Traditional dry shampoo is basically a lie. We’ve been conditioned to think that a quick blast of white aerosol powder—the kind that leaves you looking like you’ve been working in a flour mill—is the only way to save a second-day blowout. It isn't. In fact, if you have fine hair or a bob that goes limp the second humidity hits, that spray might be making your hair look flatter. Enter the R+Co dry shampoo paste, specifically known as Badlands. It is a weird, gritty, matte product that defies almost every rule of traditional hair care.
It’s a paste. But it’s a dry shampoo. Honestly, the first time you dig your finger into the jar, it feels wrong. It’s thick. It’s dense. Yet, once you rub it between your palms, it transforms into this volcanic ash-based power tool that absorbs oil while giving you the kind of "cool girl" texture that usually requires three days of not washing and a salty ocean breeze.
The Chemistry of Volcanic Ash and Zeolite
Most people don't realize that the "dry" in dry shampoo usually comes from rice starch or aluminum starch. Those are fine, but they’re light. They don't have "grip." The R+Co dry shampoo paste uses Hawaiian Volcanic Ash. This isn't just a marketing buzzword; volcanic ash is naturally porous and incredibly efficient at pulling pollutants and excess sebum off the scalp.
Then there is the Zeolite. This is a mineral that acts like a microscopic sponge. While aerosol sprays just sit on top of the hair strand, Zeolite in a paste format allows you to physically massage the product into the root. You aren't just masking the oil; you’re shifting the structure of the hair.
Think about the physics here. An aerosol disperses tiny particles across a wide area. A paste, however, allows for targeted application. You can put it exactly where the grease is—usually at the crown or the nape of the neck—without drying out your ends. If your ends are already fried from bleach or heat, the last thing they need is a dusting of starch. Badlands keeps the grit at the root and leaves the rest of your hair alone.
Why Most People Mess Up the Application
You can't use this like a pomade. If you scoop out a giant glob and smear it onto your part, you’re going to have a bad time. You’ll look like you haven't showered in a month, which is the opposite of the goal.
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Start small. I mean really small—like half a pea size.
Rub it vigorously between your fingertips until it feels warm and slightly less "solid." This friction is key. You’re activating the polymers. Then, instead of smoothing it over the top, you need to get your hands under the hair. Scuff it into the scalp. Use a scrubbing motion. This creates "lift" from the base. Because it’s a paste, it has a "memory." If you push your hair up, it stays up. Aerosols can't do that. They offer freshness, but they don't offer architecture.
Does it work for all hair types?
This is where the nuance comes in. If you have extremely thick, curly hair, you might find the "grip" a bit too intense. It can feel "tacky" if you use too much. However, for those with fine, limp, or oily-prone hair, this is a holy grail. It adds density. It makes a ponytail look three times thicker than it actually is.
- Fine Hair: Use it on day one. Don't wait for the oil. It acts as a styler that prevents the oil from ever taking over.
- Short Cuts/Pixies: It’s the only product you need. It replaces your wax and your dry shampoo.
- Dark Hair: Unlike many sprays, Badlands doesn't leave a white cast if you rub it in properly. The ash is dark-toned enough to disappear.
Addressing the "Grit" Factor
Let’s be real: some people hate the feeling of product in their hair. If you want your hair to feel silky and "run-your-fingers-through-it" soft, stay away from the R+Co dry shampoo paste. This product is about attitude. It’s about that slightly disheveled, matte look. It feels like there is something in your hair.
But that "something" is what gives you volume.
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The ingredient list also includes Coconut Oil and Argan Oil. This seems counterintuitive for a dry shampoo—why add oil to an oil-absorber? It’s for scalp health. Constant use of high-alcohol aerosols can lead to an itchy, flaky scalp. The inclusion of these oils ensures that while the ash is soaking up the bad stuff, your skin isn't being stripped raw. It’s a delicate balance.
The Sustainability and Health Angle
R+Co has always been pretty transparent about their formulations. Badlands is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. It’s formulated without parabens or sulfates. For many, the biggest selling point isn't even the hair—it’s the fact that it isn't an aerosol.
Aerosol cans are pressurized containers that often use butane or propane as propellants. Not only are these questionable for the environment, but inhaling a cloud of hairspray in a tiny bathroom every morning isn't exactly a wellness win. A paste is concentrated. One small tub of Badlands will easily outlast three or four cans of spray dry shampoo. You aren't paying for air and propellant; you’re paying for active ingredients.
What about the scent?
The scent is called "Relative Paradise." It’s a mix of Sicilian Lemon, Tangerine, Eucalyptus, and Tree Moss. It’s bright but earthy. It doesn't smell like a "hair product"; it smells like a high-end spa. This is a major departure from the cloying, artificial floral scents found in drugstore dry shampoos that tend to linger in a way that’s almost suffocating.
Practical Steps for Better Hair Days
If you’re ready to ditch the spray and move to a paste, here is exactly how to integrate it into your routine without the learning curve.
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1. The "Night Before" Hack
If you know you won't have time to wash your hair tomorrow, apply a tiny bit of the R+Co dry shampoo paste before you go to bed. As you toss and turn, the product works with your natural movements to absorb oil as it’s produced. You’ll wake up with volume instead of grease.
2. Focus on the "Hot Zones"
Don't apply it everywhere. Focus on the temples and the very top of your crown. These are the areas that reflect light and make hair look "dirty." By matting down these specific spots, the rest of your hair looks intentional.
3. Use it for Braids
If you're trying to do a Dutch braid or a fishtail and your hair is too "slippery," a tiny bit of paste on your fingertips will give you the control you need. It prevents the braid from sliding out halfway through the day.
4. Emulsify properly
Never put a clump directly on your head. Rub your hands together until the paste is almost invisible on your palms. If you see white streaks on your hands, you haven't rubbed them together enough.
5. Cleanse thoroughly
Because this product has "grip" and contains minerals like Zeolite, you need to make sure you're actually washing it out properly at the end of the week. Use a clarifying shampoo—R+Co’s Acid Wash is a great companion—to ensure no mineral buildup stays on the scalp.
The shift from liquids and sprays to solids and pastes is part of a larger trend in beauty toward concentration and efficacy. We are seeing it in solid perfumes, bar shampoos, and now, dry shampoo pastes. It’s a more tactile way of grooming. It requires you to actually touch your hair, to understand its texture, and to manipulate it with intent rather than just spraying and praying.
Whether you're trying to survive a long flight, a camping trip, or just a Tuesday where hitting the snooze button felt more important than a shower, the R+Co dry shampoo paste provides a level of control that most other products in the category simply cannot match. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about styling. It’s for the person who wants their hair to look better on day three than it did on day one. That’s a rare feat in the world of beauty, but with the right volcanic minerals and a bit of friction, it’s entirely possible.