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How to Make Your Own Dry Shampoo for Light or Dark Hair
  • Beauty

DIY Dry Shampoo for Dark or Light Hair

Katie WellsMay 30, 2012Updated: Jul 30, 2019
Reading Time: 4 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » DIY Dry Shampoo for Dark or Light Hair
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • How to Make Your Own Dry Shampoo at Home
  • Dry Shampoo Recipe
  • Wet "Dry" Shampoo Option+−
    • Bonus Tips

Dry shampoos have been all the rage, and I can understand why… A beauty product that makes your hair look clean when it hasn’t been washed in the past three days that day is a tremendous help! During long days with little ones we are lucky if we get to use the bathroom alone, much less shower every day…

If you use a product (almost) every day, it’s important for it to a) work and b) have safe ingredients! But look at the label on most commercial dry shampoos and you’ll find ingredients like isobutane, butane, and propane… no thanks!

I found out it’s easy to make your own natural dry shampoo from scratch with just a few simple ingredients you might already have on hand. You’ll not only save money since homemade dry shampoo versions are about 95% cheaper, but you also won’t be putting toxic chemicals on your hair!

(And if you don’t have the time or desire to DIY, keep reading for a solution… )

How to Make Your Own Dry Shampoo at Home

how to make natural dry shampoo for light or dark hair

The basic idea of a dry shampoo (or wet “dry” shampoo, see that variation below) is to put an oil-absorbing substance like arrowroot or cornstarch on the oily parts of your hair. This absorbs the oil and leaves it looking clean and volumized.

On my hair, I use a light powder (arrowroot) since I’m blonde, but dark-haired mamas can mix cocoa powder in with the arrowroot for naturally tinted (and delicious smelling!) homemade dry shampoo.

Bonus: Dry shampoo is also very helpful if you’ll be styling hair and need it to hold. Dirty hair holds better than clean hair, but it doesn’t have to look dirty! In fact, for an upcoming wedding I’ll be sporting hair that hasn’t been washed in three days (you’re welcome for that visual!) 🙂

Here are the official “recipes” that can be customized to your hair type:

 

Three recipes for homemade DIY dry shampoo (or spray dry shampoos) for dark or light hair that are inexpensive to make and work as well as store bought!

Dry Shampoo Recipe

Katie Wells
Make chemical-free dry shampoo in minutes with just two or three ingredients!
4.38 from 72 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 4 mins

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup arrowroot powder (or organic cornstarch, for dark hair use 2 TBSP arrowroot and 2 TBSP cocoa powder)
  • 5 drops essential oil (optional - I use lavender)

Instructions
 

  • Place the arrowroot, or arrowroot and cocoa powder, into a small jar.
  • Add the essential oil and mix to combine.
  • Apply with an old make-up brush to the roots or oily parts of your hair. Applying with the brush is optional, but it removes the need to comb through as much and is better for styled hair. If you don’t use the brush, comb the powder through your hair and style as usual.

Notes

Add 1 cup of warm water and ¼ cup of vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel to the above recipe to make a spray wet shampoo that works as a dry shampoo. Spray on roots or oily parts of hair, let dry, and style as usual. Shake before each use.
Don't Want to DIY? You're in luck! I started my own line of safe personal care products based on my DIY recipes. Learn more about my Wellnesse Revitalizing Dry Shampoo for All Hair Types here.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

If you’d rather have a spray wet shampoo that works as a dry shampoo, you can accomplish this by adding some water and alcohol to the above recipe.

Here’s how:

Wet “Dry” Shampoo Option

A wet-dry shampoo uses the same concept but puts the oil-absorbing substance in a quickly evaporating liquid like vodka or rubbing alcohol.

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot or cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel
  • Essential oils or a spritz of your favorite perfume to scent

What to do: Mix all ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well. Shake before each use and spray on roots or oily parts of hair. Let dry and style as usual.

Bonus Tips

  • Arrowroot or cornstarch can also be used as a mineral veil or finishing powder for homemade makeup or as an oil-absorbing powder on the skin. I keep a mason jar filled with arrowroot on my counter and use 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 in your hair, just use plain arrowroot and apply before going to bed the night before or at least 2 hours in advance. With some time to absorb you won’t get the fake-gray-looks-like-a-wig look!

