Some natural dry shampoo alternatives are on the market, but making it yourself is way easier on your wallet. When you add in a few essential oils for hair care, you have an amazing, non-toxic dry shampoo that lasts for months. You might even have the ingredients in your pantry!
Dry shampoo is one of my must-haves! I love taking it to the gym to help soak excess moisture after a workout. As a natural living enthusiast, the last thing I want to do is use a storebought aerosol can of questionable ingredients. This recipe keeps my hair toxin-free and full of volume.
Table of Contents:
- Why Use Dry Shampoo?
- Toxins in Beauty Products
- Dry Shampoo Ingredients
- Make Dry Shampoo With Essential Oils for Hair
Why Use Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a relatively new concept, and you may wonder why you should be using it. Here are a few of my top reasons.
Extends Time Between Washes
Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and makes the hair look clean. This means you can extend the time between washes, which helps your hair be healthier overall. After the initial training period, people who wash their hair less often find their locks stronger and shinier. With dry shampoo, no one will be able to tell you didn’t wash your hair that day!
Dry shampoo doubles as a texturizer. The powder formula sticks to the hair, making it appear fuller. In fact, dry shampoo is a daily must for some people because of the volume it gives!
Mama Z Pro Tip: After curling your hair, comb the curls out with your fingers. Add a bit of my dry shampoo to the roots of your hair and massage it into the scalp. Voila! Instant beachy waves.
Saves Time
I love a good shower routine as much as the next person, but there are some days when it’s just not possible. Rather than sacrificing my hairdo, I’d much rather absorb excess oil with dry shampoo and style as usual! Dry shampoo saves so much time, and thanks to essential oils, it makes my hair smell amazing.
If you have little ones who play hard, a little dry shampoo can make them look presentable before running errands. You’ll feel great knowing your kids aren’t exposed to toxins!
This is an excellent hack for busy Moms, and with color options to match each hair type, you avoid the dreaded “gray hair” look.
Toxins in Beauty Products
Storebought dry shampoo, especially in an aerosol can, is extremely dangerous to your health. Here are just a few toxins you’ll find in this product.
Liquified Petroleum Gas
LPG is added to aerosol hair products to help push chemicals out of the bottle. It consists of a few different chemicals, including isobutane and propane. This toxin can make you feel nauseous and light-headed (1). Over time effects only get worse!
In rare cases, if the aerosol can malfunctions, LPG can cause frostbite. Aerosol cans may be quick and easy, but they can also be hard to control, so you’re more likely to spray your dry shampoo where you don’t want to.
Talc
Talc is one of the main absorbents in dry shampoo. Many forms of talc contain asbestos, a known carcinogen (2). You can find talc in body care products like face powder, lotion, deodorant, and more.
Even asbestos-free talc has its hazards. Inhaling talc can cause respiratory issues and lead to devastating consequences. Usually, dry shampoo is applied in a small room, such as a bathroom, making it easy to inhale the formula each time you use it.
In this DIY, we use absorbing powders that are non-toxic but still get the job done!
Artificial Fragrances
Synthetic fragrance is added to dry shampoo to make it smell appealing to consumers. Many people find that they’re allergic to specific fragrances (3). These allergic reactions can manifest as rashes, red eyes, or migraines.
Synthetic fragrances are unique because the fragrance label can apply to more than 2000 chemicals. The worst part is you never know exactly what toxins lie under the general “fragrance” label!
Dry Shampoo Ingredients
You may be surprised to know that this DIY features ingredients straight from the pantry. Here’s what you need.
Arrowroot Powder or Organic Cornstarch: Instead of talc, this recipe uses arrowroot or cornstarch to absorb oils and create a fuller look. Even though this is a lighter powder, it absorbs well into the scalp and doesn’t leave a residue.
Baking Soda: This is an optional ingredient, but I recommend including it! Baking soda can help neutralize the PH balance of the scalp, and it can also absorb odors.
Colorants: The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it to fit any hair color. Dark-haired ladies can use cocoa powder, blondes can use this recipe as is, and auburn-haired girls can add paprika and cinnamon.
The Best Essential Oils for Hair
Essential oils make this recipe unforgettable. The best thing about EOs is that you can use them to target specific issues. Here’s a list of essential oils I prefer.
- Peppermint – Helps with blood flow and is invigorating.
- Geranium and rosemary – Makes hair smooth and silky.
- Tea tree– Is anti-fungal and can help heal your scalp of any issues that may be causing itchiness. It was one of my favorite essential oils when I experienced post-pregnancy hair loss
- Lavender & Roman chamomile – Soothes skin and helps dry skin.
Note: This is one recipe where you can’t use any essential oil you want. Stay clear of “hot” oils like clove, oregano, lemongrass, and cinnamon. They can be aggravating to the skin.
If you’re planning to spend time outside, stay away from phototoxic oils like those in the citrus family. For a complete list of phototoxic oils, download our free guide!
Make Dry Shampoo With Essential Oils for Hair
This recipe comes together in minutes and can be customized for different hair colors.
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder or corn starch
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 4-8 drops essential oil per ounce of final product**
- For dark hair: Add up to ¼ cup cocoa powderr depending on hair color
- For auburn hair: Add up to a tablespoon cinnamon and 2 teaspoons paprika, depending on hair color
- Supplies:
- Food processor or blender
- Refillable makeup brush orpowder sifter
- Add the arrowroot powder, baking soda, colorants, and essential oils to a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture reaches a fine powder consistency.
- Add the dry shampoo to a refillable makeup brush or powder sifter.
- To use, dispense a little powder and apply it to the roots of your hair.
- Let sit for a minute or two, then use your fingertips to distribute the mixture throughout your hair evenly.
For auburn hair: Add up to a tablespoon of cinnamon\ and 2 teaspoons paprika, depending on hair color
**Essential oils for hair care include: peppermint, geranium, rosemary, tea tree, lavender, and Roman chamomile.
Step One: Combine All Ingredients
Add the arrowroot powder, baking soda, colorants, and essential oils to a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture reaches a fine powder consistency.
Step Two: Apply to Roots
Add the dry shampoo to a refillable makeup brush or powder sifter. To use, dispense a little powder and apply it to the roots of your hair.
Let sit for a minute or two, then use your fingertips to distribute the mixture throughout your hair evenly.
