14 Easy Homemade DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes

DIY Dry shampoo is a good backup for busy mornings, travel days, or workouts, since you can make more anytime without a store run.

Try homemade dry shampoo for a simple way to refresh oily roots with common ingredients you may already have at home.

This blog shares easy step-by-step recipes, from cornstarch-based options to blends for darker hair shades, plus application tips and storage advice to help you make dry shampoo at home.

Benefits of Making DIY Dry Shampoo at Home

Many homemade dry shampoo recipes use common household powders, making them easy to prepare whenever you need a quick hair refresh.

Most rely on simple, readily available ingredients like arrowroot powder or cocoa powder, keeping the whole process affordable and low-effort.

This DIY deodorant recipe guide leans on that same arrowroot powder base, too, if you want to use up the rest of the bag.

DIY options can further help you cut back on aerosol sprays and unnecessary packaging, while costing less overall. Small batches fit easily into your routine, making homemade dry shampoo a budget-friendly choice

DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes You Can Make at Home

These simple blends use common ingredients to absorb oil, refresh your roots, and help your hair look cleaner between washes.

1. Basic Cornstarch Dry Shampoo

This simple recipe is a great starting point for beginners. Cornstarch has a fine texture that helps absorb excess oil from the scalp and works well for lighter hair shades.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup cornstarch

Steps:

1. Place cornstarch in a clean container.
2. Apply a small amount to oily roots using a brush.
3. Wait 3–5 minutes for the powder to absorb oil.
4. Brush through hair to remove excess powder.

Best for: Light-colored hair.

2. Arrowroot Dry Shampoo

Arrowroot powder creates a lightweight dry shampoo that feels smooth on the scalp. It is a popular alternative for people who want a softer powder that blends easily.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup arrowroot powder

Steps:

1. Add arrowroot powder to a small jar.
2. Apply lightly to the scalp and roots.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Massage and brush through hair.

Best for: Sensitive scalps and all hair types.

3. Cocoa Powder Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair

This blend combines oil-absorbing powder with cocoa powder to help homemade dry shampoo mix more evenly with darker hair colors.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Steps:

1. Mix cocoa powder and arrowroot powder until combined.
2. Apply the mixture to the roots.
3. Let it absorb for a few minutes.
4. Brush until the color blends with your hair.

Best for: Brown and dark hair.

4. Coffee Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

Coffee powder adds a deeper shade to dry shampoo blends while helping create a formula that works better for darker hair tones.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee powder, 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Steps:

1. Combine coffee powder and arrowroot powder.
2. Apply a small amount near oily roots.
3. Wait several minutes.
4. Brush thoroughly to remove leftover powder.

5. Baking Soda Dry Shampoo

This recipe uses a small amount of baking soda to help absorb oil. Since it can feel drying for some people, use it occasionally rather than daily.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cornstarch, half teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

1. Mix cornstarch and baking soda together.
2. Apply a small amount to oily areas.
3. Leave it for a few minutes.
4. Brush through hair completely.

6. Clay-Based Dry Shampoo

Clay-based dry shampoo can provide stronger oil absorption and is useful for people who notice greasy roots quickly after washing.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder, 1 tablespoon kaolin clay

Steps:

1. Mix arrowroot powder and kaolin clay.
2. Apply the powder to the scalp area.
3. Let it absorb oil for 5 minutes.
4. Brush out the excess.

Best for: Oily scalps.

7. Lavender Dry Shampoo

This recipe adds a light floral scent to a basic powder formula. It can be a simple option if you want refreshed-looking hair with a mild fragrance.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup arrowroot powder, 3 drops lavender essential oil

Steps:

1. Add essential oil to arrowroot powder.
2. Mix well and let the powder dry completely.
3. Apply lightly to roots.
4. Brush through after a few minutes.

8. Charcoal Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

Activated charcoal gives this blend a darker appearance, making it easier to match with deeper hair shades while helping absorb scalp oil.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder, half teaspoon activated charcoal powder

Steps:

1. Mix both powders evenly.
2. Apply a small amount to oily roots.
3. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
4. Brush until no visible powder remains.

Best for: Very dark hair colors.