If you decide to go pro and try pre-made dry shampoo, let me know what you think if you try my Wellnesse line! I’ve been working hard to make sure these are the safest, most natural products for moms and families that work even better than conventional options. I’d love to know how they work for you!

Do you use dry shampoo? What is your best haven’t-washed-my-hair-in-days trick? Please share below!

Three recipes for homemade DIY dry shampoo (or spray dry shampoos) for dark or light hair that are inexpensive to make and work as well as store bought!

Category: Beauty

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (392 Comments)

  1. Busha

    June 3, 2012 at 4:40 AM

    Very interesting and will definately trying this. Any suggestions for covering some greying hair naturally. Also, suggestions for eyebrows joining my hair and going the same direction – grey. Only a little but enough to notice.

    Reply
    • tammy

      May 11, 2014 at 1:17 PM

      This won’t work on your scalp, but for your eyebrows a little bit of oil, especially thick like castor oil, would help darken eyebrows. The castor oil is supposed to also be moisturizing for eyeballs if put on eyeLIDS at night, as well as help eyelashes grow thicker and longer. So I put castor oil on eyelids and lashes at night (gets rid of my dry eyes) and then a little on brows when applying makeup to darken them and keep them in place.

      Reply
    • debbie

      October 23, 2014 at 2:06 PM

      i have heard you can use walnut powder to “dye” with…. haven’t tried it but I know you can find at a lot of natural stores and co-ops….

      Reply
    • Tasha

      November 15, 2019 at 7:58 PM

      Wow! I’m amazed at how well this works. I used tapioca powder (because I didn’t have arrowroot) and cocoa powder. I took a before/after pic and am in awe.

      Reply
      • Rachel

        March 23, 2022 at 7:08 PM

        Haven’t tried recipe yet…anyone know,if it can be used to heat style?

        Reply
  2. Liz

    June 1, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    love it, the commercial powders for dark hair are super expensive

    Reply
  3. Kristen H Andrews

    June 1, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    I love this and did it right away!  I have bought the store stuff or used baby powder in the past but was never happy with that!  Thank you!  I have to laugh!  You seem to be on my wavelength!  Your posts are almost always something I’ve been thinking of or want to get to!  From barefoot running, to organizing the house, to natural dry shampoo!!  Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Kristen H Andrews

    June 1, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    I love this and did it right away!  I have bought the store stuff or used baby powder in the past but was never happy with that!  Thank you!  I have to laugh!  You seem to be on my wavelength!  Your posts are almost always something I’ve been thinking of or want to get to!  From barefoot running, to organizing the house, to natural dry shampoo!!  Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Lina

    May 31, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    I think shampoo is the one ‘chemical’ I will never give up. It’s easy and I know the way it makes my hair behave. I tried dry shampoo once and it was weird 🙂

    Reply
    • Hilary Zeller

      August 6, 2019 at 8:03 PM

      Hi Lina, I agree, not giving up shampoo… however I have learnt how to DIY shampoo bars (the ones with SCS coconut surfactants) and it’s even better than bought shampoo! Then I got inspired and learnt how to make conditioner bars too! I feel like with all the wonderful ingredients I put in them, I’m really pampering my hair like never before (since I can’t justify the cost of super premium shampoos and conditioners). The shampoo bars I make cost me about $4.50 AUD (that’s about US$3) and last at least as long as a standard size bottle of shampoo.

      Reply
      • laura

        September 10, 2019 at 8:55 AM

        Hilary,
        I am so interested! What’s your shampoo bar recipe? The plus to your bars is no plastic bottles to thro or recycle! Love that!!!
        Please share and help save the planet;-)

        Reply
        • Stacy S.

          October 26, 2019 at 1:01 PM

          I would like to know too. I can’t shampoo bought at a store.

          Reply
        • Anna

          January 8, 2020 at 12:44 AM

          I’d love your recipes, too, if you don’t mind! I have such a sensitive scalp and am currently spending WAY too much money on shampoo/conditioner that won’t hurt me. ?

