Store-bought dry shampoo can be so expensive. This DIY Dry Shampoo recipe costs just pennies and is made from pantry ingredients! Mix up a batch and keep your hair looking great between washes with homemade dry shampoo.
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Dry Shampoo is a lifesaver when you wake up late for work or you’re trying to go a couple extra days between washes to keep your hair strong and healthy. Cans of dry shampoo spray are now available at most retailers. While they are really convenient, those cans are expensive and run out very quickly.
Enter homemade dry shampoo powder! One batch of this dry shampoo will last months depending on your usage and hair type. Even better, it is made from budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Baking Soda: Yes, that orange box sitting in your pantry can be used to absorb excess oil from your scalp and hair in a pinch.
Cornstarch: Yet another pantry ingredient, cornstarch also absorbs oil from your roots. It is a finer texture than baking soda and the combination of the two helps prevent your powder from clumping.
If you are allergic to corn, feel free to substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch.
Cocoa Powder: This ingredient is specific for those with darker colored hair. It will work for brunettes and red-heads. The brown powder helps darken the dry shampoo so that it is not as obvious for those with darker hair.
Equipment
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoon
- Bowl
- Fork or Whisk
- Airtight Container to store your prepared homemade dry shampoo (I use a mason jar)
How to Make Dry Shampoo
Combine the baking soda, cornstarch and (optional) cocoa powder in a bowl and mix it with a fork or whisk. (Or even throw it all in a mason jar and shake to combine!) That’s it! Remember, if you have blonde or light colored hair you don’t need to add the cocoa powder. If you have brown or red hair, add the cocoa powder to make the powder darker to better blend in with your hair color.
Store your DIY dry shampoo in an airtight container in your bathroom. Airtight is important so that it doesn’t absorb moisture in the bathroom.
Your homemade dry shampoo will be good for at least 6 months. If you are making a batch for multiple people in a household, you can easily double the recipe.
Variations
This recipe is for your most basic and effective dry shampoo powder. Once you’ve got the base made, you can customize to suit your needs or desires.
- Add up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and mix it in. This will add a lovely fragrance or energy boost when used. My favorites are peppermint oil and tea tree oil.
- You can easily adjust the amount of cocoa powder to help your shampoo powder match your natural hair color.
- If you have black hair or really dark brown hair, you can even mix in some activated charcoal to deepen the color.
- For light red hair, substitute ground cinnamon for the cocoa powder.
How to Use Dry Shampoo
To apply, I like to use a makeup brush. Simply load the makeup brush with some of the powder, tapping it back in the container to remove any excess powder. Then, brush it on your roots. Start around your forehead hairline and make sure to get where you part your hair.
A little powder goes a long way. Remember that you can add more as needed, but it is difficult to brush out if you add too much powder.
Once you’ve brushed on your DIY dry shampoo, let it sit for a couple minutes. This will give the ingredients time to absorb the oil from your scalp and roots. Then, all you have to do is brush your hair as usual or use your fingers to gently massage the powder into your scalp. This will spread the powder throughout your hair so that it is no longer visible.
Dry shampoo can be used in place of a full wash up to two times. After that, it tends to build up in the hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use one or the other, but I have found that the combination of both gives a better texture to the powder that is easier to apply. Also, too much baking soda can affect the pH balance of your scalp.
In a pinch, you can use baby powder or even flour. The basic concept of dry shampoo is that it absorbs the excess oil on your roots and scalp allowing you to go longer in between full washes.
More DIY Recipes
DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe
DIY Dry Shampoo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder for dark hair
Instructions
- Combine baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl. Add cocoa powder, if using for your hair color. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to a jar or shaker with lid. Store in a dry place.
To Use:
- Dip a makeup brush into the dry shampoo powder. Tap the brush to remove excess. Brush the powder onto your roots or areas that look oily.
- Allow the powder to sit for 2 minutes.
- Brush your hair to distribute the powder throughout your hair.
