Nontoxic DIY Dry Shampoo Powder (Affordable + Actually Works)
If you haven’t tried nontoxic DIY dry shampoo powder, you’ve got to give it a go! Between expensive prices and toxic ingredients, I ditched the store-bought options and decided to create my own. This DIY project is easy to make, toxin-free, and so affordable.
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This specific DIY dry shampoo powder is perfect for brown hair colors. From light brown to dark brown, it’ll prevent that white dusting look with the use of cocoa powder. If you have blonde, grey, or white hair, you can still use this recipe just leave out the cocoa powder.
If your hair is really dark brown or black, add a tablespoon or two or activated charcoal powder to the original recipe. For red hair, add a tablespoon of ground cinnamon and leave out the cocoa powder.
DIY Dry Shampoo Powder Inspiration
I created this DIY dry shampoo out of frustration with the options on the market. The affordable options are full of toxic ingredients like benzene, a cancer-causing carcinogen. Who wants to put that on their head, not to mention breathing in the artificial fragrances that disrupt hormones?
Then, the nontoxic options that didn’t have those ingredients, which I could only find one true toxin-free brand, had a high price tag. So, I decided to make my own at home with items we had on hand. And It works better than any store-bought options I’ve tried!
Video Tutorial
Why You’ll Love this DIY Dry Shampoo
- Easy to make with only 3 ingredints
- Costs pennies to make
- Applies easily with a makeup brush
- Doesn’t leave a white powder residue
- Smells amazing
- Washes out great the next time you shower
Why Use Dry Shampoo
If you’re new to dry shampoo, it’s what you use to absorb oil in between hair-washing days. It makes your hair feel and look freshly washed even though it’s been a day or two. The benefits of not washing your hair every day are: less frizz, healthier hair, and stronger strands.
How to Use Dry Shampoo
For this specific DIY option, use a soft bristle makeup brush, like the one you would use for applying blush. Dip the brush into your dry shampoo jar to cover the bristles, shake in the jar a few times, and apply it to your roots. Important: a little goes a long way!
I like to apply it on my part, around the roots along my face, and the crown of my head. You can essentially apply it anywhere on your roots, just be sure to use a little at a time. When you’re done applying, brush your hair. The best time to do this is at night, before bed.
Supplies You’ll Need
- baking soda
- cornstarch
- unsweetened cocoa powder
Step-By-Step Instructions
Add baking soda, cornstarch, and cocoa powder to a glass jar (that holds 1/2 cup or more).
Use a spoon to mix and combine completely.
Add a lid and store for up to 6 months.
Apply it to your hair as needed between wash days with a soft makeup brush (a little goes a long way).
Storage Tips
Store in a glass jar with a lid for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place. For example, in the drawer in your bathroom.
FAQs
Apply with a soft makeup brush down your hair part, the roots around the crown of your head, and roots along your face.
Yes, this is a toxin-free DIY.
You can still use this recipe, just leave out the cocoa powder.
Yes, leave out the cocoa powder and add 1 Tbsp of ground cinnamon.
Of course, just add 1 Tbsp of activated charcoal powder.
DIY Instructions
DIY Dry Shampoo Powder
Equipment
- glass jar with lid
- soft makeup brush
Materials
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add baking soda, cornstarch, and cocoa powder to a glass jar (that holds 1/2 cup or more).
- Use a spoon to mix and combine completely.
- Add a lid and store for up to 6 months.
- Apply it to your hair as needed between wash days with a soft makeup brush (a little goes a long way).
Video
Notes
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- How do I apply this dry shampoo? Apply with a soft makeup brush down your hair part, the roots around the crown of your head, and the roots along your face.
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- Is this dry shampoo nontoxic? Yes, this is a toxin-free DIY.
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- I have blonde hair can I still use this? You can still use this recipe, just leave out the cocoa powder.
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- I have red hair can I still use this dry shampoo? Yes, leave out the cocoa powder and add 1 Tbsp of ground cinnamon.
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- My hair is really dark, almost black, can I still use this? Of course, just add 1 Tbsp of activated charcoal powder.
What about salt and pepper hair? I’m a dark blonde or very light brown turning grey. Do I follow the instructions for blonds? Any advice?
Great question, I would try the instructions for the blond hair but if it seems too light, add in 1/4 or 1/2 of the cocoa powder and see if that works.
I tried it! I was skeptical. But it worked great!!!
I’m so happy to hear you loved this DIY! It’s one of my favorites! Thanks for the 5 star review!
Okay literally. lol. Found this recipe because I was in desperate need for a quick dry shampoo and couldn’t buy some! Genius!
That’s awesome, so glad you enjoyed this dry shampoo! Thank you so much!