          Reply
  6. Lindsey

    May 31, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    For fear of sounding dumb…The essential oils won’t make your hair oily-er? Like you, I have naturally oily hair regardless so the concept of putting something on my hair with oils in it (without stripping the natural ones 1st) in an attempt to cover up the oil seems strange to me lol. But ny dark hair is SICK of using commercial dry shampoos that turn my hair a nasty gray color & smell awful so I’m super excited to try your recipe!!

    Reply
    • Pale

      October 2, 2013 at 12:02 AM

      i find that only using it on your scalp, in small amounts, and using your fingers to vigorously rub it in solves the grey issue!! don’t comb it through your hair!

      Reply
    • Jen

      September 4, 2014 at 11:17 PM

      A little (few drops) goes a long way. They are used for adding a fragrant aroma to the starch. Despite the name essential ‘oils’ they really are not oily at all. They are made from distilled water and essence of plants.

      Reply
    • Colin

      October 21, 2014 at 2:23 PM

      Actually, you can find the right essential oil for your hair type. I do this for my family, and customize it to each hair type.
      I have been using this for years as I have curly hair that is just such a pain at times. Especially the environment in which I live. Good luck, and have fun with it.

      Reply
      • Carrie McDaniel

        August 22, 2019 at 12:03 PM

        Hey Colin, I have super curly hair also. What essential oil(s) do you use on your hair? Thanks!

        Reply
    • Ashley

      October 22, 2019 at 10:00 PM

      A few drops of essential oils in the whole recipe will not make your hair greasier. In fact, essential oils are very volatile and aren’t greasy to begin with.

      Reply
  7. Stephanie

    May 30, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Awsome! Just one question, what would the shelf life be for both dry and spray shampoos?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 30, 2012 at 9:28 PM

      Dry is indefinite as long as you wash the brush you apply it with. You can also just keep in a salt shaker or powdered sugar shaker and it will literally last for years. The spray lasts about 3-4 months (the longest I’ve tested it…)

      Reply
  8. Jess

    May 30, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    I only wash my hair twice a week, right now I’m going on 5 days, and have long thick healthy hair.  I started washing less out of laziness, I have a ton of hair and the whole hair process takes over an hour.  
    My friends all think I am crazy but I know that not washing the essential oils away has a huge benefit as well as not processing as often (I now only dry and flat iron twice a week too).   I use dry-shampoo after a workout or a quick fix if I am short on time before I go out.  I am excited to try your natural alternative; it seems better, easier and cheaper than dry shampoo.

    Tips- Parting your hair in different directions or places helps to hide your roots, also try a zig-zaggy part.  Once I get to day 4 or 5 I usually wear a pony tail (or messy bun), sometimes with a small braid across the front to hide my roots.  I usually don’t care what my hair looks like at work and always remember the benefits of washing less 🙂 

    Reply
    • Angie

      December 5, 2014 at 4:55 PM

      Same here, very thick straight hair…I do pigtails when it’s day 4 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jenny P

    May 30, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    I’m so glad you posted this!  I love dry shampoos but I have dark hair and opted for the store bought kind as they seemed to disappear easier.  But making my own with out all the chemicals will be so great!  And such a money saver!

    Question though – what essential oils would smell good mixed with the cocoa powder?  I’m not too familiar with the different essential oils to know for sure. 

    Thanks for all the great ideas!
    Jenny

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 30, 2012 at 2:28 PM

      Lavender would work well, or any citrus (orange and chocolate would be great!). Mint chocolate is also an amazing combination and either spearmint or peppermint would work (and mountain rose herbs has both pretty cheap)

      Reply
      • Jenny P

        June 5, 2012 at 11:11 AM

        I made this up this morning and used it.  I used sweet orange essential oil, but used probably 2 times the amount.  I LOVE this!  I’m SO excited about it!  The money I’m saving using this is huge!  Although I need a new way of storing it as I made a huge mess all over my counter when applying it.  I’m thinking of investing in one of those brushes that have the powder in the handle and just continue to reload it.  That should contain the mess that way.  Thank you for the idea and for your website!!!

