This dry shampoo is soaking up every last drop of summer.
By FP contributor, Gwen Attridge.
As it always does, summer has come and gone (almost) with the blink of an eye. It feels like just yesterday I was still layering up. Now we’re all in the thick of shorts-wearing, sweat-beading days that turn from bright, sunny mornings, to sweltering afternoons, to chilled nights that never seem to end. We pack a lot into these days, but we’re happy to. It’s summer, the time where worries seem to dwindle behind beach days, long walks, and hours outside.
With that said, it’s hard to stay looking fresh when you just finished your at-home pilates video and dinner is in 30. Yikes. So I can take a quick body shower to wash off this sweat but there’s no way I have time for a double-shampoo and condition of my long, thick, non-cooperative hair. Welcome to my daily struggle (which I’ll take you through day by day in a minute). Enter: Summary’s Lavender Dry Shampoo, my new summer savior, that will get me through the last (sweaty and oily) moments that this beloved season has to offer.
As it always does, summer has come and gone (almost) with the blink of an eye. It feels like just yesterday I was still layering up. Now we’re all in the thick of shorts-wearing, sweat-beading days that turn from bright, sunny mornings, to sweltering afternoons, to chilled nights that never seem to end. We pack a lot into these days, but we’re happy to. It’s summer, the time where worries seem to dwindle behind beach days, long walks, and hours outside.
With that said, it’s hard to stay looking fresh when you just finished your at-home pilates video and dinner is in 30. Yikes. So I can take a quick body shower to wash off this sweat but there’s no way I have time for a double-shampoo and condition of my long, thick, non-cooperative hair. Welcome to my daily struggle (which I’ll take you through day by day in a minute). Enter: Summary’s Lavender Dry Shampoo, my new summer savior, that will get me through the last (sweaty and oily) moments that this beloved season has to offer.
Let’s get one thing straight: I am a fully-blown, unashamed, consistent user of dry shampoo. I’m a firm believer in not washing your hair every single day, mostly because of my busy summer schedule and, on top of that, knowing it’s not great for your hair and its natural oils. I also have had bangs since 2018, and my fellow haircut twins know that forehead + bangs = automatic oily mess, even after one day of washing. All of these circumstances have led me to be an avid fan of dry shampoo, and it has been a product in my daily rotation for a while.
However, the conversations surrounding dry shampoo recently have definitely sent me into a bit of a tailspin. I’m a person who is generally conscious of ingredients in the products I use and the food I eat. I like knowing what's going in my hair, on my face, and into my body. So when questions arose about ingredients – like benzene – in the popular dry shampoo brands I’ve been using, I panicked. This is not good news for a greasy-haired girl. I have tried to steer away from using it, but the summer is a horrible time to try to break it off with your oil-absorbing friend.
Then I found this petite bottle from Summary, who did not look like its tall, tin, aerosol counterparts. Disguised as what looks like a facial-cleanser bottle, with a pump and all, I was perplexed. How does this thing work? What I didn’t know at the time is that this little bottle was the exact thing I was looking for, despite its unfamiliar form. The non-aerosol pump eliminates harsh chemicals, and the ingredient list is much more promising and comforting than those I used before. Arrowroot and bamboo to absorb oil, butterfly pea flower (which I love in my fun beverages) to provide antioxidant protection, and lavender flower extract for a natural, calming scent you’ll obsess over. Sounds pretty good, right? But I know what you’re thinking: “Does it really get the job done?” I tested this during one of my busiest, most active weeks to give you the real, honest truth about my new replacement:
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 1 of at-home pilates challenge, quick walk, stretch, out to dinner
I made it a goal of mine to be particularly active this week. Working from home keeps me pretty sedentary; plus I have been in that lazy summer slump, so my body was in desperate need to get moving again. I suited up in my favorite FP Movement gear (a cute outfit makes working out more fun!), and followed this really great pilates challenge on Youtube. After I had finished my day’s work, I put down my mat and dedicated that time to my body for 10-20 minutes. I broke a nice sweat, which always feels great and rewarding. I had some time and was feeling motivated, so I went for a walk around my local reservoir and came home and did a nice stretch. I told myself I would do the challenge and stretch everyday at least, and walk when I had time.
I got done with work at 5, and my dinner plans were coming up quickly at 6:30. I am notoriously late, but I didn’t want to keep my friend waiting. In comes the “body shower,” because there was no way I could fit in a hair wash, nor did I want to since I washed it yesterday. Most of it looked fine, but my bangs were coated with grease. I picked up the pump bottle and aimed it at my roots. Tiny spurts of powder cover the strands in a surprisingly controlled fashion. The smell was amazing. I massaged it in, working it through to the bottom, and behold: my style, restored. There was little to no residue, and I kept checking throughout the night to see if the grease showed through or if my hair looked white, and nothing. It did its job!
