These easy DIY dry shampoo recipes work for light or dark hair. You'll only need a few ingredients, and you probably already have them in your pantry.
Equipment
mixing bowl
spoon
airtight jar
Ingredients
DIY Dry Shampoo Ingredients For Dark Hair
2 tbsp arrowroot powder (Or non-GMO cornstarch)
2-3 tbsp cacao powder (Or unsweetened cocoa powder)
cinnamon or activated charcoal (Optional tint – See notes section for more info)
9-12 drops essential oil (Optional – rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint are good options)
DIY Dry Shampoo Ingredients For Light Hair
¼ cup arrowroot powder (Or non-GMO cornstarch)
1 tsp cacao powder (Or unsweetened cocoa powder – you may or may not need this depending on the color of your hair. If it is very light blonde or gray/white you might want to skip it. See notes section for more info)
cinnamon or activated charcoal (Optional tint – See notes section for more info)
9-12 drops essential oil (Optional – rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint are good options)
Instructions
Add arrowroot powder/cornstarch and cacao/cocoa powder to a bowl and stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. (If you want to add 9-12 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil, mix them in as well)
Transfer your dry shampoo to an airtight jar for storage. See the section below for instructions on how to use dry shampoo.
Notes For light blonde or gray hair – Omit the cacao/cocoa powder For strawberry blonde or red hair – Add up to 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon powder to either the light or dark formula For dark brown or black hair – Add up to 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal to the dark hair formula. Keep in mind that it can be drying so add the minimum amount needed to get the tint you need. How To Use Dry Shampoo
Before we get started, let me share my best dry shampoo tip with you: LESS IS MORE. Over-application can make your hair difficult to work with and/or look chalky. When used properly, though, it lifts while creating a beautiful texture.
To Apply: Dip your makeup brush in dry shampoo, then tap to remove any excess powder. Most people recommend that you divide your dry hair into sections and apply the dry shampoo to your roots, moving from the crown of your head down. I’ve found that it’s actually a pretty forgiving process that doesn’t require much fuss, so here’s what I personally do:
First, I grab the makeup brush and apply dry shampoo to the roots around my forehead and temples. This is typically the area that needs the most volume. Next, I flip my head over and use the brush to apply it to the rest of my scalp.
After that, allow the powder to set for 2-3 minutes, then brush your hair from root to tip. This helps to distribute the powder throughout your hair as well as remove any excess.
Now, run your fingers through your hair and look for oily places you may have missed. Spot apply as needed, then brush again. Ideally, you’ll want to give your hair 5-10 minutes to fully absorb the shampoo before styling, but if you’re in a rush go ahead and style immediately.
Note: Some people prefer to add the powder to a salt shaker and sprinkle it over their roots – that works too!
Below are answers to some of the most common questions I’ve received about dry shampoo over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions I’ve received about dry shampoo over the years.
Why make my own dry shampoo instead of buy it?
I make my own because it’s so quick and affordable. Also, many dry shampoo products contain ingredients such as talc, parabens, phthalates, isobutane, which have been linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
Okay, but are there any good pre-made dry shampoo options?
Yes, this is a great option with a fresh scent and safe ingredients.
What’s the benefit of adding essential oils?
Many store-bought products use peppermint essential oil, tea tree essential oil, rosemary essential oil, or another oil in their formulas to make the scent more appealing. It can be a great addition if you feel like the cocoa powder is a bit overpowering.
How often can I use homemade dry shampoo?
Most sources I have read say it’s best to use 1-2 days in a row (3 at the most) before washing. Using it more often than that can cause it to build up on the scalp that can similar to dandruff.
Can I use baking soda as a dry shampoo?
Some products use baking soda in their formulas. It works well for some people but can cause scalp irritation for others.
Because there are so many other ingredients that work just as well, I haven’t experimented with using it in my recipes and therefore can’t offer any guidance on how much to use in a batch.
Can I use baby powder as a dry shampoo?
Yes, but I’d opt for something like this Goddess Garden Organic Baby Powder that is talc-free.
More Natural Hair Care Recipes To Try
Homemade Dry Shampoo Spray – If you really love aerosol sprays and don’t want to use a makeup brush or salt shaker for application, this recipe is for you.
DIY Leave-In Conditioner – This 2-3 ingredient coconut milk conditioner softens and conditions without weighing hair down. It takes just minutes to make and is super easy to use. Just spritz it onto clean, damp hair.