Dry shampoo has become a go-to beauty essential for those in-between wash days, helping absorb oil, refresh roots, and extend the life of a blowout. What if you run out of your favorite spray or prefer a more natural option? Luckily, you can find plenty of dry shampoo alternatives right in your kitchen.
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Why Try Dry Shampoo Alternatives
Conventional dry shampoos often rely on aerosols, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances. While they may deliver instant results, frequent use can irritate the scalp, clog pores, and leave behind residue. Some formulas even contain ingredients that dull hair color or weigh strands down.
Natural dry shampoo alternatives provide a gentler option. They absorb excess oil, add volume, and refresh your hair without stripping it of natural moisture. Most also come with the bonus of being inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most common DIY dry shampoo ingredients. Its fine texture helps soak up oil while neutralizing scalp odor. However, it’s important to use it sparingly, since baking soda has a high pH (around 9), which can disrupt your scalp’s natural acidity over time.
How to use:
- Sprinkle a small pinch of baking soda onto your fingertips.
- Apply it lightly to the roots, focusing on oily areas.
- Let it sit for one to two minutes, then brush or shake out the excess.
If you have color-treated, dry, or sensitive skin, mix baking soda with a softer ingredient like cornstarch or arrowroot powder to reduce irritation.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the best natural alternatives to dry shampoo. Its soft, silky texture makes it easy to apply and blend, even into darker hair colors. It effectively absorbs oil while leaving hair smooth and refreshed. Cornstarch is gentle on the scalp, making it ideal for regular use.
How to use:
- Dip a large makeup brush into cornstarch and tap off the excess.
- Apply to the roots, then use your fingers to distribute it evenly.
- Wait a minute or two and brush through to remove any powdery residue.
You can also mix cornstarch with cocoa powder (for brunette shades) or cinnamon (for red tones) to create a color-matched version that blends naturally into your hair.
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a lightweight, plant-based starch that works similarly to cornstarch but with a finer texture. It’s especially good for fine or thin hair because it won’t weigh your strands down. It absorbs oil quickly and leaves a soft, clean finish.
How to use:
- Combine equal parts arrowroot powder and cornstarch for extra oil control.
- Apply with a fluffy brush to your scalp, concentrating on oily zones.
- Massage gently to blend it in, then brush out any visible residue.
Arrowroot powder also has mild antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe the scalp and reduce buildup from natural oils.
Rice Powder
Rice powder is another gentle and effective alternative. It helps absorb oil while giving hair a soft texture and a bit of lift. It’s especially useful for people with darker hair tones since it tends to blend more easily than white powders like cornstarch.
How to use:
- Use a small amount of rice powder on your fingertips.
- Dust it over the roots and gently shake or brush it through.
- Repeat as needed until your hair feels fresh.
For an added boost, mix rice powder with arrowroot powder or cocoa powder to create a custom formula that matches your hair type and color.
Oat Flour
Oat flour or finely ground oats are soothing on the scalp and offer a mild, natural way to freshen hair. They contain saponins (natural cleansing agents that help remove oil and impurities.) Oats also calm irritation, making this a great option for sensitive or dry scalps.
How to use:
- Grind rolled oats into a fine powder if you don’t have oat flour.
- Apply a small amount to oily areas and massage it into your scalp.
- Wait a few minutes before brushing out any residue.
Oat flour works beautifully when blended with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for extra absorbency.
Cocoa Powder
For those with dark brown or black hair, cocoa powder can help tone down the white cast that some dry shampoos leave behind. It also has a pleasant scent and pairs well with oil-absorbing starches.
How to use:
- Mix one part cocoa powder with one part cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Apply the mixture lightly to your roots using a brush or your fingers.
- Let it sit for a minute, then brush through to blend.
This natural dry shampoo alternative not only freshens your hair but leaves it smelling subtly like chocolate.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay, a soft natural clay, gently cleanses the scalp and absorbs oil without stripping moisture. It’s rich in minerals and has balancing properties that make it a good option for people with oily or combination hair.
How to use:
- Mix one tablespoon of kaolin clay with one tablespoon of arrowroot powder.
- Apply to the scalp and massage gently.
- Wait a few minutes, then brush out the excess powder.
Kaolin clay also helps improve scalp health over time, making it a smart choice for anyone prone to buildup or irritation.
DIY Dry Shampoo Blends
If you want to create your own dry shampoo at home, try these simple blends based on your hair color and scalp type:
For light hair:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- Optional: a drop of lavender or lemon essential oil
For dark hair:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
For sensitive scalps:
- 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 1 tablespoon rice powder
Apply your homemade mixture with a fluffy brush or your fingertips. Let it sit for a minute before brushing it out to ensure your hair looks and feels clean.
Tips for Using Dry Shampoo Alternatives
- Apply powders in small amounts to avoid residue buildup.
- Focus on the roots and part lines, where oil tends to collect.
- Use a boar bristle brush to evenly distribute the product and add shine.
- Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo once or twice a week to prevent clogged follicles.
The Bottom Line
Dry shampoo alternatives like baking soda, cornstarch, arrowroot, and cocoa powder can work wonders in a pinch. They absorb excess oil, add volume, and refresh your style naturally without exposing your scalp to harsh ingredients. While baking soda can be effective, it’s best used sparingly due to its high pH, which may irritate the scalp. Gentler options like cornstarch and arrowroot powder offer similar results without the risk of dryness or imbalance.
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