Julie Steinkamp This DIY Dry Shampoo is light and will absorb without caking on your scalp while keeping the ingredients we don’t want on our skin away.
If you are a mom, dry shampoo may be one of your best friends or even if you just don’t like to wash your hair every day. I know it is one of mine. I only wash my hair about once every four or five days so I love having this on hand.
Why you’ll love this DIY Dry Shampoo!
Simple – This is a DIY that is super simple and easy to put together. No complicated steps!
Clean Ingredients – Just like I talk about with a lot of my recipes, quality control is huge for me. I want to know what ingredients are going on my body.
Quick – This only takes about 5 – 10 minutes tops to throw together!
Cost Effective – Store bought dry shampoo can get pricey and some of those cans or bottles don’t last long if you are using it on a daily basis. This one is around $2.00 if you already have the ingredients on hand. Not to mention some of these ingredients are actual food (not that I would recommend eating this).
Do you know what is typically in traditional Dry Shampoo?
Some of the first few ingredients listed on the popular brands and even the unpopular ones are butane, isobutane and propane. So… basically ingredients like cigarette lighter fluid or gas that you use to heat your house or light a grill. That is what we have been spraying on our hair and breathing in. These are harmful and a chemical propellant which allows the dry shampoo to spray out of the can.
Butane – This is a highly flammable gas that is deemed as a health hazard as it can cause cancer and birth defects when exposed. It’s also used as a fuel source and in many cosmetics like hairspray and dry shampoos.
Isobutane – This is also a propellant that is commonly found in hairsprays and dry shampoos. It can be harmful when inhaled and can harm your skin if it comes into direct contact with the vapors.
Propane – Normally used for heating homes or a grill (think propane tanks), this can cause cardiac arrest or pneumonia if inhaled heavily.
Octenylsuccinate – This is a fancy word for aluminum starch which is added to help absorption. So, you are basically using something made with aluminum on your scalp to help absorb aluminum itself and these other products into your skin, (which is very close to your brain) and it is deemed safe, so long as you don’t overdo it. No thank you.
This doesn’t even count the other ingredients like fragrance that can wreak havoc on the endocrine system or talc, aluminum, and more.
Now I know you are probably thinking if I only use it every so often is it really going to cause issues?
Well, here’s the thing… there probably isn’t enough of these toxic ingredients in a one time large amount to cause any issues immediately, BUT constant and repetitive use can impact you in the long run. At what point is “just a little bit” not so little anymore? Are you willing to risk it? I know that going to a store or ordering online may seem so much simpler but a DIY is actually going to be cheaper while containing natural ingredients that can actually benefit your skin and hair and will support your body in the long run. Bonus is it only takes 5 minutes to throw together.
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What will I need to make my own Dry Shampoo?
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About the ingredients…
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a fine white powder that is similar to a cornstarch. You can use it as a thickening agent in foods. Arrowroot is a tropical tuber that is native to Indonesia.
It has a very smooth silky texture and is completely natural. Arrowroot powder is a natural humectant, which means that it attracts and retains moisture. It is perfect for a dry shampoo because it is gentle to the skin and absorbs the oils.
Baking Soda
Not only is this also used in cooking, but it is great for cleaning, it also works fantastic at absorbing oil, helps to add a little volume, can help to restore ph and more!
Lavender Essential Oil
This is one of my favorite essential oils for skin. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your dry shampoo will add extra benefits to your scalp. It is antifungal, anti-inflammatory and can help combat excess oil. This can help stimulate hair growth and soothe a dry or itchy scalp.
Lavender essential oil is a great option for those combating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and scarring. You can see more reasons why I love this oil here.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This can help to clean your hair follicles allowing your hair to breathe, soothe the scalp and help with any dermatitis issues on the scalp. It can also help to prevent buildup of excess oils.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
This can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss and is very good for skin.
Rosemary Essential Oil
This is good for hair growth and to help promote thickness.
Cacao Powder
Not to be confused with cocoa powder with sugar added to it. This is optional but very recommended if you have darker hair, or really anything other than light blond hair. This gives the dry shampoo a brown tint and will make it easier to blend in if you don’t have blond hair. The amount you will add of this will vary depending on your hair color. Darker hair = more cocoa. It is also high in flavonoids and antioxidants which can help protect and repair skin if you have any scalp issues.
You will just add a bit at a time until you reach your desired color.
Cinnamon
This is also optional but recommended if you have red hair. The amount you will add of this will vary depending on your hair color as well. This is also packed with antioxidants.
A bonus to this is that Lavender, Rosemary and Tea Tree essential oils are also well known for keeping hair bugs at bay. Just saying…
How to make this All Natural DIY Dry Shampoo
This is an incredibly quick recipe to throw together and it keeps for a long time too!
Step 1
Gather your supplies needed.
Step 2
Add your arrowroot powder, baking soda, essential oils and if needed or used your cacao/cinnamon powder to a bowl.
Step 3
Whisk to combine well.
Step 4
Place in an airtight container to store.
Step 5
Happy Dry Shampooing!
How do I use this dry shampoo?
My favorite way to apply this is with a makeup brush. I have tried putting it into a spice jar to shake out onto my hair, but it doesn’t get to the root by the scalp like you need it to and makes a mess. With the makeup brush you can dab it into the roots. I like to dab it into the roots, let it sit for a few to absorb the oils and then gently scrub it into the scalp.
It also adds a bit of volume doing it this way too.
These are the oils our family has used for years (and that we know are safe for the uses mentioned above).
These posts may interest you too. Check them out!
Lavender Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Let’s Talk Sunscreen and Sun
DIY Natural Bug Spray
All Natural DIY Setting Powder
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me @julie.naturallychaotic on Instagram!
Thanks for stopping by, see you next time!
DIY Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is light and will absorb without caking on your scalp while keeping the ingredients we don't want on our skin away.
Materials
- 1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- 5 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops Rosemary essential oil
- Cacao powder (if/as needed)
- Cinnamon (if/as needed)
Tools
- Glass Bowl
- Stainless Steel Whisk
- Storage Container with Lid
- Application Brush
Instructions
- Gather your supplies.
- Add your arrowroot powder, baking soda, essential oils and if needed or used your cacao/cinnamon powder to a bowl.
- Whisk to combine well.
- Place in an airtight container to store.
- Happy Dry Shampooing.
I’m going to have to try this. I really want to get back into oils!
This is great. I love bar shampoo so I’m going to have to try this!