3 Step-By-Step DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes

Do you ever feel like you just don’t want to wash your hair? My kids are older now, but when they were little I didn’t even have time to breath let alone wash my hair. There needed to be a solution for those in-between-hair-washing days. But what?

I can recall turning on the TV and seeing commercials for dry shampoo. I really didn’t know what it was because at the time, dry shampoo was just hitting the main stream trend spotlight. Most of these commercial dry shampoos come in aerosol cans. I was never to keen on that aspect because of how bad they are for the environment. And the ingredients…don’t even get me started on those!

So, I found myself back at square one again. Surely, there had to be a solution. The make-it-yourselfer in me realized that a DIY project was on the horizon.

The first thing that I tried was using baby powder in my hair. It worked OK, but nothing super stunning. It also left my very dark hair looking sort of ashy. I didn’t enjoy smelling like a toddler, either. Plus, talc isn’t good for the ‘ol lungs to be breathing in.

I wanted to use ingredients that where nourishing for my hair. My hair is very thick, curly, and coarse. My dry shampoo needed to complementize my tresses. Another reason why I didn’t wash my hair everyday back then (and still don’t now) is due to the texture. Shampoos often strip the natural oils from the hair and I need all the oils I can get.

Using a dry shampoo helps keep my roots from getting overly greasy and doesn’t leave the rest of my hair feeling like straw.

Finally, I came across some ingredients that can be used in a homemade dry shampoo that weren’t harmful to me or the environment. I started gathering my ingredients and getting ready to whip up a dry shampoo that was certainly going to help me save time.

Over the years, I’ve used 3 different recipes and love each of them. Today, I’m going to share those recipes with you so that you have options to choose from.

You’ll love how easy these DIY dry shampoos are to make and use. They are perfect for on-the-go moms and even dads, too! I’ve used them on my kids before to freshen up their locks.

Let’s get to it!

1) Dry Shampoo for Dark-Colored Hair

1. Grab yourself a bowl and mix together ¼ cup of arrowroot powder and 2 tsps. of unsweetened coca powder. Make sure you evenly incorporate the 2 powders.
2. Add about 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to the powdered mix and stir.
3. Locate a container that resembles a parmesan cheese shaker and dump your dry shampoo into it. Use a funnel to make this a much easier process.
4. Screw on the perforated lid and store in a cool, dry place.

2) Cornstarch Dry Shampoo

1. Get yourself a small a small shaker bottle of some sort with a perforated lid. I like to use a parmesan cheese shaker bottle. You can find these for a $1 at many dollar stores. You don’t want to use a salt or pepper shaker because the holes will be far to small.
2. Is your container dirty? Give it a good wash and rinse in the sink. Dry it out completely with a clean towel and leave to dry for a few hours before filling it with your dry shampoo.
3. Here’s the fun part! Time to mix up the ingredients. Ok, so grab yourself a kitchen funnel and place it in the shaker bottle. Toss in ¼ cup of cornstarch and 1 tbsp. of baking soda. Remove the funnel and place your hand over the opening of the shaker bottle. Gently shake the bottle to incorporate the cornstarch and baking soda.
4. Lastly, screw the cap onto the shaker bottle. Make sure it is on correctly and tightly. You don’t want to accidently wind up with an entire bottle of dry shampoo on your head.

3) Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo

1. Add 1 cup of bentonite clay and 1 cup of arrowroot powder in a medium sized bowl. I like to use green bentonite clay. Use a spoon to mix the powders together until they are evenly incorporated.
2. Want to add fragrance to your dry shampoo? After you have mixed your dry ingredients you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix. I like to add 10 drops of any essential oil as I like my dry shampoo to smell strongly. However, use less if you prefer. Some great essential oils to use are orange, peppermint, and lavender.
3. Grab yourself a clean parmesan cheese shaker bottle and a funnel. Place the funnel into the jar and dump in your dry shampoo. Close the lid tightly and store in a cool, dry place.

Let’s Talk About Some of Those Ingredients

Cornstarch – A fine powder that is very gentle on the hair and absorbs oil rather well.

Arrowroot powder – Much like cornstarch powder in that it absorbs oil well and is probably even more gentle on the hair than cornstarch.

Baking soda – I like to think of baking soda as “breaking out the big dog”. Baking soda is more for folks who have really oily hair and need to wash it every day. I don’t recommend using the baking soda recipe unless you fit this criterion. Also, NEVER use baking soda on wet hair. It will break your hair and totally destroy it.

Essential oils – You certainly don’t need essential oils to make dry shampoo but they make the finished product smell lovely and scent your hair, sweetly.

Unsweetened cocoa powder – This ingredient is for the dark-haired girls. It conceals the cornstarch and arrowroot powders, so you don’t get that ashy look. Make sure it is unsweetened though. You don’t want sugar sitting on your scalp as you can develop adult cradle cap. Not. Cool.

There you have it, folks! 3 step-by-step recipes for DIY dry shampoo. You’re going to love how easy it is to make them.  To use them, simple sprinkle them on the roots of your DRY hair and comb it through with your hands or a brush. Instant clean hair!