DIY Dry Shampoo Spray: A Simple Recipe for All Hair Types

I began using dry shampoo a couple of years ago after my hairdresser pointed out that I had been overwashing my hair. He explained that my hair was becoming too dry and recommended that I limit washing to every two to three days at most, rather than the daily routine I had been following. At first, adjusting to the idea of not having freshly washed hair every day was a challenge, but over time, I adapted. Now, thanks to dry shampoo on my non-wash days, I can’t imagine my routine without it! My hair has never felt softer. It even boasts a healthy shine that I’ve never really experienced before.

Two Versions of Dry Shampoo

When I first ventured into making my own dry shampoo, I opted for the powdered variety (you can find my recipe for dry shampoo powder here). It was incredibly easy to whip up, and it made perfect sense to me. If your hair tends to get oily or flat in between washes, applying a little powder to absorb that oil is a logical solution. And it worked wonderfully! I even managed to customize the recipe for my red hair and created versions that were effective for my brunette and blonde friends and family.

However, my teenage daughter was accustomed to the store-bought dry shampoo sprays available at Sephora, which made it a bit more challenging to encourage her to switch. So, I took the time to research, experiment, and ultimately develop a simple recipe for a dry shampoo spray.

Similar to her favorite Sephora sprays, my homemade dry shampoo spray starts as a liquid.
Both types contain highly absorbent powders (like calcium carbonate) that absorb excess oil and add volume to the hair.
However, unlike the commercial options, my DIY version is free from a long list of toxic ingredients. It only requires three simple ingredients!

Versatile Dry Shampoo for All Hair Types

This dry shampoo spray is effective for all hair types, whether your hair is dry, normal, or oily. Additionally, since it uses minimal powder (calcium carbonate), it works beautifully for all hair colors—whether you’re a redhead, blonde, brunette, or have vibrant hues like purple, pink, or green.

Why I Adore This DIY Recipe

It absorbs oil, odor, and sweat, refreshing your hair and allowing you to extend the time between washes. This results in hair that is softer, stronger, more hydrated, and less frizzy.
It boosts volume. By soaking up excess oil, it alleviates some of the weight on your hair, allowing it to lift away from the scalp and adding life to your locks.
Thanks to essential oils, it carries a light, fresh scent.
It’s naturally free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum, formaldehyde, and other harmful toxins.

What’s Inside the Dry Shampoo Spray?

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Calcium Carbonate Powder (find online here)

Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring calcium salt found in about 4% of the earth’s crust in forms such as limestone, marble, and chalk. It appears as a white, odorless powder. Its highly alkaline pH lifts the keratin scales on your hair, making it feel cleaner and providing volume. The primary reason it’s included in this dry shampoo spray is its exceptional ability to absorb oil.

Vodka or Other Clear Grain Alcohol (use 80-120 proof)

Vodka serves to thin the calcium carbonate, dilute the essential oils, and most importantly, evaporates quickly, allowing the dry shampoo to dry fast and leaving your hair refreshed and ready to go.

Essential Oils

Essential oils not only impart a pleasant scent to the dry shampoo, but if you opt for oils like rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and cedarwood, they can also aid in hair growth. For even more tips on promoting faster, stronger hair growth, check out my recipe for mermaid hair growth tonic here.

How to Create Your Homemade Dry Shampoo Spray

Step 1: Use a funnel to add 1 teaspoon of calcium carbonate powder to a 4 oz spray bottle.

Tip: Choose a spray bottle made from materials safe for diluted essential oils. Glass, stainless steel, or specific plastics (like #1 HDPE or #2 PET) work well. Tip: Opt for a spray bottle with a trigger sprayer to ensure a fine mist that won’t clump in your hair.

Step 2: Add a scant 1/2 cup of vodka or other clear grain alcohol.

Tip: There’s no need for precise measuring if you’re using a 4 oz spray bottle. Just fill it most of the way, leaving a little space for the essential oils.

Step 3: Add 20-25 drops of essential oil.

You can customize with any essential oils you prefer. Here are some delightful combinations I enjoy:

15 drops lavender + 8 drops spearmint
10 drops rosemary + 10 drops peppermint
10 drops sweet orange + 10 drops vanilla oleoresin
10 drops lavender + 8 drops sweet orange + 2 drops ylang ylang
12 drops sandalwood + 4 drops patchouli + 4 drops sweet orange + 2 drops jasmine
10 drops grapefruit + 8 drops sandalwood + 2 drops ylang ylang
8 drops copaiba + 5 drops cedarwood + 5 drops sweet orange + 5 drops vanilla oleoresin
10 drops lavender + 4 drops tea tree + 4 drops rosemary + 6 drops spearmint

Step 4: Secure the spray top and shake well.

Step 5: Add a label (click here for a free printable label).

Tip: You can print this label on full-sheet label paper, or alternatively, print it on regular paper and attach it to the spray bottle with packing tape. This method is economical and effective. I find that packing tape helps the labels adhere better and protects them, keeping them looking fresh for a long time. Tip: To ensure the label sticks well, wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol, let it dry, and then apply the label.

How to Use Your Homemade Dry Shampoo Spray

Apply on dry hair.
Shake well to mix before each use.
Hold a small section of hair away from the roots.
Spray the dry shampoo onto the roots near the scalp.
Use your fingers to massage it into the roots and lightly pull it through your hair. Toss your hair around to aid in faster drying.
Allow it to dry completely and assess if you need to apply more. Add additional dry shampoo until you achieve your desired look, then allow it to dry fully.
Style as usual.

Note: Initially, the dry shampoo may have a slight alcohol scent, but this dissipates quickly as it dries, leaving you with the refreshing aroma of your chosen essential oils.

Where to Source Your Supplies?

Vodka or Other Clear Grain Alcohol: You can find vodka at your local liquor store. Although I don’t drink, I use vodka in several of my homemade beauty and cleaning recipes, which is why we purchase a large bottle from Costco—it’s affordable and lasts a long time.
Calcium Carbonate: Available online here.
Vanilla Oleoresin: Find it online here.
Essential Oils: Available online here.
4 oz or Larger Spray Bottle: With a trigger sprayer—find it online here.
Click here for a free printable recipe and label.

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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your health care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you as it would without the affiliate link.