As someone who's perfected a low-maintenance hair routine over years of trial and error, I rarely wash my hair daily. The full routine—shampoo, conditioner, blow-drying, and straightening—is too time-consuming and harsh on my strands.
It's not just about convenience; frequent washing strips natural oils, leading to drier, more damaged hair. Unless I'm sweating heavily (which is rare), I stick to washing twice a week.
To bridge those days and banish oily scalp, I've relied on this simple, effective homemade dry shampoo recipe. It's a game-changer I've used for years.
Here's the straightforward recipe for professional-quality results at home:
- 30 g cornstarch (also known as corn flour or Maïzena)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 drops essential oil
- Small airtight glass or plastic container (repurpose a jam jar)
1. Add 30 g cornstarch to the container.
2. Stir in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
Cocoa darkens the powder to blend with hair. For lighter hair, use less; for very dark hair, add more.
3. Add 2 drops of your favorite essential oil. I swear by cinnamon for a warm scent with cocoa, but peppermint offers a refreshing zing.
4. Seal and shake vigorously to blend everything evenly.
5. Apply to scalp with a clean makeup brush or powder puff, then brush through hair for even distribution.
Voila—fresh, voluminous hair without water! This version suits brunettes best and leaves a delightful aroma.
Store-bought options cost over €5 per can, but this DIY matches their performance for pennies.
Have you made homemade dry shampoo? Share your results and tweaks in the comments—we'd love to hear!