Non-Toxic, Homemade Dry Shampoo: Awesome Ingredients & How To Customize

Concerns of Commercial Dry Shampoos

Many of the store-bought dry shampoos contain toxic chemicals that aggravate existing scalp and hair issues. Let’s look at one chemical, lead. Though naturally occurring in the earth, lead is a toxin that’s harmful to your brain—and your entire body.

Children exposed to lead may experience behavioral problems, such as ADD/ADHD. The CDC reports that “no safe blood lead level in children has been identified, and even low levels of lead in blood can cause developmental delays, difficulty learning, behavioral issues, and neurological damage.
Adult lead exposure presents the possibility of adult-onset schizophrenia, as well as increased risk of mental health issues like depression and panic disorder. In one study, researchers concluded that even “exposure to lead at levels generally considered safe could result in adverse mental health outcomes.”

What Does This Have To Do with Shampoo?

The EPA notes that, in addition to its presence in everything from older buildings (in which lead may be present in paint or pipes)l, lead still exists as an ingredient in many personal care products out there on the market—including hair dye and cosmetics.

This means that you potentially have double exposure to lead when you shampoo: through your water and your hair products.

Creating a non-toxic, herbal homemade dry shampoo can be a great way to freshen up your hair between washes without exposing yourself to potentially harmful chemicals.

Double up on protecting yourself by getting a premium water filter for your shower. ImmerHealth offers two of them: a water filter and a water filter + ionizer. I know hair salon owners and previous psoriasis who swear by them.

What Is Dry Shampoo?

Dry shampoo is a personal care product made of an absorbent starch such as rice, aluminum, tapioca. When applied to your hair or scalp, dry shampoo absorbs grease and oils and adds fragrance, helping refresh your hair, make it look less greasy, and leave it looking and smelling clean.

Dry shampoo comes in powders, pastes, and sprays. Powder dry shampoo is sprinkled onto your scalp and rubbed through your hair. Paste dry shampoo is rubbed between your hands and massaged onto your scalp. Most dry shampoos come in an aerosol can and is applied to your roots from about 6”-8” away.

Shampoo requires water and dry shampoo does not. Surfactants like SLS in shampoos bond to dirt and oils and rinse away with water. Dry shampoo contains starch to absorb dirt and oils, then brush or shake out. Dry shampoo goes on dry hair and can be used without showering or rinsing your hair.

The good news is that it’s EASY to make your own dry shampoo at home!

Here are 10 ingredients, along with their pros, cons, and any necessary preparations. Stick around to the last 2 for some innovative ingredients!

Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch

Pros:

Absorbs Oil: Arrowroot powder is a great oil absorber, making it ideal for use in dry shampoo.

Lightweight: It’s fine and lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your hair.

Gentle: Suitable for sensitive scalps and won’t cause irritation.

Affordable: Cornstarch easy to find and inexpensive.

Cons:

Light Color: It may be visible on dark hair, requiring more thorough blending.

Potential Build-Up: May cause build-up if used frequently without washing.

Preparation: No special preparation is needed. Just use it in its powdered form. Use as is or mix with cocoa powder for darker hair.

Baking Soda

Pros:

Effective Odor Neutralizer: Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, leaving your hair smelling fresh.

Oil Absorption: It effectively absorbs oil and grease.

Cons:

Potential Irritation: Baking soda can be too alkaline, which may irritate sensitive scalps over time. This is because the scalp is skin, just like the rest of your body, thus it has a mildly acidic pH (about 6.0).

Can Leave Residue: It may leave a white residue if not brushed out thoroughly.

Preparation: Use in small amounts to avoid scalp irritation.

Kaolin Clay or Bentonite Clay

Pros:

Cleansing Properties: Both of these clays gently cleanse the scalp while absorbing oil.

Detoxifying: Both have detoxifying properties that can benefit the scalp by drawing out impurities.

Cons:

Drying: It can be drying if used too frequently, especially on dry hair types.

Heavy: Bentonite clay is heavier than other powders, so it can weigh down fine hair.

Preparation: Use the clay in its powdered form, or mix it with other ingredients for added benefits. Use in small amounts and mix with lighter powders to balance its drying effects.

Cocoa Powder

Pros:

Good for Dark Hair: Cocoa powder blends well with darker hair, making it less visible.

Pleasant Scent: Adds a natural, chocolatey scent to your dry shampoo.

Cons:

Can Stain: If not brushed out properly, it may stain light-colored clothing or bedding.

Limited Oil Absorption: It’s not as effective at absorbing oil on its own, so it’s best mixed with other ingredients.

Preparation: Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix with other powders like cornstarch for better oil control.