        Reply
        • Wellness Mama

          June 5, 2012 at 12:03 PM

          Thanks for reading! Glad you like it and that is a great idea on the re-fillable brush!

          Reply
          • Jocylynn

            July 20, 2016 at 12:10 AM

            If i decided to opt out of the cocoa poweder and use corn starch is there a certain time frame i should keep it in my hair before I brush it out? And when i brush it out will the color fade and look normal or should i only do it before i goto bed and let my natural movements settle it in?

        • Elizabeth G.

          August 4, 2012 at 3:43 PM

          Jenny P,
          Did you ever get a makeup brush that holds the powder in the handle?  If so, please let me know where you got it!, I’ve been looking on the internet, but cant seem to find one…

          Reply
          • Anna

            January 30, 2015 at 12:50 AM

            I reused mine which originally had a finishing powder in it. It’s by FACES cosmetics.

        • Kristy

          April 8, 2015 at 11:45 PM

          So I used a salt shaker I had cinnamon in. One of those cheap ones from target with a bunch of holes in the lid. I have darker hair. I used 1/2 cinnamon to cornstarch. Shook it up Parted my hair and shook it on my roots over the sink and repeated this all over my hair. I then used a synthetic boars head brush to blend it through my hair. They are used to pull your natural oils down the hair anyways. So it was perfect. I can hardly see anything In my hair. I them took a shower with my hair wrapped in those wrap towels. It was great. Thanks

          Reply
        • Daria

          February 4, 2016 at 2:38 PM

          I used three drops of jasmine and two of tangerine and it smells heavenly.

          Reply
        • Holly

          March 11, 2019 at 12:50 PM

          I use a salt shaker I bought from the dollar store to just shake lightly on maybe head. I make a couple different parts and shake it down along those and then kind of rub it in with my fingers.

          Reply
      • Meg

        February 11, 2014 at 11:26 AM

        I’ve also read that citrus helps absorb oils as well – I plan to try the orange/ chocolate mix. I’ll keep you posted!

        Reply
    • Tracy

      May 30, 2012 at 4:30 PM

      I think orange or peppermint e.oils would be fabulous 🙂

      Reply
    • Kaitlyn

      October 26, 2014 at 11:39 PM

      I love this! I have been using dry shampoo for about a month now using cornstarch and cinnamon!(I have red hair). One small problem is that no matter how much I rub it in, I can still see little white dots all over! Am I the only one with this problem?

      Reply
      • Rebecca

        December 29, 2014 at 10:55 PM

        5 stars
        I have the same problem. I used 50% cocoa and 50% cornstarch and I still look gray and dandruff-y because my hair dark brown, but I’m not sure if I should add more cocoa or not. I also read I could add cinnamon but that it can burn your hair- what did you experience with the cinnamon? Cocoa and Cinnamon mixed would smell awesome!

        Reply
        • Jenn

          February 7, 2015 at 1:34 PM

          I haven’t tried this, but maybe it work to run the mixture through the food processor to take away the small lumps.

          Reply
          • Gale

            August 21, 2015 at 9:23 PM

            You could use ground black walnut she’ll…the black outer covering of the shell actually……you can soak the nuts casings and color your hair different shades depending on how long you soak them…

        • Denise

          March 18, 2015 at 5:23 PM

          Would activated charcoal/cocoa/cornstarch work for you? The charcoal is black and mixed with the cocoa maybe you could color match your hair. I too have hair darker than cocoa powder.

          Reply
      • Ivy

        February 12, 2015 at 3:46 AM

        I had the same problem, but I found that after the powder absorbs on my roots, if I shake off the excess and brush through with a brush I run under the faucet for a few seconds, it solves the problem. Since there isn’t much water, it dries again in about 5 minutes.

