Dry Shampoo Recipes for Every Hair Color (And How Often to Use)

DIY dry shampoo has a long history in the United States. From the starched wigs of the 1700s to the talc aerosols of the 1950s, the powdered option has provided a means of absorbing oil and improving scent, all without the hassle (and water waste!) of a full-on wash.

Over the last decade, an increase in popularity has resulted in an option for every hair type, which has evolved to include a selection of cleaner, more sustainable store-bought natural dry shampoo offerings that deserve a place in your product line-up.

An even better option than buying something store-bought? Take your love of the convenient product and make your own!

DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes + Ingredients

To make your own DIY dry shampoo, you'll need a menu of ingredients that are most likely hiding in your kitchen cabinet:

Base

• Arrowroot powder
• Cornstarch
• Rye Flour

Color

• Cocoa
• Cinnamon
• Charcoal powder

In order to get your desired freshened-up results, begin with a base of arrowroot powder, corn starch, or rye flour. If you're worried about a white cast on your dark hair, switch up the coloring with natural ingredients to better match your natural hue: add cocoa for brown, cinnamon for red, or charcoal powder for your deeper brunette or black. Looking for a specific scent? Add a few drops of an essential oil like rose or lavender for sweetly-scented powder.

For a labor-free (though slightly less eco-friendly) alternative, baby powder provides virtually the same effects with far fewer ingredients than store-bought dry shampoo.

How to Apply DIY Dry Shampoo

When applying your shampoo, the key is to let it sit and absorb excess oil before brushing it into your lengths. Sprinkle some of the powder along your roots and wait a minute before incorporating it into hair, tousling and raking until the oil is gone and the dry shampoo is no longer visible.

You can also use a blush brush, a spice shaker, or even a repurposed baby powder bottle for cleaner application. Once the shampoo has done its job, run a hairbrush or comb through your hair and finish styling as usual.

Pro-tip: Prior to application, use a boar bristle brush to distribute your hair's natural oils. The more even your hair's oils, the more effective your homemade powder will be—and you may discover that you need less than you think.

How Often Can You Use DIY Dry Shampoo?

Like anything else, dry shampoo is best applied in moderation. Although a DIY version may be a healthier and cleaner option than store-bought dry shampoo, frequent use can result in clogged follicles and cause build-up—particularly if you're ditching your regular wash.

Instead of an all-out alternative to washing, consider dry shampoo the perfect product for a quick freshening-up, whether pre-workday or post-workout. Your mane (and scalp) will thank you!