DIY 3-Ingredient Dry Shampoo Recipe (All-Natural & Customizable)

Tired of greasy hair between washes? Try this easy 3-ingredient DIY dry shampoo made with baking soda, arrowroot or cornstarch, and cocoa powder – perfect for all hair types and shades!

If you’re trying to stretch time between washes or just want to freshen up your hair without harsh sprays or synthetic ingredients, this DIY dry shampoo is a game-changer. It’s made with just three simple, natural ingredients — and it works just as well (if not better) than the store-bought stuff.

Skip the Chemicals: Make Your Own Dry Shampoo at Home

The best part? It’s fully customizable to your hair color and takes less than 2 minutes to mix.

Why This Dry Shampoo Works

• Baking soda absorbs oil and helps neutralize odors at the roots.

• Arrowroot powder or cornstarch adds softness and absorbs moisture without buildup.

• Cocoa or cacao powder blends the mix into darker hair tones, avoiding the dreaded white cast.  

Unlike aerosol dry shampoos filled with alcohols and propellants (yuck), this version is gentle, effective, and totally natural.

Ingredients (Just 3!)

• 1 heaping tablespoon baking soda

• 1 heaping tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch, if that’s what you have on hand)

• Use a small amount for medium/light brown
• Add more for dark brown/black hair
•  Skip it entirely for blond or light-colored hairCocoa powder or cacao powder, added to match your hair color. Depending on how dark your hair is, you may need to play around iwth 

How to Make This Homemade Dry Shampoo

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the baking soda and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch). If you have light hair STOP HERE.

2. Slowly add cocoa powder a little at a time until the mixture matches your root shade.

3. Mix thoroughly and store in a shaker jar, spice container, or even an empty salt jar with holes.

How to Apply DIY Dry Shampoo

• Use a clean makeup brush, powder puff, or your fingers to dust the dry shampoo onto your roots.

• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to absorb oil.

• Gently brush or shake out the excess and style as usual.

You can apply it before bed to absorb oils overnight or in the morning for a quick refresh.

Tips & Variations

• Sensitive scalp? Use arrowroot instead of baking soda or cut the amount in half.

• No cocoa powder? You can also try cinnamon or activated charcoal (use sparingly).

• Want a fresh scent? Add a drop of lavender or peppermint essential oil to the mix.

Why You’ll Love It

• No harsh chemicals

• Safe for color-treated hair

• Budget-friendly and long-lasting

• Travel-ready (no liquids = TSA friendly)

• Better for the planet (zero waste!)

Final Thoughts

This simple DIY dry shampoo is a lifesaver for busy mornings, post-gym touch-ups, or camping trips. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you’ll never need to buy another can of dry shampoo again.

Want more natural beauty DIYs? Sign up for my email list or check out my other self-care DIYs here: 

• DIY Lavender Bath Salts
• Make Your Own Period Kit

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