Keeping your hair fresh and clean between washes can be a challenge, especially if you’re active, live in a warm climate, or just don’t have time for a full haircare routine. Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for absorbing oil, adding texture, and extending the life of your hairstyle. But store-bought versions are often expensive and laden with chemicals. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create a dry shampoo that’s effective, affordable, and customisable to your needs.
Below are three easy recipes — one simple for beginners, one middle-ground option, and one more comprehensive.
Recipe 1: Basic DIY Dry Shampoo
Ingredients:
✦ 2 tbsp corn flour or arrowroot powder
✦ 1 tbsp baking soda (for extra oil absorption)
✦ 2–3 drops essential oil (e.g., rosemary, lavender, peppermint etc)
Recipe 2: Balanced DIY Dry Shampoo
Ingredients:
✦ 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
✦ 1 tbsp kaolin clay
✦ 1 tsp baking soda
✦ 3–4 drops essential oil (e.g., rosemary for scalp health or tea tree for cleansing)
Recipe 3: Advanced Volumising Dry Shampoo
This recipe includes additional ingredients for added texture, oil control, and scalp care.
Ingredients:
✦ 1½ tbsp corn flour
✦ 1½ tbsp arrowroot powder
✦ ½ tbsp kaolin clay
✦ 1 tbsp green clay
✦ 1 tsp baking soda
✦ 3–5 drops essential oil
Method:
: ̗̀➛ Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk until fully blended.
: ̗̀➛ Drop in your chosen essential oils and mix thoroughly. If clumps form, sift the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
: ̗̀➛ Funnel your dry shampoo to an airtight container, powder atomiser, shaker bottle, or repurposed spice jar with holes for easy application. If you don’t have these at home ask google for help.
How to Use:
Sprinkle or brush the dry shampoo onto your roots using a makeup brush or your fingertips. Focus on areas that tend to get oily.
Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to absorb excess oil.
Massage gently into your scalp, then brush out any excess.
Storage and Shelf Life
Your DIY dry shampoo will last 6–12 months when kept in an airtight container away from moisture and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Notes:
Making your own dry shampoo is an easy, rewarding way to care for your hair naturally. Whether you stick to the basics, try the balanced recipe, or go all-out with a more advanced option, you’ll have a product that’s free of harmful chemicals, tailored to your preferences, and kind to your wallet. Your hair may behave different to the next person, so play around until you get the consistency you like.
Additional Ingredients:
If you’re ever feeling really adventurous, other ingredients to consider are activated charcoal, aloe vera powder, tapioca starch, diatomaceous earth and silica [for added texture and volume] – but I would encourage you to start with the basics.
Have fun!
