Super Simple (and Cheap) DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe

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.

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.

(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure statement here.)

I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using essential oils on children under 5 or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Please do not ask me for medical advice. Click here to read my full disclaimer.

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

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.

• 1/4 Cup of Arrowroot Powder
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Baking Soda
• 2 Tablespoons of Cacao or Cocoa Powder (for dark hair only)
• 3 Drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 3 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 3 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

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

• Add 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder to a bowl
• Add 1/2 a tablespoon of baking soda to the bowl
• Add 2 tablespoons of cacao or cocoa powder to the bowl only if you have dark hair. Otherwise, skip this step!
• Mix together
• Add 3 drops of each essential oil
• Mix again
• Transfer the mixture to a container of your choice

How to Use DIY Dry Shampoo

I always apply dry shampoo before bed. That way, it has time to absorb fully, and no powdery residue can be seen.

I sprinkle the dry shampoo on the sections of my hair that need it the most, then I use a makeup brush like this one to blend it in—easy peasy!

DIY Dry Shampoo Price Breakdown

Arrowroot powder is $6.09 (at Thrive Market) for 16 ounces. This breaks down to $ 0.38 per ounce, and we only used 2 ounces. So the total cost is $.76.

Baking soda is $2.49 (at Thrive Market) for 16 ounces. This breaks down to $ 0.16 per ounce, and we only used a quarter of an ounce. So the total cost is $.04.

Plant Therapy rosemary essential oil is $11.99. Each 10ml bottle contains approximately 200 drops, which break down to around $.06 per drop, and we’re only using three drops. So the total cost is $.18.

Plant Therapy lavender essential oil is $6.79. Each 10ml bottle contains approximately 200 drops, which break down to around $.03 per drop, and we’re only using three drops. So the total cost is $.10.

Plant Therapy cedarwood essential oil is $10.99. Each 10ml bottle contains approximately 200 drops, which break down to around $.06 per drop, and we’re only using three drops. So the total cost is $.18.

So the total cost to make this DIY dry shampoo is less than $1.50. I personally like to double the recipe so I don’t have to make it as often.

However, even if you double the recipe, it still costs significantly less than any all-natural dry shampoo you would find at the store or on Etsy, and it lasts for a long time.

Thrive Market

I purchase the arrowroot powder and baking soda at Thrive Market.

They do have a membership fee similar to Costco, but in my opinion, it is 100% worth it!

To be honest, the only reason I signed up with Thrive Market was because they were offering a free trial membership plus 25% off my first purchase.

I had every intention of canceling my account after that initial purchase but once I saw how great their prices were I decided it was completely worth the membership fee and I’ve been a member ever since.

They offer a wide selection of healthy, toxin-free foods and products at discounted prices. The membership fee is $59.95 a year, which is less than $5 a month.

Thrive Market also offers a monthly membership plan for $12 per month. If you choose the annual plan, it breaks down to approximately $5 per month. So the yearly plan is a much better deal.

However, the monthly plan is ideal for individuals who prefer not to make a yearly commitment. But please note that you can receive a full refund on either plan if you cancel within 30 days.

You can click here to get 20% off your first Thrive Market order, plus a free gift valued up to $60!

You can click here to read my full Thrive Market Review.

If you don’t love Thrive Market, you can cancel before the 30-day trial period to avoid the membership fee.

Essential Oils

The essential oils in this DIY dry shampoo recipe are not 100% necessary.

However, if you decide to leave out the essential oils, the dry shampoo will not have the additional benefits the essential oils provide, and it will not smell good, but it will still work effectively.

If you don’t already have essential oils, I understand that the initial investment can seem substantial. And that is precisely what it is—an investment.

When you purchase essential oils, you are investing in your health and overall well-being.

You can click here to learn more about essential oils and how they work.

If you’re trying to live a more natural, toxin-free life, essential oils are essential. You can use them for so many different things.

Choosing the Right Essential Oils

Not all essential oils are created equal. Many are made with synthetic chemicals and fillers. But don’t let that scare you. Many different essential oil companies produce high-quality essential oils.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover several brands that sell amazing, high-quality essential oils at very affordable prices.

I regularly use Eden’s Garden, Plant Therapy, and Simply Earth essential oils. 

If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive a free $45 Simply Earth gift card with the purchase of your first recipe box.

You’ll get the recipe box, the big bonus box, plus a $45 Simply Earth gift card for only $29.99 (new customers only)!!!

If you are unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes here.

Final Thoughts

With just a few inexpensive ingredients and minutes of your time, this DIY dry shampoo recipe proves that fresh, clean-looking hair doesn’t have to come from a can—or cost a fortune.

Whether you’re cutting down on wash days or embracing a more natural beauty routine, this homemade dry shampoo is an easy, effective swap you’ll want to keep on hand.

I really hope that this DIY dry shampoo works well for you. Let me know how you like it!

Other Posts You May Like:

• How To Wash Your Hair Less & Still Look Awesome
• 10 Natural Ways to Grow Your Hair Faster
• 5 Life-Changing Reasons To Wash Your Hair Less
• Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth & Thickness
• 5 All Natural Dry Shampoos You Need To Try