Shampoo ads often show the images of wet, glistening, foamy hair as the “clean” hair washing standard.
However, DIY dry shampoo may be a better solution for many people. Cheap, practical, and sustainable, dry shampoo is a more practical solution to the wet product.
Should you replace your regular shampoo with the dry one? What DIY recipes you can try? This guide will describe everything you need to know.
What Is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a product that absorbs sebum and reduces greasiness from the hair without rinsing. This shampoo has been around for centuries, recorded first in the 15th century Asia and the Victorian Era.
The basic ingredients are surfactants (cleaners) and active powder, such as starch.
Dry shampoo works by absorbing the oil, without leaving the hair. You need to thoroughly cleanse the hair to remove the residue.
However, dry shampoo can be a great solution to make your hair presentable quickly. Dry shampoo often doubles as a mousse or styling agent.
Pros and Cons of Dry Shampoo
Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?
Yes and no. Dry shampoo is practical, but it is not meant as a replacement for a wet product.
It reduces greasy look quickly, but if you let your hair unwashed for a long time, the sediments will stay and cause itchiness or dandruff.
Dry shampoo can keep your hair beautiful for a long time because you can apply it between the actual hair washing. This way, you can save the liquid shampoo, since dry shampoo is cheaper.
However, dry shampoo products often contain nonbiodegradable products. People with sensitive scalps can also develop skin problems.
If you want a safer solution, make a dry shampoo from natural ingredients.
Easy DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes
You can make dry shampoo alternatives by using cornstarch as the active powder. Use other natural ingredients from your kitchen to mix the shampoo.
Different ingredients bring benefits to unique types of hair (and scalps).
Charcoal Shampoo for Oily Hair
This shampoo is perfect to reduce the amount of grease from oily hair. The active charcoal also cleans more effectively and reduces dandruff.
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of active charcoal powder. Stir evenly and add 1 tablespoon of lavender oil.
Oatmeal Shampoo for Dry Hair and Scalp
This shampoo makes dry hair shinier and reduces flakiness on the scalp. Mix 2 tablespoons of pre-blended oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (don’t let the oatmeal gets too soft). Add 1 tablespoon of lavender oil.
Coffee Shampoo for Hair Fall and Dandruff
Coffee contains nutrients and antioxidants that keep your hair from falling. Get the ultimate antioxidant benefits by grinding coffee beans for the shampoo (a good way to use old coffee).
Mix 2 tablespoons of coffee with 2 tablespoons of starch. Add 1 tablespoon of peppermint oil and mix evenly.
Clay Shampoo for Super Greasy Hair
Clay is known to absorb impurities, making your hair feel lighter and fresher.
Mix 2 tablespoons of calcium bentonite clay powder with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir evenly before adding 1 tablespoon of peppermint oil.
Cinnamon Shampoo for Red Hair
Keep the brightness of your red hair with cinnamon powder. Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Stir evenly and add 1 tablespoon of lavender oil. Stir again until everything mixed.
Arrowroot Shampoo for Blond Hair
Arrowroot is ideal for blond hair. It strengthens the roots and increases the luster. Mix 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of starch. Add a tablespoon of lemon or lemongrass oil and stir evenly.
Cocoa Powder for Dark and Curly Hair
Cocoa powder contains antioxidants to keep dark hair beautiful. It also increases blood circulation, encouraging hair growth and keeping curly hair healthy.
Mix 2 tablespoons of pure cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add 1 tablespoon of lemongrass or lemon oil and stir evenly.
These recipes are enough for one use. Apply the dry shampoo with a makeup brush and make sure you hit the scalp and root.
Tips to Use DIY Dry Shampoo
You must prepare your hair before applying the dry shampoo, so the product can work better. Brush your hair first before dividing them into sections.
Apply the dry shampoo to the hair and massage the head with fingers to encourage absorption.
You can apply the dry shampoo whenever the hair feels greasy. Shake the excess dry shampoo particles after application, and let it sits for 10 minutes before you start working with your hair.
Don’t apply too much on your scalp to avoid irritation and itchiness.
When you experience allergic reactions on your scalp, stop the use and consult with the doctor.
Recommended Natural Dry Shampoo Products
What if you want to try commercial brands? Choose dry shampoo products with biodegradable and safe ingredients. These natural dry shampoo brands are great for vegans and environmentally conscious users.
Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo
Mermaid Dry Shampoo from Captain Blankenship contains organic, cruelty-free ingredients. The shampoo is suitable for all hair colors and textures.
It contains organic arrowroot, essential oils, clay, and baking soda as the active powder.
Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a vegan, organic dry shampoo for dark hair owners. The shampoo contains cocoa powder, clay, rice powder, and charcoal.
Drop Dead Gorgeous can absorb excess grease after a workout. It can also increase the volume.
Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo
Rahua looks a little like baby powder, but it has an amazing volumizing effect. The shampoo contains a special formula that absorbs grease quickly. Rahua is ideal for blond and fine hair owners.
Acure Dry Shampoo
Acure offers a special formula that boosts the keratin production. It makes your hair stronger and softer. The chamomile and lavender aromas are perfect for post-workout styling, especially if you need to go somewhere.
These natural dry shampoo products contain safe, biodegradable products. You can use it as a practical alternative if you have no time to make DIY hair products.
Conclusion
Dry shampoo does not replace the actual liquid product, but it absorbs grease quickly without washing. You can make natural dry shampoo using natural starch as the base.
Use the DIY dry shampoo between washing to make your hair less greasy and more lustrous.
