How to Make Dry Shampoo: Arrowroot Powder Vs Cornstarch

Tools and materials:

• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Cocoa powder
• Activated charcoal
• Measuring spoon 
• Container

DIY dry shampoo recipe

The process for the two recipes is exactly the same — the only difference being whether you decide to add cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

1. Add the dry ingredients together

Add 2 TBSP of cornstarch or arrowroot powder, 2 TBSP of cocoa powder, and 1 TBSP of activated charcoal powder together in a container.

Charcoal powder and cocoa powder are good for people who have dark hair. Without them, it can leave your hair looking a little too light. If you have light hair, you might find it better to just use cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Optionally, you can also add essential oils such as lemon, rosemary, or bergamot — really whatever scent you like. 

2. Shake!

This will mix all of the powders together.

3. Apply the homemade dry shampoo

I like to sprinkle the DIY dry shampoo on my hairbrush and then brush it through my hair or simply dip my comb in the powder and give my hair a fluffing, but there are a ton of ways you can use it.

You can put the powder inside of a salt and pepper shaker and sprinkle it on your hair, or you can even apply it section by section using an old makeup brush. Find which way works for you!

It works best to use on second-day hair when your hair's a little bit greasy, but not time for a wash yet. Using this powder will help absorb some of the oil.

I like to only use it once, as afterward my hair is pretty much ready to be washed, but everyone’s hair is different and you should use it as it works best for you!

Tip: Something I read is that you shouldn’t use the dry shampoo directly on your scalp as it can clog your follicles, but I think if you use it sparingly, there won’t be any harm.

If you find you’re having any issues with your hair, stop using the dry shampoo and try to find a different regimen.

How to make dry shampoo

So, arrowroot or cornstarch — Which DIY dry shampoo did I like best?

Drumroll, please…cornstarch wins! I’m actually surprised that I like the cornstarch better as I’ve used arrowroot powder in my hair previously and it worked really well. Despite that, I found the cornstarch managed to balance out my natural oils better.

Let me know if you plan to try out either of these DIY dry shampoo recipes in the comments below. Thanks for joining!