasy texture behind. To use, shake the can well and hold it 6-8 inches away from your hair. Then comb it out. 

For all the days you partake in a literal snoozefest and wake up to 3 anxiety-inducing calls from your boss, this product will be your knight in shining bottle. 

₹2,160

Olaplex’s No. 7 Bonding Oil

Beauty fanatics have a few ground rules that they follow. One of them is to never use a styling tool on your hair before applying a base or a heat protectant product, no matter how you’re running against time. And while there are some amazing products readily available, Olaplex’s No 7 Bonding Oil is a cult favourite. It’s truly the product you need on days you need to style your hair without washing it first. 

Formulated with green tea oil, this vegan styling oil has a lightweight yet concentrated formula that repairs, strengthens and hydrates all hair types. It visibly increases shine and colour vibrancy while keeping frizz far, far away. 

₹2,950

Ouai Wave Spray

Who said you couldn’t have perfectly imperfect beachy waves even on the days you’re skipping a hair wash? Enter the Ouai Wave Spray. The product you didn’t know your haircare shelf was calling out to. The beauty of this wave spray is its weightless texture. It is infused with rice protein that holds and protects the hair fibre from damage. It’s great for the days you need to revive your style on non-hair wash days. 

Don’t forget to shake the container before using it and dampen your hair a little. When it comes to the Ouai Wave Spray, little goes a long way. 

₹2,200

Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo

If dry shampoos were Pokemon, this one by Briogeo would be the evolved version of it. It uses Binchotan charcoal to extract the impurities from the scalp and detoxify your scalp and hair. We’re not saying it’s an alternative to actual shampoo and water. But this product is an investment for all those in-between days. 

This dry shampoo comprises a blend of clay, tapioca and rice starches which absorbs excess oil at the root itself and extends the life of your blow-out. It also contains Witch Hazel extract and 'super-vitamin' biotin which helps to normalize oil production and provides all the necessary nutrients your hair needs. 

₹2,310

The Earth Collective’s Overnight Hair Illuminator 

The Earth Collective’s overnight hair illuminator is godsend on the days you need fresh-looking hair but don’t have the time to go through an elaborate routine. Enriched with pine bark which helps to add sheen to hair, soya protein which is a natural conditioner, and Rosemary which nourishes hair follicles, this product turns your unruly hair into something that is a hundred times more manageable. 

There is a catch though. As the name suggests, this overnight hair illuminator needs to be applied a night before you need your hair to look fresh and well-put-together. 1-2 drops go a long way. When applying, avoid the scalp and work your way down to the tips. And don’t fret, this leave-in product does not leave behind that dreaded greasy feeling. 

₹900

Arata’s Advanced Curl Care Detangling Spray

Do you know what happens to curls when you wash them too often? They look limp, lifeless and frizzy. But not washing your hair doesn’t mean your curls can’t be refreshed and given some excess TLC. And that’s what Arata’s Advanced Curl Care Detangling Spray is for. 

It is formulated with the gooey goodness of hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture, barley extracts that strengthen hair follicles, vitamin E, and niacinamide that aids in healthy hair growth. Arata’s Curl Advanced spray not only refreshes your curls but also makes it easier for you to detangle hair. Think—no more screaming matches with yourself. This multi-talented product also strengthens hair fibers and reduces breakage. It’s the secret to having straight-out-the-shower fresh curls even on the sixth no-hair wash day. 

₹539