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 2 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, errands, concert
So I carried on with the same routine. Staying active everyday definitely makes it harder to stay fresh, but breaking a sweat the day before left me feeling amazing after. I did my same routine, minus the walk because I had to run out and grab some things before a concert later. I wanted to look presentable and non-sweaty while running my errands, so I quick-changed out of my workout clothes into a sundress, got my trusty bottle, and this time tested it on my whole head (hello day 2 hair). It’s nice because the nozzle really helps me concentrate on certain areas more than a spray can. It left a fresh feeling that was amazing in contrast to my sweaty post-workout hair. I felt confident and ready to take on the night.
I decided to really test the lengths of this product, and hopped into another body shower before the event, leaving my hair untouched. I put some more pumps into my hair and gave it the sweatiest challenge: an outdoor concert. I actually threw it into my bag for retouches, and it fit perfectly.
Results: Only 1 reapplication, multiple compliments on my hair, and bangs that looked actually presentable after the lights went up and it was time to go home.
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 3 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, home-cooked dinner
I’m SUPER proud of myself that I kept up with being active to this point. And I’m happy I had a product by my side that made it easier to incorporate this lifestyle into my busy schedule. Shoutout dry shampoo, for real. But it was time for a full shower after last night. I remembered to feel my hair before I got in, with lots of this product in it. I was surprised that it felt soft still, and not the weird, almost uncomfortable feeling of normal dry shampoo leaves. While you can definitely feel some fall-out of the powder, it’s nice to know it didn’t all disintegrate and it was still doing its thing, absorbing all the oil leftover for my super fun night.
I was starting to talk to my friends about the product in our group chat, where we always send things we’ve seen make a huge difference. My one friend sent an ingrown solution last week, my other friend sent a lip oil she just bought, so it was my time to let the word out about this gem. They all seemed to be in the same boat as me, looking for a new alternative to aerosol cans, and they were excited to learn that this option smelt good and was in cute packaging.
With fresh hair from the night before, I worked out again. It was a pretty low-intensity workout, so I didn’t break too much of a sweat. My hair was still feeling good for my movie date with my boyfriend, but my bangs needed freshening up again from sitting on my oily forehead all day. And my Summary bottle sat waiting for me, ready to help me out. I specifically asked my boyfriend when he picked me up: “Does my hair look greasy? I just worked out.” The response: “No, it looks nice.” Mic drop.
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 5 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, chill backyard drinks
Friday: the last day of my challenge before my weekend rest days. I gave myself a pat on the back for making it. I found myself feeling eager to be on my mat every day, which is a change I’m happy to see. I loved putting on my fun activewear every morning, and feeling a heightened sense of motivation. Part of working out that was never appealing to me was the sticky feeling after. I always feel my best when I take my self-care and pampering seriously, so I feel fresh while still checking off everything on my to-do list. I was able to figure out my timing, prioritizing quick body showers and giving my hair a break when it was needed or I was lacking time. The Summary Lavender Dry Shampoo allowed me to have more freedom and flexibility during my busiest summer days, and quickly became a staple in my routine.
Now it’s your turn to try this late summer essential, so you can squeeze the most out of those last summer days, and your last hair wash.
However, the conversations surrounding dry shampoo recently have definitely sent me into a bit of a tailspin. I’m a person who is generally conscious of ingredients in the products I use and the food I eat. I like knowing what's going in my hair, on my face, and into my body. So when questions arose about ingredients – like benzene – in the popular dry shampoo brands I’ve been using, I panicked. This is not good news for a greasy-haired girl. I have tried to steer away from using it, but the summer is a horrible time to try to break it off with your oil-absorbing friend.
Then I found this petite bottle from Summary, who did not look like its tall, tin, aerosol counterparts. Disguised as what looks like a facial-cleanser bottle, with a pump and all, I was perplexed. How does this thing work? What I didn’t know at the time is that this little bottle was the exact thing I was looking for, despite its unfamiliar form. The non-aerosol pump eliminates harsh chemicals, and the ingredient list is much more promising and comforting than those I used before. Arrowroot and bamboo to absorb oil, butterfly pea flower (which I love in my fun beverages) to provide antioxidant protection, and lavender flower extract for a natural, calming scent you’ll obsess over. Sounds pretty good, right? But I know what you’re thinking: “Does it really get the job done?” I tested this during one of my busiest, most active weeks to give you the real, honest truth about my new replacement:
Monday
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 1 of at-home pilates challenge, quick walk, stretch, out to dinner
I made it a goal of mine to be particularly active this week. Working from home keeps me pretty sedentary; plus I have been in that lazy summer slump, so my body was in desperate need to get moving again. I suited up in my favorite FP Movement gear (a cute outfit makes working out more fun!), and followed this really great pilates challenge on Youtube. After I had finished my day’s work, I put down my mat and dedicated that time to my body for 10-20 minutes. I broke a nice sweat, which always feels great and rewarding. I had some time and was feeling motivated, so I went for a walk around my local reservoir and came home and did a nice stretch. I told myself I would do the challenge and stretch everyday at least, and walk when I had time.
