As a busy mom my day starts off with getting Smalls to school followed by getting to work – and before I know it, I’m looking at the clock and realizing the day is almost over and I still have to do do laundry, start dinner…oh, and shower! Having a hair emergency? Skip to the natural dry shampoo recipes here.
6 Natural Dry Shampoo Recipes
So while I’m being honest, I’ve got to make a quick confession and just say that I’ve gone to bed more days than I can remember with dirty hair because I just couldn’t find the time to grab a shower or stick my head in the sink and wash it.
However, I enjoy looking like I have it all together, even when I really don’t (which is practically always!). And, I have the perfect tool to help me get there: dry shampoo! Seriously!
When I first started using dry shampoo, I bought a brand from the drugstore. I was desperate, and honestly didn’t think that I could manage to make it myself (HA!).
After a few years, and some major life shifts, I started to become more conscious of how chemicals affect our health, and I stopped using my beloved dry shampoo.
I figured that I’d try the no ‘poo method…which (for me) didn’t work out well.
I loved my dry shampoo, but hated the chemicals it contained. And it wasn’t just because I prefer a more natural approach to beauty.
One of the most detrimental ingredients in my store-bought dry shampoo was denatured alcohol. The alcohol works as a solvent for other ingredients like cornstarch, and it’s purpose is to suspend the cornstarch without dissolving it.
While the denatured alcohol serves its purpose, it is also incredibly drying to your hair which causes damage. Most dry shampoos are formulated to dry excess oils away from the scalp which can make your scalp itchy and full of dandruff. Who wants that?!
Cornstarch
When I’m running late and chasing the kids out the door, I usually realize (too late) that my hair is a disaster. So, instead of grabbing a hat, I grab some cornstarch.
Using a brush or light hand, sprinkle some of the powder on the roots of your hair. Concentrate around the hairline, at the crown of your head, and over your part. Wait 5 minutes to allow the starch to absorb the oil, then gently brush or shake it out towards the ends of your hair.
Salt & Cornmeal
Another way to remove oil, especially if you have a particularly oily scalp is to use a shaker (these work perfectly) that contains a mix of salt and cornmeal. For my small shaker, I use 1/2 cup cornmeal and 1 tablespoon salt.
Gently shake the mixture onto your scalp. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes and then gently brush out toward your ends. The salt and cornmeal attract and trap remove oil and dirt.
Tapioca Starch
One of my favorites for oil absorption is simply dusting tapioca starch (or this talc free baby powder) on your roots. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then shake or brush out your hair. Tapioca starch is highly absorbent and super fine so it doesn’t give you that powdered wig look.
Oat Flour
If you’re in search of increased volume, you may want to try oats. Stay with me here. Ground oats are highly absorbent and may help increase volume.
Grind oats using your own using a grain mill (or just buy oat powder) and dust it on your roots. Wait 5-10 minutes and then brush it out.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is highly absorbent and awesome at removing toxins. To use it as a dry shampoo, simply dust it on your roots, wait 2-3 minutes, and brush out.
Because bentonite clay has silica in it, it strips the sebum (oil) from your hair. Consider adding ground oats to the clay to help keep some of the beneficial oils that our hair and scalp need to be healthy.
Cocoa Powder
If you have darker hair, then using white powders may not be high on your priority list. I don’t blame you! I wouldn’t want to use a dark powder on my blonde roots. I’ve got you covered.
Add cacao powder (a pinch or a few tablespoons depending upon the quantity of dry shampoo you’re working with) to any of the above combinations before dusting on your roots.
Allow to sit for 5 minutes or so, then brush or shake the mix out and enjoy less grease and more volume.
Natural Dry Shampoo With Essential Oils
If you’re using dry shampoo, chances are good that you’re not washing your hair daily (though you may be). While I don’t have an issue with this (I wash my hair every other day or every third day), I do miss the fresh smell that my hair has after shampooing.
To help with this, I’ve found that I can mix up a shaker bottle full of my natural dry shampoo of choice and then add essential oils, usually to help encourage hair growth, but if you have other complaints, there’s a good chance that one of these combinations can help.
Each of these combinations is designed to work well in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of any dry shampoo base (above).
Hair Growth
- 5 drops lavender
- 5 drops frankincense
- 2 drops clary sage
- 3 drops eucalyptus blue
- 1 drop peppermint
Itchy Scalp
- 6 drops cedarwood
- 4 drops lavender
- 2 drops sandalwood or geranium
- 2 drops patchouli
Dandruff Prevention
- 5 drops lemon
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops peppermint
- 1 drop rosemary
Oily Scalp
- 6 drops peppermint
- 4 drops lemon
- 2 drops lavender
As you’re figuring out what works for you and your hair, remember that it’s okay to experiment and some things won’t work for you. Don’t let that stress you out. Come back, regroup, and try something else.
