Dry shampoo has become a popular solution for those seeking to extend the time between washes, helping to absorb excess oil and give volume to the hair. It’s an effective and convenient product for those looking to refresh their locks without the use of water. Many commercial dry shampoos are available on the market, but can you create a homemade version that achieves similar results?

The answer is yes, you can make homemade dry shampoo using simple ingredients found in your kitchen or pantry. The process is easy and allows you to customize the recipe to best suit your hair type and color. By creating your own dry shampoo, not only can you save money, but you can also avoid the chemicals and fragrances found in store-bought products, opting for more natural alternatives.

Benefits of Homemade Dry Shampoo

Homemade dry shampoo offers several advantages for those looking to save money, reduce their exposure to chemicals, and tailor the ingredients to suit their hair type and color. DIY dry shampoo is typically made using natural ingredients like arrowroot powder, cornstarch, essential oils, cocoa powder, activated charcoal, and cinnamon powder.

One benefit of using a homemade dry shampoo is its cost-effectiveness. Making it yourself can be more economical than purchasing commercial products, which often contain chemicals and may be expensive. By using simple, inexpensive ingredients, you can create an effective and less costly alternative to store-bought dry shampoos (Healthline).

Another advantage is the absence of harmful chemicals. Commercial dry shampoos can contain chemicals that may not be suitable for all hair types or could even cause negative side effects. DIY dry shampoos use natural ingredients like arrowroot powder and cornstarch to absorb excess oil, without exposing hair to potentially harmful substances.

Additionally, homemade dry shampoos can be customized to suit your specific hair color and scent preference. For example, cocoa powder can be used in the mixture for individuals with darker hair, while cinnamon powder or activated charcoal may be more suitable for red or brunette hair (Byrdie). Essential oils can also be added to the recipe to give a pleasant fragrance to the homemade dry shampoo.

Finally, using natural ingredients like activated charcoal in your DIY dry shampoo can provide additional benefits, such as relieving dandruff or redness on the scalp. The use of gentle, natural ingredients can be kinder to both hair and scalp, making homemade dry shampoo a healthier choice for your hair care routine (treehugger.com).

Ingredients and Alternatives

Arrowroot Powder and Cornstarch

Arrowroot powder and cornstarch are excellent natural alternatives for homemade dry shampoo recipes. Both ingredients are highly absorbent, making them effective at absorbing excess oil and grease from hair. To create a simple dry shampoo, combine equal parts of arrowroot powder or cornstarch with your choice of essential oil for an added scent.

Baking Soda and Activated Charcoal

Baking soda is another useful ingredient for homemade dry shampoos, as it helps neutralize odors and absorb oils. Mixing baking soda with activated charcoal can enhance the oil absorption and add color to the dry shampoo, making it suitable for darker hair tones. To create this dry shampoo, refer to this Good Housekeeping recipe that includes organic tapioca starch, food-grade diatomaceous earth, and organic activated charcoal powder.

Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon Powder

Cocoa powder and cinnamon powder are excellent options for adding natural color to your homemade dry shampoo, especially for brown or red hair tones. These powders can be combined with arrowroot powder or cornstarch to create a dry shampoo that blends well with various hair colors. Additionally, cocoa powder and cinnamon powder have a pleasant scent that can contribute to a refreshing hair experience.

Essential Oils

Incorporating essential oils into your homemade dry shampoo recipe can provide a pleasant aroma while also offering various benefits for hair care. For instance, lavender essential oil is known for promoting hair growth, while tea tree oil can help reduce dandruff. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the recipe for a personalized scent and added benefits.

Preparing Homemade Dry Shampoo

Making your own homemade dry shampoo is quite simple, and it only requires a few basic ingredients found in your pantry. Follow these steps for a convenient and functional DIY dry shampoo.

Choosing a Container

To store and use your DIY dry shampoo, you’ll need a suitable container. An empty, clean spice jar with a shaker top is an excellent option as it will allow you to sprinkle the powder directly onto your scalp easily. If you don’t have a spice jar with a shaker top, you can use a small, airtight container, and then use a makeup brush or a spoon to apply the dry shampoo to your hair.

Mixing Ingredients

The primary ingredient for your homemade dry shampoo is a powder base that will absorb excess oil from your scalp. Some commonly used powders include cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or cocoa powder for darker hair colors (Healthline). Other optional additions can be essential oils for a pleasant scent, such as lavender or peppermint (Dr. Axe).

For a basic dry shampoo recipe, start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch or arrowroot powder into a mixing bowl (DIY Natural). If you have dark hair, you can use cocoa powder instead. Now, if you wish to add some scent to your shampoo, mix in 3-4 drops of your preferred essential oil. Stir the ingredients well until the mixture is even.

Once you have thoroughly mixed the dry shampoo ingredients, transfer the mixture into your chosen container using a funnel. Your DIY dry shampoo is now ready for use!