Dry shampoo has become more and more popular over the years and I can see why. A hair care product that makes your hair look clean when it hasn't been washed in a while is a big help! During the long days with the little ones we are lucky use the bathroom only, much less showering every day…
If you use a product (almost) every day, it's important that it a) works and b) has safe ingredients! But look at the label on most store-bought dry shampoos and you'll find ingredients like isobutane, aluminum, and propane… no thanks!
It's easy to make natural dry shampoo from scratch with just a few simple ingredients you may already have on hand. Not only will you save money since homemade versions of dry shampoo are about 95% cheaper, but you also won't have to toxic chemicals in your hair!
How to make your own dry shampoo at home
The basic idea of a dry shampoo powder (or “dry” wet shampoo, see variant below) is to apply an oil-absorbing substance such as baby powder, baking soda, arrowroot, or cornstarch to oily hair. This absorbs excess oil, leaving it clean and helps fine hair look voluminous.
Until cancer lawsuits began to spread, baby powder was made from talcum powder (filled with asbestos). Now baby powder is usually made from GMO corn starch. Neither of these are great options in my book.
Since I have blonde hair, I only use arrowroot powder and a few drops of essential oils. If you have light hair, just using these two natural ingredients works wonders. Those with darker hair, such as chestnut or dark brown hair, can mix in a little cocoa powder for a darker shade. You can also use cocoa powder homemade eyeshadow.
Those with really dark and black hair can try adding activated charcoal to darken the mixture. The exact amount you use depends on your hair color.
Bonus: Dry shampoo is also very useful if you are going to style your hair and need to maintain it. Dirty hair holds better than clean hair, but it doesn't have to look dirty! In fact, for an upcoming wedding, I'll be wearing natural hair that hasn't been washed for three days (you're welcome for the visual!)
Essential oils for more hair benefits
Essential oils add more than just a delicious aroma! They also have powerful health benefits. To help with hair growth, add a little rosemary and cedarwood essential oil. For dandruff try tea tree and peppermint.
Here are the official “recipes” that can be adapted for your hair type:
DIY dry shampoo
Make non-toxic dry shampoo in minutes to absorb natural oils and reduce washing time. Great for blondes, brunettes, or even darker hair!
Yield: 2 ounce
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Makeup brush
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4 oz glass jar
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Place the arrowroot, or arrowroot and cocoa powder, in a small jar. Use 4 TBSP arrowroot for light hair and only 2 TBSP for dark hair.
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Add the essential oil and mix to combine.
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Apply with a make-up brush to the roots or oily parts of your hair. The brush is optional, but it eliminates the need to brush as much and is best for styled hair. If you don't use a brush, comb the powder through your hair and style as usual.
To make a spray that works like a dry shampoo, add 1 cup warm, distilled water and ¼ cup vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel to the recipe above. Spray on the roots or oily parts of the hair, let dry and style as usual. Shake before each use.
Prefer a spray version? Add some water and alcohol to the above recipe as an alternative to aerosol dry shampoos. Here's how:
“Dry” wet shampoo option.
A wet-dry shampoo uses the same concept, but puts the oil-absorbing substance in a fast-evaporating liquid like vodka or rubbing alcohol.
What to do: Mix all the ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well. Shake before each use and spray on the roots or oily parts of the hair. Allow to dry and style as usual.
Bonus tips
- You can use arrowroot or cornstarch as a finishing powder homemade makeup or as an oil-absorbing powder on the skin. I keep a jar full of arrows on my counter and use it as a dry shampoo in my hair and to set my makeup.
- If you have dark hair but don't want to use cocoa powder, just use regular arrows and apply before bed the night before or at least 2 hours before. With a little time to soak in, you won't get the fake-gray-as-a-wig look!
Do you use dry shampoo? What's your best trick for not washing my hair in days? Please share below!
