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Homemade dry shampoo recipes have saved me from major hair crises many times and I’m sure it will be just as reliable to you in your time of need. From tangled and greasy or dull and lifeless to refreshed and fabulous, here are few of my secret weapons that will pull your do through the worst of days, in between washes, or for a last-minute cleanse.
What is Dry Shampoo?
Hair can get greasy even if it’s clean. Over-washing your hair will leave it dry, lifeless, and unable to absorb the strengthening and nourishing benefits of its naturally created oils.
Dry shampoo is a combination of a dry, powdery starch and other beneficial ingredients that will bind to dirt, sebum, and oil, absorb it, and shake it free from your locks without completely stripping it. This leaves hair feeling lightweight and refreshing.
You may not be too concerned with oiliness and just want an added boost of volume. Dry shampoo can add depth and density to hair strands making it appear fuller, thicker, and bigger for a serious va-va-voom effect.
How to Apply Dry Shampoo
Homemade dry shampoo recipes will work for all hair types including extensions. Apply the shampoo powder onto fingertips and work from scalp to tip. If your tips tend to be drier, focus on the scalp, if your scalp is too dry, focus on the tip and hair strands. Homemade dry shampoo recipes are buildable, so start with a small amount and keep applying until you achieve your desired result.
Another way of applying homemade dry shampoo is by tapping a dense kabuki brush into the powder formula and dusting it from the scalp to the root. Once applied to the entire head, use a comb or brush to style as normal. Or you can use dry shampoo a few hours before bed and wake up with a clean do. Some recipes will require just a few minutes to fully absorb and be brushed out, others may need at least an hour to be most effective.
[Read: 6 Tips on How to Use Dry Shampoo]
For fast and easy application, apply ½ a teaspoon at a time into your hands, dust it entirely over your hands, pat onto the scalp, oiliest areas, or where you want added volume, tousle the mixture into your scalp and hair for quick absorbency and you’re good to go.
Never dispense dry shampoo directly onto your hair to avoid clumping or a powdery finish. Always apply it using your hands. For the spray formula in the list, keep the bottle at arm’s length so the shampoo hits the air before reaching your hair.
To get an idea of how the recipes will work with your hair color, apply the recipe to a small section of hair and wait a few minutes. Each recipe will indicate which hair colors it’s more suitable for.
Best Homemade Dry Shampoo Recipes
*If you have a sensitivity to cornstarch, replace it with Tapioca starch or Rice starch.
#1 Protect & Strengthening Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 4 Tbsp Rice Flour
- 5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and sift
- Whisk in essential oil
- Apply with a makeup brush or hands
Benefits
- Suitable for light to medium hair color
- Antibacterial
- Eliminates oiliness
- Rice flour creates UV protection and strengthens hair
#2 Soothe & Detoxing Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Activated Charcoal
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 5 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and sift
- Whisk in essential oil
- Apply with a makeup brush or hands
Benefits
- Suitable for medium to dark hair color
- Can soothe headaches, tension, skin sensitivity, and redness
- Removes oil, odor, and dirt
- Relieves dandruff and itchiness
#3 Cleanse & Soften Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and sift
- Whisk in essential oil
- Apply with a makeup brush or hands
Benefits
- Suitable for most hair colors
- Arrowroot nourishes and softens the hair while absorbing oil
- Lemongrass adds natural shine, soothes the scalp, and reduces dandruff
#4 Restore & Revive Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Organic Oatmeal Flour
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 Drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
- 3 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and sift
- Whisk in essential oil
- Apply with a makeup brush or hands
Benefits
- Suitable for most hair colors
- Strengthens follicles of thin hair
- Improves hair growth
- Oatmeal has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that improve hair luster
#5 Heal & Purify Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Bentonite Clay
- 2 Tbsp Cinnamon Powder
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 5 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and sift
- Whisk in essential oil
- Apply with a makeup brush or hands
Benefits
- Suitable for medium to dark hair color
- Naturally antibacterial and antifungal
- Stimulates circulation and hair growth
- Prevents hair fallout
- Lasting absorbency
#6 Glow & Grow Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 5 Drops Cinnamon Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and sift
- Whisk in essential oil
- Apply with a makeup brush or hands
Benefits
- Suitable for dark hair
- Improves circulation for follicle health
- Absorbs oil but maintains a healthy shine
How to Store Homemade Dry Shampoo Recipes
Homemade dry shampoo recipes will last 1 month in a dry, cool environment. They should be kept in a clean glass jar. Salt or pepper shakers make for easy dispensing of dry shampoo but must remain completely sealed after use to prevent moisture from entering the mixture.
Opting for a natural DIY dry shampoo is a major win if you’re looking to replace toxic products with those that are significantly better for your health and the environment.
Give these recipes a try and in the comments below let your community of natural beauties know the results!
Would you rather buy organic and natural dry shampoos than make them!? Check out our top 5 Best Natural Dry Shampoos.
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