The Style File

The hair revolution is coming (no shower required)

For years, it's been a secret limited to Europeans, time-crunched multi-taskers and beauty-product obsessives.

Sure, women's magazines would mention dry shampoo as a miracle product that could change your life. But magazines also tell women to put toothpaste on zits (bad idea), incorporate ice into sexual escapades (worse idea), and fake a French accent to become more interesting to men in bars.

(Memo to Cosmopolitan: It's very difficult to hold up a believable French accent, especially when drinking and under heavy questioning.)

So dry shampoo has been the secret of the few, hiding in the back of Sephora and limited to expensive boutique brands like Oscar Blandi, Frédéric Fekkai, Klorane and TIGI, whose version is fittingly known as 'Dirty Secret.'

But now TreSemmé has launched a line of dry shampoo and hair revitalizers called Fresh Start, aiming to bring the third-day wash to the masses.

As a testament to ignorance of the product, the TreSemmé commercial essentially explains the entire concept. "Traditional shampoo is designed to help remove oil, odor and dirt, but requires rinsing. New TreSemmé Fresh Start cleans and refreshes hair without rinsing with water!"

It's a neat, if not totally accurate description designed to convince that you're not skipping out on washing your hair, just rinsing it. It's not a shortcut, it's new technology!

To be fair, while dry shampoo is awesome, it won't give you perfectly shower fresh hair. What it will do is sop up any excess oil, so no one is tempted to put a derrick on your head, and add just enough clean moisture to give you some sway in styling it. But there's no magic pill for volume, and without washing, hair still has a messy, textured vibe — think boho babe, not uptown girl.

TreSemmé has upped the game by creating different formulas — a spray for straight hair, a foam for curly and a mist topper for either.

As for me, I'll probably stick with my fancy powder. And whether a major marketing campaign can convince Americans that cleanliness is not next to godliness (when it comes to your tresses, that is) has yet to be seen.

Are you into dry shampoo? Do you think it's weird or the next big thing?

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LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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