Dry shampoo has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. When you haven’t washed your hair in a while, it’s great to have hair care products that help it look fresh! During long days with small children, we are lucky to be able to shower and use the bathroom on our own every day.
If you’re going to use a product (almost) every day, it’s important that it a) works and b) contains safe ingredients. But if you look at the label of most store-bought dry shampoos, you’ll see ingredients like isobutane, aluminum, and propane.
It’s easy to make natural dry shampoo from scratch using a few simple ingredients you already have on hand. Homemade dry shampoo is about 95% cheaper, so not only does it save you money, but it also eliminates the need to put toxic chemicals on your hair.
How to make dry shampoo at home
The basic idea of dry shampoo powder (or wet “dry” shampoo, see variations below) is to apply an oil-absorbing substance, such as baby powder, baking soda, arrowroot, or cornstarch, to oily hair. Absorbs excess oil, leaving it refreshed and adding volume to fine hair.
Until the cancer lawsuits, baby powder was made from talcum powder (which is high in asbestos). Currently, baby powder is usually made from genetically modified cornstarch. In my opinion, neither is a great option.
I have blonde hair so I only use arrowroot powder and a few drops of essential oil. If you have light hair, these two natural ingredients will work wonders. If you have darker hair, such as brown or dark brown hair, you can mix in cocoa powder to get a darker shade. You can also use cocoa powder in homemade eyeshadow.
If you have really dark hair, you may want to try adding activated charcoal to darken your hair color. The exact amount to use depends on your hair color.
Bonus: Dry shampoo is also very helpful if you’re styling your hair and need to hold it. Dirty hair has better hold than clean hair, but it doesn’t have to look dirty. In fact, for my upcoming wedding, I’m going to wear my natural hair, unwashed for 3 days (I’d love that visual!)
Essential oils that have added benefits for your hair
Essential oils are more than just a delicious scent. They also have powerful health benefits. Add rosemary and cedarwood essential oils to aid hair growth. Try tea tree and peppermint for dandruff.
Here’s the official “recipe” that you can customize to suit your hair type.
DIY dry shampoo
Create non-toxic dry shampoo in minutes as it absorbs natural oils and reduces hair washing time. Perfect for blondes, brunettes and even dark hair.
yield: 2 ounce
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makeup brush
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4 oz glass bottle
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Place kudzu or kudzu and cocoa powder in a small jar. For light hair, use 4 TBSP of kudzu and for dark hair, use only 2 TBSP.
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Add essential oil and mix.
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Use a makeup brush to apply it to the roots and oily areas of your hair. A brush is optional, but it eliminates the need for combing and is a great way to style your hair. If you don’t want to use a brush, comb the powder into your hair and style as usual.
To make a spray that acts as a dry shampoo, add 1 cup of warm distilled water and 1/4 cup of vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel to the recipe above. Spray on roots and oily areas of hair, let dry, and style as usual. Shake before use.
Prefer the spray version? As an alternative to aerosol dry shampoo, add water and alcohol to the recipe above. Here’s how:
Wet “dry” shampoo options
Wet-dry shampoo uses the same concept, but puts an oil-absorbing substance in a rapidly evaporating liquid like vodka or rubbing alcohol.
What to do: Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle and mix well. Shake well before use and spray on roots and oily areas of hair. Let dry and style as usual.
bonus tips
- Arrowroot or cornstarch can be used as a finishing powder in homemade makeup or as an oil-absorbing powder for the skin. I keep a mason jar of kudzu on my counter and use it as dry shampoo for my hair and to set my makeup.
- If you have dark hair but don’t want to use cocoa powder, use regular arrowroot and apply it the night before or at least 2 hours before going to bed. If you absorb it over time, you won’t get that fake gray look you get from wigs.
Do you use dry shampoo? What’s the best thing to do when you haven’t washed your hair for days? Share below!
