Simple DIY Dry Shampoo

Do you struggle with greasy hair? Or are you trying to make the switch to natural products and the hair is simply not cooperating? By using a DIY dry shampoo made with only 2-ingredients, I might add, your dream of having a natural hair care routine can now become a reality!

There was a time not so long ago I would have to wash my hair daily, or it would look like a greasy mess, gross, but it’s the only way to describe it.

I always envied those people who could go several days without washing their hair and it still looked good.  

My sister was one of those people. I assumed it was because we had very different hair types. She has very thick, coarse hair, while I have thin, fine hair.

As it would turn out, it’s not so much the hair type as it is to train the hair to not get so greasy between washes.

What does it even mean to “train your hair?” Well, before we begin, we must understand the scalp naturally produces oils; yes, this is a good thing.

The oils help the hair to remain smooth, keep the hair from drying out, becoming brittle and breaking off. When you wash your hair, you remove these oils—so what does the scalp then do?

It produces more oils and the more you wash, the more oils the scalp is going to produce—catching on?

The dilemma is the same when switching from conventional products to natural hair care, such as shampoo and conditioners. Just like anything else, our hair will need time to adjust.

Don’t be alarmed if your hair doesn’t look perfect after the first time trying natural hair products. It may take some time, which is where this homemade dry shampoo powder comes in.

After making this product, head over to my online resource library for your free printable label. Labels are a must in order to keep track of all your homemade products.   

Why dry shampoo

Dry hair shampoo will be your best friend when trying to limit how often you’re washing your hair or if you’re making the switch to homemade shampoos.

Think of dry shampoo as an easy way to refresh hair without a wash.

Using dry shampoo won’t have to last forever, just until the oils, scalp, and hair cooperate.

For me, it was less than a month that my hair was used to the new schedule, and I must say, it adjusted very nicely. I now only wash my hair twice a week, and it saves me a heck of a lot of time.

Dry shampoo can allow you to preserve the natural oils in your hair as well as protect against dry scalp, all while saving you time.

Now, before we skip showers and just use this dry shampoo anytime our hair starts looking greasy, know that this is not a replacement for washing and cleaning hair.

Yes, dry shampoo has been my go-to probably more times than I should admit, but it does not clean the hair and should not be used every single day.

Pros and cons of dry shampoo

There are many common misconceptions regarding dry shampoo. For one, and one that we already touched base on, IT IS NOT a substitute for washing hair.

The dry shampoo will absorb oils, not dirt, grime, and sweat! That is the job of the shampoo.

If made using natural ingredients, the powdered shampoo does a great job when used occasionally to treat greasy hair or when trying to train the scalp to produce fewer oils.

Overall, natural dry shampoo is safe. However, if used too frequently without washing, it can cause buildup on the scalp.

On the other hand, conventional dry shampoos contain artificial fragrances and most contain talc, which is a known toxin. See more on the negative effects of traditional dry shampoo below.

How does dry shampoo work

Dry shampoo absorbs the extra oils in your hair, making your hair look fresh and clean without shampooing. It can be found in both spray and powder form.

Who is it for

Anyone can benefit from this product, including men, women, and children. It’s suitable for all hair types – thick, thin, oily, normal, and even dry.

Homemade vs store bought: which is better?

Ok, so you probably already know where I am going here, right? Conventional dry shampoo is loaded with toxic ingredients, which you’ll see listed below.

Homemade dry shampoo is a great alternative to the chemical-based kind and it can be customized to your specific hair color.

Ingredients found in conventional dry shampoo:

• TALC– Talc is a mineral made up of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and asbestos. Studies have shown links between asbestos and cancer, and it can cause respiratory issues.
• LPG’s (Liquid Petroleum Gas)- LPG’s are commonly used in aerosol containers and are what allows them to spray out. It is a mix of butane, propane, and isobutane, highly flammable and toxic to the environment and the human body. It can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and mood swings.
• Parabens– Parabens are a group of compounds used as a preservative in most cosmetic and personal products. They mimic estrogen and cause hormone imbalances. Parabens are found in 99% of breast cancer tumors!
• Alcohol– Denatured alcohol is a mixture of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) with a denaturing agent. Ethanol is considered broadly toxic and has been linked to congenital anomalies. 
• Fragrance– This is what makes it smell good but can cause allergic reactions, contain hormone disturbers carcinogens, and have been linked to damage sperm.

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How to make dry shampoo

Dry shampoo for dark hair

• 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 5 drops of essential oil of choice

Dry shampoo for light hair

• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1-2 teaspoon cocoa powder (you can omit this if you have very light or white hair)
• 5 drops of essential oil of choice

Glass Jar for storage.

DIRECTIONS

Add arrowroot powder to a small mixing bowl.

Using a measuring spoon, start by adding a tbsp at a time (for dark hair) or a tsp at a time (for light hair) of cocoa powder.

Stir it in, adding more if needed depending on your hair color.

If your hair has a reddish tint, add in just a pinch of cinnamon at a time, along with the cocoa powder.

Always start with less and add more until you reach the desired color.

Stir in the essential oils if you’re using them, then transfer to an airtight container. See the list below for recommended essential oils.

Dry shampoo optional ingredients

Lavender– Studies have shown that lavender helps produce more hair follicles to thicken and strengthen hair. Lavender has a beautiful floral smell that can promote calmness and reduce stress; stress can be the biggest reason for hair loss.

Rosemary– Rosemary essential oil is the top oil for hair growth and thickness. It helps to treat dry hair as well as overly oily hair and can help prevent split ends.

Tea tree– Tea tree promotes a healthy, clean-looking scalp. It’s also great for preventing buildup and is often used in chelating shampoos.

Cedarwood– This woodsy oil is excellent when making products for men because it has a very masculine scent. In fact, I use cedarwood in all the DIY products I make for my husband and he approves. 😉  It stimulates hair follicles and increases circulation to the scalp making it a top oil for hair loss.

Peppermint– Peppermint oil is known for the cooling effect it has on the skin when used topically and for its refreshing minty scent. Peppermint is also great for the hair as it promotes hair growth and thickness.

When choosing essential oils for your dry shampoo, you can do a combination of several oils or just pick one. I personally like to do a combo but go heavy on the lavender because I love the smell. So get creative and switch it up!

How and when to use dry shampoo

Start with clean hair, using a natural shampoo or shampoo bar. Be sure you don’t use hair spray or hair gel during this process.

I use a make-up brush for easy application. Whatever you choose to use, the key is to evenly distribute it to the roots of the hair. 

Note, a little will go a long way. Start by dipping the brush into the container, then give it a little tap on the side of the container to remove any excess powder.

Divide hair into sections and start brushing the powder into the greasy sections of the hair. You only need to do the greasy areas. Once the powder has been applied to the roots, let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, starting at the roots, use your hands to work the powder into the scalp and down to the tips of the hair.

Finally, brush any excess powder from the hair and style like normal.

If you are a dry shampoo user, you will love this recipe. It will save you money, it’s non-toxic, and it works.

When not to use

Dry shampoo is overall safe and effective. However, if you notice buildup, flakey skin, or hair breakage, discontinue use.