        Reply
  10. Michal

    May 30, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    Hi Katie,
    I just recently found your blog and I’m LOVING it!  You have so many good posts that are helpful in trying to live a clean life.  I have tried store bought dry shampoos in the past but just cant take the chemicals.  This looks like a great alternative to that and I can’t wait to try it!  Keep up the great blog!
    Michal 

    Reply
    • Brenda Smith

      November 27, 2012 at 4:18 PM

      Do I leave in or do you wash this out,

      Reply
      • Wellness Mama

        November 27, 2012 at 4:34 PM

        Leave it in…

        Reply
        • Rebecca

          December 16, 2015 at 8:50 AM

          Hi, does it work well to rinse out as well? Any reason it wouldn’t?

          Reply
          • Jennifer

            January 13, 2016 at 6:33 PM

            The whole point is a dry shampoo for days when you don’t shower. If you rinse it out, it isn’t doing its job.

      • Sherry Rogers

        August 25, 2013 at 6:15 PM

        I put the powder on my scalp first. I keep it in a squeeze bottle, anything with a nozzle on top. if it held liquid before just use scissors to make the dispensing hole a bit bigger. then i bend over my sink or tub, give myself a vigorous scalp massage once the powder is in then brush or comb (I have fine hair so brush for me) the powder past the ends of your hair. If you get a bit too much in there the first time use a really thickly bristled brush and just brush brush brush

        Reply
        • Brandi

          January 7, 2016 at 5:26 PM

          oh you just gave me the idea to use one of those condiment bottles as an applicator or maybe Sally Beauty sells the empty hair color bottles. The fine tip nozzle would make application a breeze.

          Reply
          • Susanna

            June 20, 2016 at 8:18 AM

            Can I use instant organic coffee instead of cocoa powder ? I’ll blend it into a powder…

    • Donna

      October 13, 2013 at 1:25 AM

      I have been using corn starch for years as a quick fix when I don’t have time to wash my hair. In the 1980’s and 1990’s I used corn starch baby powder. I can’t believe this is now a trend, with an actual name! 🙂 Careful everyone, or you can look like you have gray hair, lol.

      Reply
      • Mariya

        May 3, 2015 at 11:42 PM

        5 stars
        I was afraid of the same thing, that the white starch would look like dandruff on my hair. But the added cocoa powder makes it almost invisible 🙂

        Reply
      • Teresa

        November 9, 2015 at 12:28 AM

        Nothing wrong with those of us who choose to go gray gracefully 😉

        Reply
      • Jenni

        July 24, 2018 at 9:39 PM

        I have brown hair and actually love how cornstarch makes my hair look more gray! I think the gray/brown color is way prettier than my natural color.

        Reply
    • Norma-Jean

      May 19, 2014 at 11:50 PM

      I have just tried this technique and I am SUPER happy!! I have long fine hair but my scalp gets oily fast, so I would have to wash my hair everyday which of course resulted in dry ends 🙁 Well not anymore! Thank you for this time saving and money saving technique 🙂

      Reply
      • Angie

        December 5, 2014 at 4:51 PM

        I have very dry skin and hair (I *have* to go 3 days without showering) and to keep the ends of my hair moist I massage in some coconut oil about 5 minutes before my shower. It’s now winter in MN and my hair is happy as can be, and almost never staticky!

        Reply
        • michelle

          December 14, 2015 at 6:24 PM

          Have you tried vitamin E oil as a facial moisturizer? Very gentle and what I use in the winter when my skin is thirsty!

          Reply
    • Betsy Kristl

      October 6, 2014 at 10:06 AM

      Hi there – I’ve found this “recipe” about a dozen times, but I have a problem which may not be unique to me. Having slightly darker than arrowroot hair, I tried adding just a little bit of cocoa, which worked so well and my hair looked so nice….

      BUT, I couldn’t stop my dogs from licking my hair. Naturally, this only got worse after adding any essential oil (and I tried several). Do you know of an oil that would be unpleasant enough to ward off my puppies without doing the same to my friends and family? Or is there something other than cocoa that could darken the arrowroot?

      Thanks if you can help – bel

      Reply
      • Tascher

        October 17, 2014 at 12:50 PM

        ..You shouldn’t be letting your dogs lick cocoa they can die. but i hear most animals hate mint

        Reply
        • BETSY

          October 21, 2014 at 12:18 AM

          Thanks for your suggestions, but as it happens there isn’t an aroma in the world that will deter my dogs. In fact, mint is one of their particular favorites!