I got done with work at 5, and my dinner plans were coming up quickly at 6:30. I am notoriously late, but I didn’t want to keep my friend waiting. In comes the “body shower,” because there was no way I could fit in a hair wash, nor did I want to since I washed it yesterday. Most of it looked fine, but my bangs were coated with grease. I picked up the pump bottle and aimed it at my roots. Tiny spurts of powder cover the strands in a surprisingly controlled fashion. The smell was amazing. I massaged it in, working it through to the bottom, and behold: my style, restored. There was little to no residue, and I kept checking throughout the night to see if the grease showed through or if my hair looked white, and nothing. It did its job!
Tuesday
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 2 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, errands, concert
So I carried on with the same routine. Staying active everyday definitely makes it harder to stay fresh, but breaking a sweat the day before left me feeling amazing after. I did my same routine, minus the walk because I had to run out and grab some things before a concert later. I wanted to look presentable and non-sweaty while running my errands, so I quick-changed out of my workout clothes into a sundress, got my trusty bottle, and this time tested it on my whole head (hello day 2 hair). It’s nice because the nozzle really helps me concentrate on certain areas more than a spray can. It left a fresh feeling that was amazing in contrast to my sweaty post-workout hair. I felt confident and ready to take on the night.
I decided to really test the lengths of this product, and hopped into another body shower before the event, leaving my hair untouched. I put some more pumps into my hair and gave it the sweatiest challenge: an outdoor concert. I actually threw it into my bag for retouches, and it fit perfectly.
Results: Only 1 reapplication, multiple compliments on my hair, and bangs that looked actually presentable after the lights went up and it was time to go home.
Wednesday
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 3 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, home-cooked dinner
I’m SUPER proud of myself that I kept up with being active to this point. And I’m happy I had a product by my side that made it easier to incorporate this lifestyle into my busy schedule. Shoutout dry shampoo, for real. But it was time for a full shower after last night. I remembered to feel my hair before I got in, with lots of this product in it. I was surprised that it felt soft still, and not the weird, almost uncomfortable feeling of normal dry shampoo leaves. While you can definitely feel some fall-out of the powder, it’s nice to know it didn’t all disintegrate and it was still doing its thing, absorbing all the oil leftover for my super fun night.
Thursday
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 4 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, movie dateI was starting to talk to my friends about the product in our group chat, where we always send things we’ve seen make a huge difference. My one friend sent an ingrown solution last week, my other friend sent a lip oil she just bought, so it was my time to let the word out about this gem. They all seemed to be in the same boat as me, looking for a new alternative to aerosol cans, and they were excited to learn that this option smelt good and was in cute packaging.
With fresh hair from the night before, I worked out again. It was a pretty low-intensity workout, so I didn’t break too much of a sweat. My hair was still feeling good for my movie date with my boyfriend, but my bangs needed freshening up again from sitting on my oily forehead all day. And my Summary bottle sat waiting for me, ready to help me out. I specifically asked my boyfriend when he picked me up: “Does my hair look greasy? I just worked out.” The response: “No, it looks nice.” Mic drop.
Friday
On the agenda: work 9-5, day 5 of at-home pilates challenge, stretch, chill backyard drinks
Friday: the last day of my challenge before my weekend rest days. I gave myself a pat on the back for making it. I found myself feeling eager to be on my mat every day, which is a change I’m happy to see. I loved putting on my fun activewear every morning, and feeling a heightened sense of motivation. Part of working out that was never appealing to me was the sticky feeling after. I always feel my best when I take my self-care and pampering seriously, so I feel fresh while still checking off everything on my to-do list. I was able to figure out my timing, prioritizing quick body showers and giving my hair a break when it was needed or I was lacking time. The Summary Lavender Dry Shampoo allowed me to have more freedom and flexibility during my busiest summer days, and quickly became a staple in my routine.
Now it’s your turn to try this late summer essential, so you can squeeze the most out of those last summer days, and your last hair wash.
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