Activated Charcoal

Pros:

Detoxifying: Activated charcoal can help detoxify the scalp by binding to impurities and oil.

Blends with Dark Hair: It’s almost invisible in dark hair.

Cons:

Messy: Can be very messy to apply and may stain light-colored surfaces.

Drying: Overuse can lead to dryness, so it’s best used sparingly.

Preparation: Use a small amount mixed with other ingredients to avoid mess and over-drying.

Lavender Essential Oil

Pros:

Soothing: Lavender oil is soothing for the scalp and can help reduce itchiness.

Pleasant Fragrance: Adds a refreshing scent to your dry shampoo.

Cons:

Sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive to essential oils, so it’s important to do a patch test.

Requires a Carrier: Must be diluted with a carrier powder, like arrowroot or cornstarch, before use.

Preparation: Add a few drops to your powder mixture and blend well.

Bowl of holistic, natural, herbal dry shampoo — Natural cosmetics for home or salon spa treatments, cosmetic skin care.

Ground Rosemary or Rosemary Essential Oil

Pros:

Stimulates Scalp: Rosemary is known to improve hair growth, prevent hair loss and dandruff, and reduce gray hairs.

Antimicrobial: Has antimicrobial properties that can help keep the scalp clean, thus reducing scalp irritation.

Cons:

Strong Scent: The scent can be overpowering if too much is used.

Potential Irritation: As with all essential oils, it can cause irritation if not properly diluted.

Preparation: Mix a few drops with your base powders to infuse the dry shampoo with its benefits.

Oat Flour

Pros:

Soothing: Oat flour is gentle and soothing for the scalp, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Moisturizing: It has mild moisturizing properties that can help prevent over-drying.

Cons:

Less Absorbent: It doesn’t absorb oil as well as other powders, so it’s best mixed with more absorbent ingredients like cornstarch or baking soda.

Preparation: Use finely ground oat flour or grind oats into a fine powder at home.

Powdered Green Tea

Pros:

Antioxidant Boost: Rich in antioxidants that may help protect the scalp from environmental stressors.

Gentle Oil Absorption: Offers moderate oil control without overly drying the hair.

Scalp Soothing: Natural compounds can provide a calming effect on the scalp.

Mild Natural Scent: Contributes a subtle, herbal aroma to the dry shampoo.

Cons:

Color Impact: If overused, it might impart a slight green tint, which can be an issue on lighter hair. May stain surfaces or fabrics if spilled.

Less Potent Absorption: Not as strong in oil absorption compared to other bases like cornstarch.

Preparation:

Texture: Always sift the powdered green tea to remove any clumps and ensure a fine texture. If the powder is coarse, use a spice or coffee grinder to achieve a smoother consistency.

Blending: Combine it with other absorbent powders (such as cornstarch, arrowroot, or rice starch) to balance its oil-absorbing capabilities and minimize color impact.

Controlled Dosing: Start with a small amount (around 1/4 teaspoon per batch) and adjust gradually based on the hair type and desired effect.

Zinc Oxide Powder

Pros:

Effective Oil Absorption: Highly effective at soaking up excess sebum for a matte finish, reducing shine and creating a polished, matte look.

Antimicrobial Properties: Offers mild antibacterial benefits, contributing to a healthier scalp.

UV Protection: Provides a degree of UV-blocking action, which can be beneficial for exposed skin areas.

Texture Improvement: When blended well, it can enhance the overall texture of the dry shampoo.

Cons:

White Cast: If not blended properly with other ingredients, can leave a visible white or chalky residue, particularly noticeable on darker hair.

Overuse Sensitivity: Excessive amounts may lead to buildup or a gritty feel on the hair. Some individuals with sensitive scalps might experience irritation if the concentration is too high.

Mixing Difficulties: May clump if not properly sifted and incorporated, affecting the product’s smoothness.

Moisture Sensitivity: Tends to clump if exposed to ambient moisture during storage or mixing.

Preparation:

Sifting & Blending: Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the zinc oxide powder, ensuring it is free from clumps. Thoroughly mix with other dry ingredients like cornstarch or arrowroot to dilute its color and avoid a chalky finish.

Measured Incorporation: Begin with a small amount (around 1/4 teaspoon per batch) and increase gradually if needed.

Proper Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep moisture at bay and maintain its free-flowing nature.

Uniform Distribution: Use a whisk or sieve when blending to achieve an even distribution throughout the dry shampoo mix.

Conclusion

Experiment with different combinations of these ingredients to customize it for your hair type and color.

Safety notes:

Store your homemade dry shampoo in a clean, airtight container to maintain its freshness and potency.
Test a small amount on your scalp first to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the ingredients.

Believe me, it is so much more fun to make it yourself for pennies versus buying it!