DIY Dry Shampoo for Dark or Light Hair

Dry shampoo has become increasingly popular over the years and I can see why. A hair care product that makes your look clean when it hasn’t been washed in a while is a huge help! During long days with little ones we’re lucky 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 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 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!

How to Make Your Own Dry Shampoo at Home

The basic idea of a dry shampoo powder (or wet “dry” shampoo, see that variation below) is to put an oil-absorbing substance like baby powder, baking soda, arrowroot, or cornstarch on oily hair. This absorbs excess oil, leaving it clean, and helps fine hair look volumized.

Until the cancer lawsuits started rolling in, baby powder used to be made from talcum powder (full of asbestos). Now baby powder is typically made from GMO cornstarch. Neither of these are great options in my book.

Since I have blonde hair I just use arrowroot powder and a few drops of essential oils. If you have light hair just using these two natural ingredients work wonders. Those with darker hair, like brown hair or dark brown hair can mix in some cocoa powder for a darker tint. You can even use cocoa powder in homemade eye shadow.

Those with really dark, black hair may want to try adding in some activated charcoal to darken the mix. The exact amount you use depends on your hair color.

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 natural hair that hasn’t been washed in three days (you’re welcome for that visual!)

Essential Oils for More Hair Benefits

Essential oils add more than just a yummy scent! They have potent health benefits too. To help with hair growth, add some rosemary and cedarwood essential oil. For dandruff try tea tree and peppermint.

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

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DIY Dry Shampoo

Make non-toxic dry shampoo in minutes to absorb natural oils and reduce hair washing time. Great for blondes, brunettes, or even darker hair!

Active Time4 minutes mins

Total Time4 minutes mins

Yield: 2 ounces

Author: Katie Wells

Equipment

• Makeup brush
• 4-ounce glass jar

Materials

• 2 – 4 TBSP arrowroot powder (or organic non-GMO cornstarch)
• 2 TBSP cocoa powder (optional, for dark hair)
• 5 drops essential oils (optional – I use lavender)

Instructions

• Place the arrowroot, or arrowroot and cocoa powder, into a small jar. Use 4 TBSP of arrowroot for light hair, and only 2 TBSP for dark hair.
• Add the essential oil and mix to combine.
• Apply with a make-up brush to the roots or oily parts of your hair. 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

To make a spray that works as a dry shampoo, add 1 cup of warm, distilled water and ¼ cup of vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel to the above recipe. Spray on roots or oily parts of 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:

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

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

• You can use arrowroot or cornstarch as a 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 it as a dry shampoo on my hair and to set my makeup.
• If you have dark hair but don’t want to use cocoa powder, just use plain arrowroot and apply before 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!

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