This DIY Dry Shampoo works on all hair types and is easy to make and economical! Make this to manage oily hair and to use in between washing with regular shampoo.
Dry shampoo is an absolute must for my hair care routine. I aim to wash my hair 1-2 times weekly and use dry shampoo between washes. By using dry shampoo, I save a ton on shampoo, and my hair is much healthier now that I don’t wash my hair so often.
I used to think you needed to wash your hair daily to have healthy, clean hair. But that is far from the truth. Overwashing your hair can lead to an oily scalp and dry hair. By using dry shampoo, you can go longer between washes and allow your hair to balance its natural oils. In addition, the dry shampoo will absorb excess oil in the hair, so you don’t have greasy hair between washes.
You can purchase commercial dry shampoos that contain questionable ingredients like fragrances and parabens. This simple dry shampoo recipe uses natural ingredients like arrowroot powder or corn starch and works with all hair colors and types. Below I will show you how to make your own dry shampoo for light hair, dark hair, red hair, brown hair, and black hair (which is what I have).
DIY Dry Shampoo Powder
To make this diy recipe, you will need arrowroot powder, optional bentonite clay or kaolin clay, cocoa powder, activated charcoal powder, and cinnamon. You may also add a drop or two drops of your favorite essential oil to add a pleasant smell to this diy dry shampoo recipe.
Dry Shampoo for Light Hair (White, Gray Hair or Blonde Hair)
Ingredients: Four tablespoons arrowroot powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1-2 drops of essential oil.
Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair
Ingredients: Two tablespoons arrowroot powder, two tablespoons of tented powders like bentonite clay and cocoa powder, and 1-2 drops of essential oil.
Dry Shampoo for Red or Auburn Hair
Ingredients: Two tablespoons arrowroot powder, two tablespoons of tented powders like kaolin clay and cinnamon powder, and 1-2 drops of essential oil.
Dry Shampoo for Darker Hair
Ingredients: Two tablespoons arrowroot powder, two tablespoons of tented powders like bentonite clay, cocoa powder and activated charcoal, and 1-2 drops of essential oil.
Directions: Mix the arrowroot powder with the optional tented powders to create a custom-colored dry shampoo. Store in a container, glass jar with an airtight lid, or empty salt shaker. This natural dry shampoo has a shelf life of one year. Apply by shaking the powder over the hair, or use a large makeup brush to apply the powder on the roots of your hair.
Dry Shampoo Ingredients
- Arrowroot Powder: This powder is highly absorbent and will help manage grease and oily hair.
- Corn Starch: This is another excellent absorbent powder that can be used in place of arrowroot powder.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is great for deodorizing, but it may cause an itchy scalp for some. I don’t use it, but some people love adding it to their dry shampoo.
- Clay: Both bentonite and kaolin clay are excellent choices and absorb excess oil on the scalp and help to keep the scalp clean.
- Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder adds a lovely scent and will turn the diy dry shampoo brown. This is great for medium to dark hair colors.
- Cinnamon Powder: Cinnamon adds a rust color to the dry shampoo and is a great addition to those with red tents in their hair.
- Activated Charcoal: Charcoal is highly absorbent and is an excellent choice for those with dark to black hair.
- Essential Oils: Essential oils are optional but add a lovely scent and antibacterial properties to this dry shampoo.
Best Essential Oils for Hair
Below you’ll find my go-to oils for different hair and scalp types. Use whatever oils match your hair needs.
- Essential Oils for Hair Growth: Rosemary, peppermint, and cedarwood stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Essential Oils for Dry Hair: Lavender, geranium, and chamomile soothe inflammation and add shine to dry hair.
- Essential Oils for Oily Hair: Tea tree, juniper, and clary sage help to balance sebum production and help tame dandruff and itchy scalp.
Shop Ingredients DIY Dry Shampoo
If you’re looking to purchase the ingredients to make your own dry shampoo, you can find the ones I used for this recipe below.
- Arrowroot Powder
- Bentonite Clay
- Cocoa Powder
- Activated Charcoal
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
If you’re looking for more ways to create a natural hair care routine, try out my Detox Hair Mask, Homemade Shampoo Recipe, Rosemary Water for Hair Growth Spray and Coconut Oil Hair Mask!
FAQ
Yes, this diy dry shampoo works really well. The natural ingredients in this shampoo absorb excess oil and keep the hair dry between hair washes.
Shake the dry shampoo over the scalp and use your fingers to massage the shampoo into the scalp.
DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe
You will love this homemade dry shampoo powder that can be customized for your hair color and hair type! Made with natural ingredients, this simple recipe comes together quickly and is low cost to make.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 Tablespoons 1x
- Category: DIY
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Arrowroot Powder or Corn Starch
- 2 Tablespoons of Coloring/Tenting Powder(s)*
- 1–2 Drops of Essential Oils**
*Tenting Powder
- Light/Blonde Hair: Use all arrowroot powder (4 tablespoons) with a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda if you like.
- Brown Hair: Use 1 tablespoon of clay and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. If you have darker hair, add a 1/2 teaspoon of charcoal. If you have some red in your hair, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Red Hair: Add up to 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder.
- Dark to Black Hair: Use a tablespoon of bentonite clay and a tablespoon of activated charcoal.
**Essential Oils
- Essential Oils for Hair Growth: Rosemary, peppermint, and cedarwood stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Essential Oils for Dry Hair: Lavender, geranium, and chamomile soothe inflammation and add shine to dry hair.
- Essential Oils for Oily Hair: Tea tree, juniper, and clary sage help to balance sebum production and help tame dandruff and itchy scalp.
Instructions
- Mix the arrowroot powder or corn starch with optional tenting powders tighter in a small bowl.
- Pour the mixture into an empty salt shaker or mason jar.
- Use a large makeup brush to apply a small amount of dry shampoo to the roots of your hair.
- Use between washes or when your hair is feeling oily.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 1
