Dry shampoo may not take the place of real shampoo, but when you’re in a hurry, it’s a great way to eliminate grease, cover up odor, and even add some volume and shine. Dry shampoos work especially well on blond hair or ashy tones. If you have darker hair you might find the powder takes away some of your shine. Still, it’s a small price to pay for getting rid of that greasy look. Here’s how to use a dry shampoo the right way.

I’m a busy woman with lots of responsibilities, and like busy women everywhere, I sometimes find it difficult to make time for even basic tasks like washing my hair. Since I’ve discovered how to use dry shampoo properly, I’ve been able to juggle my hectic schedule while still looking put-together and professional.

1. What it is. If you’re not familiar with dry shampoo, it has a powder-like consistency (not unlike baby powder) that works by absorbing excess oils on your hair and scalp. As its name suggests, it doesn’t require you to get your hair wet, which means it’s a quick fix when you’re in a time bind. For example, I like to squeeze a little “me time” into my day with a lunch-hour workout, and I use dry shampoo to revive my strands before heading back to the office. It’s also a great product for busy new moms who are short on sleep. Several different brands of dry shampoo are available, but I prefer Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo. You can find dry shampoo online or at your local salon.

2. First things first. I like to wash my hands before applying dry shampoo to avoid transferring more dirt and oil to my hair.

3. Applying the product. You can apply dry shampoo directly to your roots using an applicator bottle and working it through with a comb, but I prefer to use my hands for a more even application. I start by shaking the bottle to remove any clumps and then squeeze about a tablespoon of the dry shampoo powder into my hand. I’ve found its best to do this over a sink if possible because it can get a bit messy. I run my hands together to spread the powder out more evenly and apply it to strands from root to tip, making sure to cover any areas that look greasy. A few specks on your clothes will brush off without leaving a mark, but if you spill a larger amount, try to blow or shake it off rather than rubbing it in. A dampened towel can help to remove any resulting marks on clothing.

4. Working it through. After applying dry shampoo, I like to work it in thoroughly by continuing to run my hands through my hair until it the powder has completely dissolved. After I apply the product to the top of my head, I flip my head upside down and massage some into my scalp at the roots. If you scrunch up your roots before flipping your head upright, you’ll also get some added volume.