          One other thing – naturally, I don’t allow my dogs to lick my hair at will. It’s just gross, but it would take at least an entire canister of cocoa to give my 55lb dog so much as a belly ache! They are much less intolerant of chocolate than the media has led us to believe.

          My dog has even eaten an entire 1 pound bag of dark chocolate M&M’s with no residual discomfort. Not so much for the snail bait (formaldehyde + molasses), or the Advil, or the brand new bottle of 2000mg Vitamin D tablets, but he survived it all. I think he’s suicidal…

          Reply
          • Daisy

            November 18, 2014 at 10:57 AM

            Lol my schnauzer ate our chocolate Easter eggs all the time! Never got sick or died from it.

            For the hair powder, I have brown hair and have tried alternatives to baby powder, etc. The internet can be useful.
            I don’t know where you are in the world, but a local skincare company here in St. John’s, Newfoundland called Tval makes an awesome dry shampoo for brunettes (and blondes, too). All natural ingredients and smells like rosemary and mint. It’s beautiful 🙂

          • jenng

            December 10, 2014 at 3:17 AM

            Hi Betsy,
            Just wondering if cinnamon would work, and if your dogs would be as into it as they are cocoa powder.

          • Melanie

            April 17, 2015 at 12:28 AM

            Try menthol. My little dachshund is blind (born that way) and uses his nose to get into EVERYTHING. He hates anything that smells like vaporub.

        • Olivia

          December 21, 2014 at 1:50 AM

          I’m pretty sure they won’t die just from licking some cocoa powder… I know that chocolate is bad for dogs, and can even kill them, but I feel like the main concern in this instance would be the digs messing up your hair:)

          Reply
        • Reid

          January 2, 2015 at 5:16 PM

          It would probably take at least half a pound of chocolate to kill a dog. Licking a thin film of cocoa powder isn’t going to hurt them.

          Reply
          • victoria

            June 27, 2015 at 12:03 PM

            https://www.petmd.com/dog/chocolate-toxicity

        • Kat

          January 16, 2015 at 10:24 PM

          This comment about dogs dying from licking a bit of cocoa powder further exemplifies the extent of your scientific knowledge…
          Just for the record, aerosol cans always contain “explosive chemicals” like butane, isobutane and propane, that’s what makes the aerosol container functionally spray out its contents, they act as propellants. These organic chemicals are only explosive when the contents are under pressure, in a can… and they volatilize as soon as they are out of the can. So, while I have no problem with using an alternative to mass-produced dry shampoo, you are wrong in suggesting that these natural, organic hydrocarbons are dangerous to spray on your head, because they don’t stay on your head. If anything, you should recommend against inhaling the contents, but even inhaling cornstarch isn’t good for you.
          Also remember that “natural” does not always mean good (just as “synthetic” is not synonymous with “bad” and sometimes the synthetic derivative of a chemical compound produced by plants is actually safer for human use or consumption, like aspirin). We all know that ingesting a large quantity of chocolate is not good for dogs, but cocoa is a completely “natural” ingredient, consider that there are lots of plant-derived toxins that have adverse effects on humans.
          I am all for DIY and using these types of ingredients, I love plants and nature and vegetables and hemp just as much as the next person on here, but I really don’t appreciate the fear-mongering… Maybe look into what exactly ingredients are and what the purpose of each one is before you criticize it and scare people into thinking that spraying from an aerosol onto their head will make them catch fire.

          Reply
          • Joce

            January 28, 2015 at 10:49 PM

            5 stars
            The person that made the comment about the dogs dying is not the same person that wrote the article. Also you should be reading Wellness Mama’s articles with a bit of humor in mind. I highly doubt anyone read that explosive comment seriously (except for you). Her philosophy is far from fear mongering. Most people looking up these recipes are trying to stay away from any aerosols, many of which do leave a toxic residue and contribute to environmental concerns.

