DIY Organic Dry Shampoo: A Sustainable Hair Care Solution

Welcome to The Eco Hub, where our mission is to uncover the finest sustainable brands dedicated to eco-friendly practices. We provide independent reviews of everything we recommend. When you make a purchase through our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission. To learn more about our policies, click here. Our passion for DIY projects shines through, especially when it comes to crafting your very own organic dry shampoo, which is not only simple but also cost-effective! A quality homemade dry shampoo can effectively address oily roots, boost hair volume, and serve as a versatile styling aid—it can even help define curls while providing a light hold. On top of that, it significantly reduces waste, addressing the alarming plastic pollution in the skincare industry. In 2018 alone, nearly 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic were produced in the U.S. for beauty and personal care products. While sustainable skincare brands are making strides toward reducing plastic waste, there’s still much work to be done. We encourage you to give this DIY project a try!

What is DIY Dry Shampoo?

According to Wikipedia: “Dry shampoo, also known as hybrid shampoo, is a type of shampoo that reduces hair greasiness without the need for water. It typically comes in powder form and is usually dispensed from an aerosol can.”

Why consider a DIY dry shampoo?

Many conventional dry shampoos are packaged in aerosol cans, which is why we advocate for a switch to natural alternatives. These aerosol products often rely on propane and butane—two ingredients derived from crude oil. The concern arises when butane is present, as it may produce a harmful byproduct known as benzene. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen and has been associated with various cancers, including leukemia. Using aerosol products can increase our exposure to these chemicals, particularly in enclosed spaces, which can lead to a higher concentration of harmful particles.

Furthermore, other concerning ingredients often found in these products include:

Parabens & Phthalates: These ingredients are suspected endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal balance.
Aluminum: A heavy metal linked to headaches and potential connections to Alzheimer’s disease.
Many formulations also contain alcohol, talc, artificial fragrances, and other synthetic additives that may be harmful.

Ingredients We Use to Make Dry Shampoo

Arrowroot Powder: This ingredient absorbs excess oils, softens hair, and adds thickness while revitalizing the scalp with essential nutrients. It’s an excellent choice for a DIY dry shampoo, especially for oily hair!
Bentonite Clay: Known for its cleansing properties, bentonite clay strengthens hair and is favored in dry shampoo for its excellent oil-absorbing abilities.
Essential Oils: While optional, adding essential oils can impart a pleasant scent to your dry shampoo. Popular choices include grapefruit, peppermint, or eucalyptus.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Organic Cinnamon Powder, and Activated Charcoal: These ingredients not only contribute nutrients but also allow you to tailor the shade of the dry shampoo to match your hair color. Cocoa powder is especially beneficial for those with dark hair.

How to Customize Your Dry Shampoo for Your Hair Color

Light/Blonde Hair: Use arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, and essential oils.
Brown/Brunette Hair: Combine arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, unsweetened cocoa powder, and essential oils.
Black Hair: Mix arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and essential oils.
Red/Strawberry Blonde Hair: Utilize arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, cinnamon powder, and essential oils.

We’ve designed our recipes to be straightforward. Our best recommendation is to start with the suggested amounts and adjust as necessary since everyone’s hair color may differ slightly. Feel free to experiment!

Full Recipe for DIY Dry Shampoo

DIY Dry Shampoo

Yield: 1 oz (30g)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Say farewell to those bad hair days with this natural and organic DIY dry shampoo recipe!

Ingredients

1 tbsp arrowroot (cornstarch can be substituted)
1 tbsp bentonite clay
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for brown hair)
2 tsp cinnamon powder (for red hair)
2 tsp activated charcoal (for black hair)
10 Drops of Essential Oils (optional, use your favorites)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay.
If your hair is black, mix in the activated charcoal.
If your hair is red, incorporate the cinnamon powder.
If you have brown hair, add in the cocoa powder.
If you’re blonde or have light hair, simply use the arrowroot and bentonite clay.
Add 10 drops of essential oils to the mixture in the bowl.
Transfer the blend into a sterilized jar—reuse a container if possible.
Shake well before each use.
Store in a cool, dark place; it should last for about 3 months.

Notes

How to Use DIY Dry Shampoo?

Step 1: Part your hair into small sections, focusing on the oiliest areas.
Step 2: Use an applicator brush to sprinkle a small amount of powder onto it—remember, less is more!
Step 3: Gently dab the brush onto your oily roots.
Step 4: With clean hands, use your fingertips to massage and distribute the powder into your scalp and hair.
Step 5: Brush your hair for an even distribution. Only apply dry shampoo to the areas that need it, and the amount you use will depend on how oily your hair is. Applying it the night before can enhance oil absorption as the ingredients work their magic overnight.

A Final Word on DIY Dry Shampoo

Simplifying your hair care routine not only saves you money but also contributes positively to the planet. If you frequently use dry shampoo, you are likely aware of the significant waste generated by conventional packaging. While there are many excellent clean beauty brands emerging, the journey toward reducing plastic waste in our industry is ongoing.