Dry Shampoo Has Revolutionized Beauty Industry, But Is It Safe?

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Dry shampoo is the styling secret many women swear by, allowing them to skip their daily hair wash.

But a picture posted by Nicole Baxter on Facebook and shared 33,000 times has all dry shampoo users scratching their heads.

Baxter's dermatologist and doctor blamed dry shampoo for a large bald patch on her head.

The post led to dozens of articles and blogs asking: is dry shampoo dangerous?

Skin specialists say it's not the dry shampoo itself that is the problem, but rather the misuse and overuse.

"Dry shampooing used in excess can create a build-up layer on the scalp," said Marc Dauer, a hair restoration surgeon in Century City.

He says dry shampoo can possibly lead to infection if used too much.

"Which can then end up clogging the pores of the scalp and could then possibly lead to folliculitis which is infection in the scalp and subsequent loss of those hair follicles," he said.

But Dauer says this could be the case with any leave-in product.

"Any leave-in product for the hair should be used judiciously because it can lead to build-up and unhealthy hair," he said.

Experts say using dry shampoo once or twice a week is OK. They suggest applying it six inches from your head and spraying it on the root, and not the scalp.

Batiste, the company that makes the product that Baxter blamed for her bald spot, says it's safe, meets all regulations, and advise users who have a sensitivity to it to stop using it.

The company issued the following statement:

"Thank you for reaching out. Batiste Dry Shampoo is committed to producing quality products which are used every day by millions of loyal customers globally. We would like to assure our customers that all Batiste Dry Shampoo products comply with all government regulations. As with any beauty product, use only as directed and discontinue use if any sensitivity occurs. For any questions or concerns, please contact our Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-952-5080."