25 Jun What’s The Deal With Dry Shampoo (& How to Make It)

Dry what you ask? Dry and shampoo do almost seem to be opposites, but in fact dry shampoo has been around for centuries, and has enjoyed a recent resurgence of popularity because many beauty experts recommend washing your hair less frequently to keep it healthy.  I can understand the appeal based on lifestyle… A product that makes your hair look clean when it hasn’t been washed that day is a tremendous help, especially for those of us with little ones who are lucky if we get to use the bathroom alone, much less shower every day…

Dry shampoo can be used in between washes if you’re trying to lengthen the life of your blow-out, for example, when you’re dashing to the office without time for a shower, or even in situations when water isn’t readily available, like when you finally find yourself doing the much anticipated Otter Trail.

So what exactly is it? In its essence, dry shampoo is just that — a dry substance that cleans your hair without the use of water. Dry shampoo works by absorbing oil from your scalp and hair, and making it look and feel freshly washed again. It is not meant to take the place of regularly washing your hair with water, but to serve as a means of lengthening time between washes or to use in a pinch.

Dry shampoos usually come in one of three forms — an actual powder, a liquid that comes from a pump dispenser, or an aerosol spray. Since you lot fit into the smart segment of our population that choose natural products, the powder is most likely to be up your green alley.

Whatever you choose, remember that dry shampoo will only help to absorb excess oil and it won’t necessarily clean out the dirt and grime from a long day’s work, though it might mask it with a pretty scent. Good enough for your lunch break after a quick trip to the gym? Sure. Good enough before a big first date? Probably not so much.

DIY Dry Shampoo for Light Hair

• 2 Tbs cornstarch powder
• 2 Tbs rice flour or any other gluten free flour like chickpea flour
• 2 Tbs arrowroot powder
• 6 drops of lavender or lemon essential oils (optional)
• An old salt shaker (optional)

What to do:

Put the drops of essential oil into the powder and mix with a spoon. Store the mix in a small jar or old powder container. Apply with an old make-up brush to the roots or oily parts of your hair. Applying with the brush is optional, but it removes the need to comb through as much and is better for styled hair. If you don’t use the brush, comb the powder through your hair and style as usual.

DIY Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 2 Tbs arrowroot powder
• 2 Tbs rice flour or any other gluten free flour like chickpea flour
• 6 drops of lavender or lemon essential oils (optional)
• An old salt shaker (optional)

What to do:

Mix the cocoa powder, arrowroot/cornstarch and essential oils (if using). Store in a small jar or old powder container and apply with the make-up brush. Comb through hair and style as usual.