9. Cinnamon Dry Shampoo Blend

Cinnamon adds a warm tone to this homemade dry shampoo blend. It works best when mixed with a lighter powder base for better color balance.

Ingredients: One-Fourth cup arrowroot powder, Half teaspoon cinnamon powder

Steps:

1. Combine both ingredients well.
2. Apply a small amount to the scalp.
3. Wait a few minutes.
4. Brush through hair.

10. Oat Flour Dry Shampoo

Oat flour creates a soft powder blend that feels gentle on the scalp. It can be a good option for those who prefer a milder formula.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup finely ground oat flour, 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

Steps:

1. Mix oat flour and arrowroot powder.
2. Apply gently to oily areas.
3. Leave it on for 5 minutes.
4. Remove with a brush.

Best for: Dry or sensitive scalps.

11. Herbal Dry Shampoo

This recipe combines powder with dried herbs for a naturally scented option. The herbs add fragrance, while the powder base absorbs oil.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup arrowroot powder,1 teaspoon dried lavender powder, 1 teaspoon dried chamomile powder

Steps:

1. Grind dried herbs into a fine powder.
2. Mix with arrowroot powder.
3. Apply lightly to roots.
4. Brush through after absorption.

12. Rice Flour Dry Shampoo

Rice flour creates a fine-textured powder that spreads easily through hair. This blend is useful for people who prefer a lightweight dry shampoo.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup rice flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Steps:

1. Combine rice flour and cornstarch.
2. Apply to oily roots.
3. Let it absorb oil for a few minutes.
4. Brush hair thoroughly.

Best for: Fine hair needing a lightweight option.

13. Coconut Milk Powder Dry Shampoo

This recipe adds coconut milk powder to create a softer-feeling blend. It works well for those who want a dry shampoo that feels less powdery.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut milk powder, 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Steps:

1. Mix both powders together.
2. Apply a small amount to roots.
3. Allow it to sit briefly.
4. Brush through hair.

Best for: Dry-feeling hair.

14. Vanilla-Scented Dry Shampoo

This simple recipe adds a sweet scent to a basic powder formula. It is easy to prepare and store for quick touch-ups.

Ingredients: One-fourth cup cornstarch, 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Steps:

1. Mix vanilla oil into cornstarch.
2. Spread the mixture and let it dry.
3. Store in a container.
4. Apply to oily roots when needed.

How to Apply DIY Dry Shampoo Correctly?

Applying DIY dry shampoo the right way helps absorb excess oil without leaving visible powder or making your hair feel heavy. Follow these simple steps for a clean, fresh-looking finish.

• Start With Dry Hair: Apply DIY dry shampoo only to completely dry hair. Damp or sweaty hair can cause clumping and reduce oil absorption.
• Apply It to the Roots: Focus on oily areas like the scalp, hairline, and crown. Use a small amount first and add more if needed.
• Let It Sit Before Brushing: Wait a few minutes after application to allow the ingredients to absorb excess oil.
• Blend It Into Your Hair: Massage gently with your fingertips or brush through your hair to remove visible powder and prevent buildup.

Summing It Up

With simple ingredients like cornstarch, arrowroot powder, cocoa, coffee, clay, and natural herbs, you can create different blends as an easy, affordable way to refresh your hair between washes.

If you need a quick fix for oily roots, a lightweight option for fine hair, or a tinted blend for darker shades, there is a DIY recipe to try.

Remember to apply only a small amount, blend it well, and avoid using dry shampoo as a substitute for regular hair washing.

With the right recipe and proper use, homemade dry shampoo can become a useful addition to your hair care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Dry Shampoo After Using Minoxidil?

Yes, but timing is everything. You must apply minoxidil directly to a clean, dry scalp and wait at least four hours for it to fully absorb before using dry shampoo.

What Can You Use Instead of Dry Shampoo?

For a quick alternative to dry shampoo, use items from your kitchen or vanity that absorb oil.

Is Dry Shampoo Just Baking Soda?

Yes, baking soda is a popular DIY dry shampoo. It effectively absorbs excess oil and eliminates odors.

Is Homemade Dry Shampoo Safe?

Homemade dry shampoo isn’t inherently bad, but it can damage your hair if used improperly. It doesn’t actually clean your hair.