          • Alicia

            May 25, 2016 at 12:04 PM

            I agree with you, but she has a sense of humor in her writings. It isn’t fear mongering lol

        • Jordan

          July 18, 2015 at 8:10 PM

          Dogs hate citrus. They make citrus spray bark collars. You could try adding that to it. The Cocoa powder in your hair will probably not kill your dog, the lethal dose of chocolate for dogs is weight dependant, but chocolate is certainly not good for them.

          Reply
        • Hunter

          January 31, 2016 at 2:31 AM

          Have you tried tumeric or another alternative power that has a darker tint?

          Reply
        • Traci

          July 4, 2016 at 9:18 PM

          Dogs won’t die on cocoa or chocolate. It’s hard on their digestive systems and they may be diarrhea, but there’s a lot of hysteria around dogs and chocolate so I try and share this info when possible.

          Reply
          • Ariel

            July 25, 2016 at 12:34 AM

            No chocolate is not just hard on a dog’s digestive system, I work in an animal hospital and I’ve seen dogs die from chocolate toxicity. In smaller amounts chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea but with larger amounts dogs can experience things like muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding or a heart attack. The chemical that dogs can’t tolerate is theobromine and naturally a larger dog can handle more of it than a smaller dog and dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate b/c of the higher concentration of theobromine. Please don’t “share” info about things you don’t know for sure, that’s why people wait until the last minute to bring their pets in to the vet after eating a brick of bakers chocolate and then are devastated and guilt ridden when they die….

          • Lin

            October 29, 2019 at 11:16 AM

            This is an older post, but I couldn’t help being shocked at someone saying that chocolate doesn’t hurt dogs. I worked in a vet clinic for 12 years, and saw many many dogs get sick from it. Some died. Your post is irresponsible, so stop sharing this horribly inaccurate information.

      • Adam

        December 17, 2014 at 7:15 PM

        Use Tea Tree Oil. Your dogs will not like the smell.

        Reply
        • Marilena

          November 9, 2015 at 11:26 PM

          But your cats might! One of my cat goes completely batsh*t for tea tree oil when I apply it (and I know it is toxic to cats)

          Reply
      • Anna

        January 30, 2015 at 12:47 AM

        This is too funny..but I guess is true!

        Reply
      • Amanda

        April 10, 2015 at 5:12 PM

        Try a brown mica in place of cocoa. Madoils.com sell lots of colours and you can make eyeshadow with it, too. Or in Australia, My Mica Obsession on Facebook.

        Reply
      • Betsy

        July 19, 2015 at 10:27 AM

        So very sorry. But I had to say – I got a good chuckle when I read that your dogs were licking your hair… 🙂

        I do hope you found a ‘cure’ for that though.

        Reply
      • Amanda

        September 25, 2015 at 11:01 PM

        FYI: The darker/more pure the chocolate the more poisionus it is to our dogs. Milk choc is not good for them but the pure stuff is the worse

        Reply
      • Lynn

        January 27, 2016 at 11:40 AM

        Dogs hate Tea Tree oil – I use it (very very sparingly, they are so sensitive to scent…) when they won’t stop licking an ouchie. 🙂

        Reply
      • Margaret

        February 9, 2016 at 2:48 PM

        you can use neem essential oil or neem in a carrier oil. it smells earthy but tastes incredibly bitter, your dogs won’t like it one bit. neem is also really good for hair : )

        Reply
      • Joyce

        March 7, 2016 at 3:35 PM

        Have you tried carob powder? Looks and tastes almost like chocolate, but is actually healthy for dogs and humans.

        Reply
      • Elaine

        September 13, 2016 at 5:20 PM

        Try eucalyptus. Most animals & insects hate it & humans love it. Use it more sparingly than most essential oils; it’s more potent & toxic to humans than most essential oils.

        Reply
    • Sarah

      May 21, 2015 at 9:22 PM

      5 stars
      Agreed. Thanks Wellness Mama! My dirty hair now smells like orange citrus.

      Reply
      • Lydia

        December 10, 2015 at 11:26 PM

        Citronella is also a scent that dogs tend to dislike.

        Reply
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