DIY All-Natural Dry Shampoos: These Rule, Whether You’re Blonde or Brunette!
We’ve all had mornings when we just can’t drag ourselves out of bed, and we end up not having enough time for a shower before work. You don’t want everyone to know what kind of morning you’ve had just by glancing at your hair! Luckily, dry shampoo can rescue you when there’s no time for a shower and shampoo. In fact, in recent years more and more dermatologists and stylists are endorsing the no-shampoo movement, saying that shampooing too often can dry and damage your hair by stripping away the natural oils produced by your scalp. They often recommend dry shampoos as an alternative to daily shampooing.
Dry shampoos work by absorbing the excess oil on the roots and scalp, making hair look clean without washing. Have you ever noticed that your hair is easier to style, and that it holds its style for longer, when it’s not squeaky-clean? You can use dry shampoo to make your hair look clean, while still leaving it unwashed to make it easier to style.
Store-bought dry shampoos are often expensive, and they contain ingredients like propane, butane and isobutene, which you would probably prefer not to put on your hair! It’s easy to make dry shampoo yourself at home, and it only costs 10 percent as much as the commercial brands on average. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your cupboards right now. Wouldn’t you feel happier putting all-natural ingredients on your scalp than chemicals you can’t even pronounce?
Here are some instructions about how to make dry shampoo, how to customize it for your hair color, and how to apply it.
Light Hair Formula – Ingredients:
4 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
About 2 drops essential oil (for fragrance)
Dark Hair Formula – Ingredients
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp pure cocoa powder (unsweetened)
2 Tbsp cinnamon
About 2 drops essential oil (for fragrance)
Tools
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Whisk
Airtight jar or container
Blush brush
First the light-hair formula: Measure the dry ingredients and add them to the bowl. The cornstarch is what will be absorbing the oil from your scalp and roots. The cinnamon has antibacterial properties, as well as invigorating your scalp and adding a touch of color. Whisk these two ingredients together to combine them thoroughly. Now add the essential oil and whisk it again. Use your favorite essential oil so that you can enjoy the fragrance every time you use your dry shampoo. Your dry shampoo is finished and ready to use. Wasn’t that easy?
Follow the exact same process for the dark-hair formula. This recipe contains cocoa powder. The main purpose of this ingredient is to add color, as a lighter powder would be too visible in your brunette hair, and might even make you look like you have grey roots! Cocoa also contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are healthy for your hair and scalp. That’s all. This product is so easy to make, you may wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along.
Put the dry shampoo into an airtight jar or container and keep it with your other cosmetics and beauty supplies. This is how you apply it:
Dip the end of the blush brush into the powder. Tap or shake the brush to remove excess – a little goes a long way. Use the brush to dab the dry shampoo onto your roots, particularly problem areas like your part and the hairline around your forehead (especially if you wear bangs.) The roots are most important, but if your hair is looking oily further down the hair shaft, apply some powder there as well. Don’t massage the powder into the scalp, as this can cause build-up and itching.
Use a hairbrush to distribute the powder from your scalp to your tips.
Wait for 5 to 7 minutes for it to settle. It will absorb the excess oil in this amount of time. Now style your hair as usual.
Compared to a full shower, shampooing, conditioning, drying and styling, the 10 minutes that it takes to use dry shampoo seems like nothing. Now the next time you hit the snooze button, you’ll still be able to show up at work looking your best.