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Super Simple (and Cheap) DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe

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Tired of greasy roots but don’t have time (or energy) to wash your hair? This DIY dry shampoo recipe is about to become your new best friend. Made with just a few pantry staples, this natural alternative absorbs oil, adds volume, and keeps your hair looking fresh between washes—without the harsh chemicals.

A jar of DIY dry shampoo on the kitchen counter.

DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the best all-natural dry shampoos.

I had spent hours researching and months testing products, determined to find a dry shampoo that worked well and wouldn’t slowly kill me (just kidding……..kind of).

And not only did I find one, but I found five. You can click here to read all about them.

However, as I was putting together that post, I noticed how simple the ingredient lists were on these dry shampoos, and I decided to try making my own DIY dry shampoo.

But What’s So Bad About Dry Shampoo?

If you haven’t read this post yet, I highly recommend you do so. I go into more detail about the dangers of dry shampoo in that post.

But to put it simply, most dry shampoos are filled with highly toxic chemicals that can really harm your health.

You can download the Think Dirty app and scan your favorite dry shampoo to find out what toxins might be lurking inside.

After I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2018, I realized I needed to be my own health advocate. My doctor recommended that I go on medication.

But after learning that the medication would only decrease my symptoms and wouldn’t actually cure me or stop my immune system from attacking itself, I decided I needed to do my own research to determine what was best for my health.

One eye-opening discovery I made was just how many everyday products I used were actually harmful to my health. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to swap them out—one by one—for safer, cleaner alternatives.

Unfortunately, some natural products can be kind of pricey.

And although I still recommend and stand behind the dry shampoos I mentioned in this post, I wanted to create a more affordable, toxin-free dry shampoo (price breakdown below).

DIY Dry Shampoo Ingredients

Ingredients to make DIY dry shampoo on the kitchen counter.

This DIY dry shampoo recipe contains only five ingredients (six for dark hair). I chose the ingredients based on price, effectiveness, and, of course, safety.

I wanted to create a dry shampoo that contained affordable, toxin-free ingredients, and I wanted the DIY dry shampoo to work just as well, if not better than the products you find at your local drugstore.

You can read all about the ingredients below.

Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder is a starchy substance extracted from the root of a tropical plant known as Maranta arundinacea.

It is very light and soft. Its primary purpose is to absorb the oil from your hair and scalp without being overly drying.

Not only is it toxin-free, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.

Baking Soda

Baking soda also helps with oil absorption. It isn’t 100% necessary, but if you already have it on hand, I recommend including it.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil will not only make your hair smell amazing, but it also helps to moisturize and nourish the hair.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil helps to add volume to the hair, prevents excessive oiliness on the scalp, and reduces inflammation in hair follicles.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil helps to support hair growth and provides moisture to the scalp.

Cacao or Cocoa Powder (For Dark Hair Only)

You will want to add cacao or cocoa powder if you have dark hair. It will help the dry shampoo blend in more effectively.

DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe

Below are the exact measurements needed for each ingredient.

You will also need a container to store your homemade dry shampoo. The container should be around 3-4 ounces. I use these jars.

How to Make DIY Dry Shampoo