Fresh and clean-looking hair can make any day a good hair day. But the quest to keep it looking that way can wreak havoc on the natural texture and volume of your luscious locks.

Frequent hair washing, especially when using chemical-based shampoos can strip away your hair’s natural oils, leaving your hair dry, frizzy, and limp.

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Furthermore, an excessively dry scalp can send the sebaceous glands into a frenzy, causing an overproduction of oils and making your hair even oilier.

intro how to make DIY dry shampoo
Use DIY dry shampoos to keep your hair fresh and clean

To counter this very common yet frustrating cosmetic conundrum, many women turn to dry shampoos.

While commercial dry shampoos have been around for quite some time, the synthetic compounds in them can leave your mane clumpy and funny-smelling.

They can also lead to a chemical buildup on your scalp, clogging the hair follicles and slowing down hair growth and replacement.

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It’s time to take control of what goes in your hair by whipping up your DIY dry shampoo. Homemade dry shampoos are not only convenient and pocket-friendly; they also do not jeopardize the health of your hair and scalp.

You can either choose one of these three powder-based DIY dry shampoos or go for a dry shampoo spray. 

Method 1: Cornstarch Dry Shampoo

Cornstarch works remarkably as an affordable DIY dry shampoo base. It rapidly absorbs oil and grease from your hair and scalp to freshen it up in a jiffy.

While plain cornstarch works well for blonde hair, you can add cocoa and cinnamon powder to suit brunette or red hair. You can also reduce the quantities of cocoa powder and cinnamon for lighter hair.

Use essential oil of your choice in the dry shampoo for fragrance and other special effects that are perfect for you.

# Cornstarch & Cocoa Powder

Things you’ll need:

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Things you'll need to make DIY dry shampoo using cornstarch

  • Orange essential oil or any oil of your choice (adds fragrance) – 6 to 8 drops
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (adds brown tinge) – ¼ cup
  • Cornstarch (oil absorbent) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl

ombine cornstarch, cocoa powder and orange essential oil to make DIY dry shampoo
Combine cornstarch, cocoa powder and orange essential oil in a mixing bowl
  • Put ¼ cup of cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
  • Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to it.
  • Add 6 to 8 drops of orange essential oil.

Step 2. Mix well and transfer it into a jar

Mix well and store to make diy dry shampoo
Mix well and store the powder in an airtight bottle
  • Blend the ingredients well to make DIY dry shampoo.
  • Spoon the mix into an airtight bottle for storage.

Step 3. Sprinkle the mix on your scalp to clean oily hair

Apply the powder to your roots to make diy dry shampoo
Apply the dry shampoo to your roots with a clean makeup brush
  • For application, use a clean makeup brush you have not been using.
  • Dab the brush in the DIY dry shampoo mixture.
  • Tap the brush gently to remove any excess powder. Using just the right amount is essential. Excess powder can make your hair clumpy and be difficult to remove. Some trial and error will be required to decide how much suits your hair.
  • Part your hair and run the brush over the roots. Begin from the crown, working your way down toward the edges.
  • Once you have covered the entire scalp, leave the dry shampoo on for 2 to 3 minutes. This will give it time to absorb the oils and exchange nutrients.
  • Brush your hair to evenly distribute the powder from the roots to the tips.
  • If you can still feel a few oily spots with your fingers, reapply the powder and brush again.

You can store this DIY dry shampoo up to 6 months.

# Cornstarch, Cocoa Powder & Cinnamon

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to make diy dry shampoo for dark hair using cornstarch

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  • Rosemary essential oil (adds fragrance) – 3 or 4 drops
  • Cornstarch (absorbs oils) – 2 tablespoons
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (adds brown tinge) – 2 tablespoons
  • Cinnamon powder (adds brown tinge) – ½ tablespoon

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients

combine the ingredients to make diy dry shampoo
Combine cinnamon and cocoa powders with cornstarch; add essential oil
  • Put ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons each of unsweetened cocoa powder and cornstarch to it.
  • Add 3 or 4 drops of rosemary essential oil.

Step 2. Mix well, store and use as needed

mix well to make diy dry shampoo
Mix well, store in a bottle and use as needed
  • Use a wooden spoon to gently blend the ingredients.
  • Transfer the mix to a sterilized spice bottle for storage and ease of use.
  • As needed, sprinkle the mix over your scalp and scrunch it into your hair by hand.
  • Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then dust off the excess powder.
  • Use it in between hair washes to keep your hair and scalp oil-free.

The shelf life of this DIY dry shampoo is 6 months.

Method 2: Baking Soda Dry Shampoo

Baking soda is an inexpensive alternative to commercial dry shampoos. It not only works as a dry cleanser for your hair and scalp but also eliminates dirty hair odor.

However, do not go overboard with the baking soda, as it can make your hair and scalp too dry and prone to damage.

To make DIY dry shampoo using baking soda, you can add cocoa powder if you have dark hair or stick to the basic recipe for all hair types.

