There are times when you can’t really use a shampoo or want to stretch time between showers. What to do during those times to spruce up or freshen up your locks? Yes, dry shampoo is just what you need for those occasions when a shower is not a choice you have or want.
What to do when your day is hectic and with kids in the mix, you hardly have time to eat or sleep, forget about washing hair. But then there’s work and social life to consider, and you need to look good. That’s exactly why you need dry shampoo!
However, store-bought dry shampoos are pricey, and we don’t know what goes into them. A DIY dry shampoo is not only cheaper, but it’s also healthier and quite easy to prepare. What’s not to like about it? Let’s learn more about it and how to prepare a homemade dry shampoo, shall we?
What Is Dry Shampoo?
As the name suggests, a dry shampoo is just that. Shampoo in dry form to degrease and spruce up your locks. A dry shampoo eliminates the need for washing your locks but can be used dry, making you look good. Cool right?
How Dry Shampoo Works
A dry shampoo is made with ingredients that absorb excess oils and grease, eliminating the need to wash your hair.
It’s either powder form that you dust and brush off or spray, and you’re all set. Both forms are available; you can choose what works best for you. Yes, commercial dry shampoos do this, but they can leave you with an itchy scalp and a hole in your budget as they’re pricey.
With a DIY dry shampoo, you get the job done for a fraction of the cost and without damaging your hair or scalp with harsh ingredients.
Advantages of DIY Dry Shampoo
A DIY dry shampoo offers many advantages compared to commercial dry shampoos.
Diy dry shampoo is pocket-friendly.
Made with natural ingredients readily available in most pantries.
Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and damaging ingredients that are otherwise added to commercial dry shampoos.
Diy dry shampoo can increase hair volume naturally.
A homemade dry shampoo can offer hair or scalp benefits depending on the ingredients used.
Essential Ingredients for DIY Dry Shampoos
The ingredients for homemade dry shampoo will vary according to the recipe chosen. However, the most common ingredients for a dry shampoo include arrowroot powder (or an equivalent starch powder for the base), cocoa powder (coloring ingredient), charcoal powder(coloring ingredient), cinnamon powder(coloring ingredient), kaolin clay (as a base for those who don’t prefer starch or as an additional ingredient), essential oils (Optional), etc.
The ingredients will vary according to the hair color, recipe chosen, etc.
DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes You Should Try
There are different ways to prepare your own natural dry shampoo. Let’s take a look at a few easy dry shampoo recipe options you can try.
1. Dry Shampoo with Arrowroot Powder
This is a dry shampoo recipe that has arrowroot powder as the base. You can alter the recipe according to the recipe notes to suit your hair type.
Ingredients
Arrowroot Powder – 1 Tbsp.
Cocoa Powder – 1 Tsp.
Bentonite Clay – 1/2 Tbsp.
Lavender Essential Oil – 5 Drops
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Transfer to a sterilized dispenser of your choice.
Done.
How to Use it?
Sprinkle the dry shampoo on your roots and dab gently.
Once you’ve covered all the areas in this fashion, wait for a couple of minutes.
Massage gently to get the shampoo spread well on your scalp and root.
Brush off to get rid of excess dry shampoo.
Style as usual.
Notes
You can go with the following options according to your hair shade:
Gray or Blond Hair – Skip the cocoa powder and combine arrowroot powder and bentonite clay.
Black Hair – Add activated charcoal powder along with cocoa powder.
For red or brunette Locks – Add a dash of cinnamon powder.
Light Blonde – Skip the bentonite clay and cocoa powder and only use arrowroot powder.
Dark Hair (or) Brown Hair – For shades of brown, adjust the cocoa powder according to your shade and add a dash of charcoal powder for really darker hair.
Choose the ratio of the ingredients according to your hair shade.
2. Dry Shampoo with Baking Soda
This shampoo recipe uses baking soda. As for the coloring or additional ingredients, go with the suggestions given under notes from the previous recipe.
Ingredients
Baking Soda – 1 Tbsp.
Oatmeal – 1 Tbsp.
Cocoa Powder – 1/2 Tsp.
Instructions
Add all the ingredients along with any additional ingredients chosen and mix well.
Once combined, transfer to a dispenser.
How to Use it?
Sprinkle liberally on your roots and wait for a couple of minutes.
Massage along your roots and brush off any excess dry shampoo.
Style as usual.
Notes
You can use any essential oil of your choice in this recipe.
3. Dry Shampoo with Bentonite Clay
This dry shampoo is ideal for those who don’t want to use arrowroot powder or other starches in their dry shampoo recipe. You can choose the coloring or additional ingredients as suggested in the notes section of the first recipe.
Ingredients
Bentonite Clay – 1 Tbsp.
Cocoa Powder – 1/4 Tsp.
Instructions
Add the clay and cocoa powder to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Transfer to a sterilized dispenser.
How to Use it?
Sprinkle on your roots directly and wait for a couple of minutes.
Massage gently and brush off any excess dry shampoo.
Style as usual.
Notes
You can add essential oils to this recipe.
You can add other ingredients as per your hair color to this recipe.
Safety and Precautions
Some could be allergic to ingredients used in a DIY dry shampoo. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test for allergies.
If you’re allergic to any ingredients in your chosen recipe, swap it for equivalent alternatives or go for a different recipe.
Never use any ingredients you’re allergic to.
Conclusion
Try these recipes before you go for commercial dry shampoos and see how they work for you. The best part about all these recipes is that they’re natural and use hair and scalp-beneficial ingredients where possible.
However, if you don’t have time and don’t prefer to go the DIY route, we’ve got your back with a range of hair care cosmetics from Vitamins Revive. Do check out their online store to know more about their products.
As we always say, feel free to tweak the recipe and come up with different variations to see what works well for you. Do let us know how they work out for you and how you liked our recipes.
Feel free to write to us with any concerns, questions, requests, or feedback. We love hearing from our readers.
FAQs
What is a good substitute for arrowroot powder?
You can substitute it with cornstarch or rye powder.
What is a good substitute for cocoa powder?
You can use carob powder for dark hair. It also doesn’t leave stains as the cocoa powder does. It is comparatively less staining.
How long does a DIY dry shampoo last?
If it is fully dry and maintained dry (without exposure to moisture or moisture absorption), it lasts for 3+ months. Adding essential oils can sometimes make a dry shampoo go rancid faster.
Should I brush after applying dry shampoo?
It’s a matter of preference. For some, brushing after feels better, while some prefer not brushing. As long as you’re comfortable and get the desired results, that’s what matters.
How do I apply dry shampoo to my roots?
You can use a shaker to sprinkle it on your roots, apply it using a makeup brush, or even massage it using your fingers.
