There’s nothing worse than the feeling of dirty, greasy hair, but did you know that washing your hair too often can leave hair prone to dryness and breakage? It’s easy to keep your locks looking lustrous and lifted and extend time between washes by applying a dry shampoo! Using ingredients you already have in your cupboards such as corn starch and baking soda, this DIY Dry Shampoo is free of harsh parabens, dyes, and perfumes that can damage hair and cause breakage. Cornstarch absorbs excess oil, while baking soda and Cedarwood, Rosemary, and Tea Tree essential oils make hair smell fresh and feel healthy.
You can experiment with your own blend of essential oils to find a scent that works best for you! We love Lavender, Sacred Sandalwood, and Peppermint for their wonderful aromas and various skin-care benefits. If you decide to add cocoa for dark hair, try using oils that complement the scent of chocolate like Orange, Peppermint, or Cinnamon.
DIY Essential Oil-Infused Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
- 1 drop Tea Tree essential oil
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, for dark hair only
Directions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Put in a container of your choice, such as an empty salt shaker or baby powder bottle.
- Sprinkle on roots of hair and massage into scalp.
- Leave for 2–3 minutes to absorb hair’s natural oils.
- Brush through hair.
Hello Kay! We suggest you only use the cocoa powder if you have dark hair. It will darken blonde hair if the cocoa powder is mixed in. This is an optional ingredient for those who have dark hair. Thanks for stopping by!
What other oil combos has anyone else tried? Not a big fan of cedarwood
Honestly, Baking Soda is not safe to use in the hair because it is too alkaline. Can the recipe be used without the baking soda?
Hi Tinuke, As we have not tested the recipe without baking soda, we would not be able to comment on it. However, you are welcome to try without and let us know how it works. Thanks for stopping by!
Any alternative to baking soda? I get bumps on skin from it when I used it as one of ingred to my homemade deodorant. I’m afraid it will give me the same reaction on scalp 🙁
Hi, As we have not tested the recipe without baking soda, we would not be able to comment on it. However, you are welcome to try without and let us know how it works. Thanks for stopping by!
Can arrowroot powder be used in place of cornstarch?
Hey Marie! We have not experimented with arrowroot powered for this recipe. If you want to try it, let us know how it goes for you.
My daughter did not like the cedarwood oil! We usually make it plain…she loves it when her hair smells like chocolate! This keeps and lasts for a very long time! I have been using my batch for over a year! My daughter just ran out! I usually keep the batch in baby food jars…put a little in my palm and just rub into root areas! Works amazing! This time put it in a recycled spice container with a slotted lid…we will see how that works! May need to add a lil more cocoa powder..not quite dark enough!
I do this, but add cocoa powder for darker hair and love it! !
Hellos! Any idea how long the dry shampoo can keep?
Hey Eve! Since there isn’t any water in it, it should last for a decent amount of time. We would assume a few months, but definitely toss it if it starts to smell off. Hope that helps!
Love this recipe!! I have used this exact recipes for over a year now (with different oils) and it works great. If this is you also, try using a blow dryer after application. It really helps lift the roots back up, and helps get rid of any residual powder you might have sprinkled elsewhere. I use the cocoa powder, and it’s not an exact match for my hair, so it also helps blend it. I also use a foundation brush for application. This really helps get down to the roots and less mess and waste. Hope this helps!
Really like the idea of using a foundation brush to apply. Thanks
Looking forward to trying this and being able to travel with it as well.
Hello,
Shampoos, Conditioners, Treatments, Styling, Leave-On Conditioner, Hair Sprays
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Any alternative recipes for someone with a corn allergy?
Hi Leanne,
Potato starch is a common substitute for corn starch. We haven’t tested it, but if you give it a try, let us know how it works!
I use arrowroot starch in place of corn.
Thank you for your responses! I’m allergic to corn too, so I’m so happy to hear there is a substitute for me!
I also substitute arrowroot for cornstarch in everything.
Yes, Arrowroot powder!
I’m going to try to make this. Do you need to use the whole mixture on your hair, or can you leave some for another time? Can you put the oils in right away if you are making it the night before you use it?
Hey Tamra,
There’s no need to use the whole mixture right after you make it. You’re fine to add the oils the night before, just make sure it’s in an appropriate container. Thanks for your question!
How does one apply it?
Hey Lori,
To apply the dry shampoo, simply sprinkle some on your hair and comb it through your roots. Continue combing until you can’t see the powder anymore! Thanks for stopping by!
Can I use any other oils for this recipe?
Hi Kate, We have not tried using other oils for the DIY Dry Shampoo, however you are more than welcome to use the oils of your choosing that are labeled for topical use! Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Do you know if this, (with the coco powder), could stain my white bed sheets? lol
Hi Daniela, If used in the morning there is the possibility that some coco powder may be remaining in your hair at the end of the day that could potentially leave a residue on your sheets. Thanks for stopping by with your question.
Thank you for this recipe. I can’t wait to try it!
So glad to have found this today in time for my class this Wednesday! Perfect for those summertime workouts!
Best Part…the cocoa helps cover my grey hairs!
Interesting! May have to try it
What an awesome recipe! Thank you Young Living! I use Dry Shampoo frequently especially when in a hurry or somewhere where it’s hard to get a good shampoo and it’s wonderful to know I can now use my Young Living oils for that purpose and its natural!! I’m in love!!
My daughter was asking about dry shampoo to take with her to summer camp. I had never heard of it and bought some recently for her. So happy to make my own.
Someone ask me if you wash the mix out after brushing through hair, or is this a leave in? Thanks!
Great question Lee. This Dry Shampoo DIY is meant to be left in your hair after application. Hope this information is helpful. Thanks for stopping by!
The recipe states 1/4 cup cornstarch. The video states 1 cup. Which is correct?
Hi Judy, Great catch! For this recipe, the correct amount is 1/4 cup cornstarch. We’d love to hear what you think once you’ve tried this DIY. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve used this recipe before minus the oils so I love the idea of adding oils, especially lavender!
I love this idea, especially for summer!
Can’t wait to try it 💖
Hi there! The instructions say 1/4 cup corn starch and the video says 1 cup corn starch. Which one should I follow?
Hi Cornelia, Great catch! For this recipe, the correct amount is 1/4 cup cornstarch. Thanks for stopping by with your question!