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Try this all natural, non-toxic DIY dry shampoo recipe with only 3 ingredients. This recipe can be easily adapted for all hair colors by playing around with arrowroot powder, baking soda . . . and a very unexpected ingredient for color.
I love dry shampoo! I can remember a time, not too far back, before we had dry shampoo. Or at least, before I knew about dry shampoo. I can remember trying it to out for the first time and being so excited about the possibilities. Washing hair less often! Saving time in the morning! Sign me up!
Table of contents
What is Dry Shampoo?
In case you are new to the dry shampoo game, let me fill you in. Dry shampoo is a product that you apply to your hair to absorb excess oils and odor without the use of soap and water. It can come in the form of aerosol sprays, powders, mists, gels, or mousses.
Regardless of the form it comes in, the goal of dry shampoo is the same. To get your hair freshened up and feeling clean without a shower!
Pros of Dry Shampoo
I love dry shampoo for the convenience and time savings it provides (think camping trips, hectic schedules, lazy days – am I right?).
It’s so nice to save a few minutes of prep time when getting ready. Dry shampoo is also a great way to extend the length of time between hair washes – which means less styling damage from blow dryers and heat tools.
Cons of Commercial Dry Shampoo
As much as I love a good dry shampoo, there are reasons to be wary of commercial dry shampoos. Top of my list is the long list of chemicals they contain. Grab a can of commercial dry shampoo and you’ll probably see ingredients such as butane, isobutane, propane, and denatured alcohol.
In fact, there have even been recent findings of cancer-causing benzene contamination found in several batches of dry shampoo that were tested by the US Food and Drug Administration. Even if that is a rare accurance – no thanks!
I have a better alternative that is easy to make, uses all natural ingredients, and can be whipped up in a no time at all.
DIY Natural Dry Shampoo Ingredients
- Baking Soda – You’ve probably got some of this baking essential sitting in your pantry right now. When used in dry shampoo, baking soda absorbs the oils from your hair and scalp. It also absorbs odors to leave your hair smelling fresh. Baking soda will give your hair a nice boost of volume where you need it most.
- Arrowroot Powder – Arrowroot powder is a white powdery starch made from the ground tubers of the arrowroot plant, similar to corn starch. It’s typically used as a thickener for soups and sauces. When used in dry shampoo it also adds volume while absorbing oils. I prefer it over cornstarch for its lighter, less cakey feel.
- Carob Powder – Carob powder is the special ingredient in this dry shampoo recipe! Carob powder is made from ground carob beans. It is brown like unsweetened cocoa powder so it blends nicely with brunette hair. Its smell is light and dissipates after application, unlike cocoa powder which can leave a heavy or unpleasant smell once mixed with natural hair oils. I’ve also noticed less transfer of color to other surfaces (like my pillows) when using carob powder.
Optional Ingredient – Essential Oil
Some people like to add essential oils to their homemade dry shampoo, typically lavender, peppermint or lemon. I prefer not to do this. It tends to make the dry shampoo mixture clump and can leave a greasy residue on the hair that we are trying to avoid. If you want the scent of an essential oil, I’d recommend adding a few drops to your hands and working a small amount through just the ends of the hair and skipping the root section.
Where Can I Buy Ingredients to Make All Natural Dry Shampoo?
You might be able to find all these ingredients at a natural grocery store. However, I love to buy these ingredients (and most of my herbs) online from a store called Mountain Rose Herbs. Click below on each product to shop.
How to Make Dry Shampo
Do not be intimidated by this project! It couldn’t be easier. You simply gather all your ingredients into a bowl (printable recipe below).
And then mix them together thoroughly. You could also shake them in a jar to get a more even distribution.
Then simply add it all to a jar. It’s that easy.
How to Apply DIY Dry Shampoo
My favorite way to apply this all-natural dry shampoo is with a large makeup brush.
- Section the hair into horizontal layers
- Dip the makeup brush into the powder mixture and shake off any excess product
- Gently pat along the roots of the hair where oil control is desired
- Use your fingertips if needed to massage the dry shampoo onto the scalp and through the hair
- Brush to distribute through the hair. Store in your bathroom cabinet away from heat and light
Watch this quick little video to see me make it and apply it!
How to Store DIY Dry Shampoo
I recommend storing this dry shampoo powder in a closed container within your bathroom cupboard. Avoid exposing it to water or excess moisture. You can also label the jar to help you and anyone sharing a bathroom with you know what it is. It smells so good, it might be mistaken for chocolate cake mix!
Any Other Questions? Let’s Chat.
If you know that you are sensitive to baking soda then you can leave it out. You will still get good results.
You can leave out the carob powder for lighter hair or use a smaller amount to customize your shade. This recipe is highly adaptable for both light and dark hair. It may even appear to be quite a bit lighter than your hair color, but after working the powder through your hair it seems to disapate quickly.
If you can’t find carob powder you can leave it out or substitute it for cacao powder. If you have darker hair you’ll just want to make sure you spend a few extra seconds working the product through your hair to ensure that it is well distributed and not noticeable.
I really think that the answer to this depends on your hair type. Some people with dry hair may be able to use dry shampoo and go a week between washings. Others may use dry shampoo and need to wash every other day.
All natural diy dry shampoo is a great way to help hair look and feel less greasy between washes. Just remember to use occasionally and in moderation to prevent build up.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a makeup brush. You can apply the powder to your fingertips and massage it onto the hair roots. You can also use a salt shaker or something similar to carefully sprinkle the powder directly onto the hair.
If kept dry, it will last for at least 3 – 6 months. However, mixing hair oils into the product can cause it to spoil and go rancid a little faster. This is why I recommend making the small batch, then you will use it up before it can go bad.
Cinnamon is a common ingredient added to dry shampoo for those with red hair. It will create a very potent smell, so be aware of that. I would suggest trying this recipe and seeing if it will absorb nicely into the hair without leaving white behind. It may just work perfectly for you – without smelling like a craft store! But there are worse things.
Want more All Natural Inspiration? I also shared these!
DIY Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- carob powder amount varies
Instructions
- Combine arrowroot powder and baking powder in a small bowl. Blend thoroughly.
- Add carob powder one teaspoon at a time and blend until desired color is reached.
- Store in a closed container away from excess water.
This article just proved that natural solutions can be as effective as commercial products. Your article is also well-written and informative, making it easy for everyone to give it a try.
I made this recipe and it was perfect for my graying hair with just the arrowroot and baking soda. Thanks Cami!
I’m so happy to hear that!