Homemade Dry Shampoo: 2 Simple Natural Recipes That Actually Work

Janet L
Jan 11
3 min read

Updated: Jan 11

Dry shampoo is one of those products many of us reach for on busy days — but store-bought versions can be expensive, heavily scented, and full of ingredients we don’t recognize. That’s why I love making my own.

In today’s video, I’m sharing two homemade dry shampoo recipes that are simple, customizable, and made with ingredients you can easily adjust to fit your hair type. Homesteading isn’t about following strict rules — it’s about learning what works for you and tweaking things along the way.

These recipes are gentle, effective, and perfect for anyone wanting a more natural, low-tox approach to hair care.

🎥 You can watch the full video below!

Why Make Your Own Dry Shampoo?

Homemade dry shampoo allows you to:

Avoid harsh chemicals and aerosols
Customize for fine, thick, oily, or dark hair
Save money
Use ingredients you already have on hand
Support a simpler, more intentional lifestyle

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to hair — and that’s exactly why DIY works so well.

🌿 Base Dry Shampoo Recipe (For Fine or Thick Hair)

This base recipe is gentle and works well for both fine and thick hair. You can use it on its own or build on it depending on your needs.

Base Ingredients:

½ cup Arrowroot Powder
1 Tbs of Kaolin Clay

Arrowroot powder is lightweight, absorbs oil well, and won’t leave hair feeling heavy or sticky. This alone may be enough for some people — especially if your hair doesn’t get overly oily. To get the maximum results add the Kaolin Clay.

🧴 Recipe #1: For Oily or Thicker Hair

This version is best for hair that gets oily quickly or for thicker hair that needs stronger oil absorption.

Ingredients:

½ cup Arrowroot Powder
Bentonite Clay Powder (add gradually and test)

Why Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is excellent for:

Absorbing excess oil
Detoxifying the scalp
Providing longer oil control for oily hair types

👉 Important: Always start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Everyone’s scalp reacts differently, so test and tweak until it feels right for you.

🌰 Recipe #2: Long-Lasting + Dark Hair Friendly

This recipe is designed for longer-lasting results and is ideal for anyone with darker hair, thanks to natural coloring from cocoa and cinnamon.

Ingredients:

½ cup Arrowroot Powder
1 tsp Arrowroot Starch or Flour (for longer-lasting absorption)
1 tbsp Cinnamon Powder (scent + warmth)
1 tbsp Cocoa Powder (natural color for dark hair)

Why These Add-Ins Work:

Extra arrowroot starch helps the dry shampoo last longer between applications
Cinnamon powder adds warmth, a natural scent, and depth of color
Cocoa powder blends beautifully into dark hair and prevents white residue

This version blends seamlessly and smells amazing — without artificial fragrance.