# For Dark Hair

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to make diy dry shampoo for dark hair using baking soda

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  • Cornstarch (absorbs oils) – 2 tablespoons
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (adds brown tinge) – 1 tablespoon
  • Baking soda (cleanser and deodorizer) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine the 3 ingredients

Combine baking soda, cocoa powder and cornstarch to make diy dry shampoo
Combine baking soda, cocoa powder, and cornstarch
  • Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Note: You can increase or decrease the quantity of cocoa powder according to your hair color.

Step 2. Mix well, store in a spice bottle and use as needed

Mix well to make diy dry shampoo
Mix well and store; use it to get rid of excess oil from your hair
  • Mix the ingredients thoroughly to get a uniform blend.
  • Spoon the mix into an empty spice bottle for storage and easy application.
  • When needed, use an old makeup brush to apply the dry shampoo on the oily areas of your hair.
  • Dishevel your hair with your fingers to spread and work in the powder thoroughly.
  • Comb out the excess powder.
  • Repeat if needed, but don’t overdo it.

The shelf life of this DIY dry shampoo is 6 months.

# For All Hair Types

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to make diy dry shampoo for all hair types

  • Baking soda (cleanser and deodorizer) – 1 tablespoon
  • Cornstarch (oil absorbent) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Combine baking soda and cornstarch

Combine baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl to make diy dry shampoo
Combine baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl
  • Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
  • Add ¼ cup of cornstarch to it.

Step 2. Mix well, transfer to a spice bottle and use as needed

Mix well to make diy dry shampoo for all hair types
Mix well and store it in an old spice bottle
  • Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients well.
  • Spoon the mixture into a clean spice bottle.
  • When needed, sprinkle the mix sparingly on your scalp.
  • Use your fingers to scrunch your hair and spread the mix evenly through your hair.
  • Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then brush it out.

You can store the mix as long as you want in an airtight container. Exposure to moisture will turn the DIY dry shampoo clumpy and render it unusable.

Method 3: Cornmeal Dry Shampoo

Cornmeal can also be used to make DIY dry shampoo. It works as an excellent absorbent, and its grainy texture is easier to remove from your hair after it soaks up all the natural oil.

The salt in this dry shampoo improves the texture of the dry shampoo and also helps draw out moisture from hair.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to make diy dry shampoo with cornmeal

  • Salt (cleanser and deodorizer) – 1 tablespoon
  • Cornmeal (oil absorbent) – ½ cup

Step 1. Mix salt and cornmeal, then transfer it to a small bottle

Add salt to cornmeal to make diy dry shampoo
Add salt to cornmeal and store in a spice bottle
  • Add 1 tablespoon of salt to ½ cup of cornmeal.
  • Blend the two ingredients.
  • Transfer the mix to a small bottle.

Step 2. Sprinkle the dry shampoo on your oily hair

Sprinkle the mix on your scalp to make diy dry shampoo
Sprinkle the mix on your scalp, then comb it out
  • Part your hair and sprinkle on the DIY dry shampoo, covering your scalp and all the oily sections of your hair.
  • Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Use a comb to remove the grainy leftover mix from your hair.

The shelf life of this DIY dry shampoo is 3 to 4 months. Any longer than that and the cornmeal may turn rancid.

Method 4: Dry Shampoo Spray

Although not technically a dry shampoo, if you prefer a spray-on solution over powdered shampoos, try this recipe. The dry shampoo spray works equally well.

It uses an alcohol base that evaporates quickly from the scalp, leaving behind the absorbent ingredients.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to make diy dry shampoo spray

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  • Cornstarch (oil absorbent) – 2 tablespoons
  • Rosemary essential oil (adds fragrance) – 2 or 3 drops
  • Rubbing alcohol (spray base) – 2 tablespoons
  • Warm water – ½ cup

Step 1. Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Combine cornstarch, water, rosemary oil and rubbing alcohol to make diy dry shampoo
Combine cornstarch, water, rosemary oil and rubbing alcohol
  • Put 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small pitcher.
  • Add ½ cup of warm water to it.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol.
  • Squirt in 2 or 3 drops of rosemary essential oil.
Note: You can use any other essential oil of your choice for fragrance.

Step 2. Mix well, store in a spray bottle and use as needed

Mix well, store in a spray bottle to make diy dry shampoo spray
Mix well, store in a spray bottle and use as needed
  • Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to get a lump-free solution.
  • Transfer it to a spray bottle.
  • As needed, spray the solution from a distance over the oily sections of your scalp.
  • Let it dry completely before you style your hair.

The shelf life of the DIY dry shampoo spray is 1 to 2 months.

Additional Tips

  • You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder to make DIY dry shampoo.
  • To add sun protection properties to dry shampoo, you can use non-nano zinc oxide powder instead of cornstarch.
  • White or green dry clay can also be used as a dry shampoo.
  • In a pinch, you can simply wrap cheesecloth around a wide hairbrush and brush your hair to remove excess oil and dirt.
  • You can also use homemade shampoos to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
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