DIY Cornstarch Dry Shampoo: A Simple & Effective Guide
Are you tired of greasy hair days but don’t have time for a full wash? Or maybe you’re looking for a natural and budget-friendly alternative to commercial dry shampoos? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making and using cornstarch dry shampoo. We’ll cover the benefits, the ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, tips for different hair colors, and even some troubleshooting advice. Get ready to say goodbye to oily hair and hello to refreshed, voluminous locks, all thanks to the power of cornstarch!
Why Choose Cornstarch Dry Shampoo?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why cornstarch dry shampoo is such a fantastic option. Here are a few compelling reasons to make the switch:
* **Natural and Chemical-Free:** Commercial dry shampoos often contain harsh chemicals, propellants, and fragrances that can irritate the scalp and even damage your hair over time. Cornstarch is a natural, gentle alternative that’s free of these harmful ingredients.
* **Budget-Friendly:** A box of cornstarch is incredibly affordable, especially compared to the price of store-bought dry shampoos. This makes it a great option for those on a budget.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily customize your cornstarch dry shampoo to match your hair color and scent preferences by adding ingredients like cocoa powder, essential oils, and more. This allows for a personalized experience.
* **Effective Oil Absorption:** Cornstarch is an excellent absorbent, effectively soaking up excess oil and grease from your scalp and hair, leaving it looking clean and refreshed.
* **Reduces Plastic Waste:** By making your own dry shampoo, you’re reducing your consumption of single-use plastic bottles, which is a win for the environment.
* **Gentle on Sensitive Scalps:** The simplicity of cornstarch makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive scalps who may react negatively to the complex ingredients in commercial products.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Supplies
Making cornstarch dry shampoo is incredibly simple, and you likely already have most of the ingredients and supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Cornstarch:** This is the base of your dry shampoo. Choose a pure, unflavored cornstarch for the best results. Look for brands that are labelled as non-GMO if that is a concern for you.
* **Cocoa Powder (for darker hair):** If you have brown or black hair, adding cocoa powder will help to blend the cornstarch in and prevent a white cast. Start with a small amount and adjust to match your hair color.
* **Essential Oils (optional):** Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil can give your dry shampoo a pleasant scent and provide additional benefits. Lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint are all great options. Start with just 1-2 drops and increase as needed.
* **Mixing Bowl:** A small mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients.
* **Makeup Brush or Powder Brush:** A large, fluffy makeup brush or powder brush is ideal for applying the dry shampoo to your roots.
* **Shaker or Container (optional):** A small shaker or container with a lid can be helpful for storing and applying the dry shampoo, especially if you’re on the go. An old spice jar, a small cosmetic container, or even a Ziploc bag will work.
* **Sifter or Strainer (optional):** Useful for creating a finer powder, particularly when adding cocoa powder to ensure even distribution.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making and Applying Cornstarch Dry Shampoo
Now that you have your ingredients and supplies, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to make and apply your cornstarch dry shampoo:
**Step 1: Prepare the Mixture (for Light Hair)**
* If you have blonde or light brown hair, you can use cornstarch on its own. Simply pour about ¼ cup of cornstarch into your mixing bowl.
* If you’re using essential oils, add 1-2 drops to the cornstarch and mix well with a spoon or fork. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the mixture clumpy.
**Step 2: Prepare the Mixture (for Dark Hair)**
* If you have brown or black hair, you’ll need to add cocoa powder to prevent a white cast. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder in your mixing bowl.
* Mix the cornstarch and cocoa powder thoroughly. Gradually add more cocoa powder, a little at a time, until the mixture closely matches your hair color. Remember, it’s always better to start with less and add more as needed.
* If you’re using essential oils, add 1-2 drops to the mixture and mix well.
* Using a sifter can help blend the cocoa powder seamlessly with the cornstarch.
**Step 3: Store the Dry Shampoo (Optional)**
* If you’re not using the dry shampoo immediately, transfer it to a shaker or container with a lid. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from spilling.
**Step 4: Apply the Dry Shampoo**
* Part your hair into sections, focusing on the areas that are most oily (usually around the roots and hairline).
* Dip your makeup brush or powder brush into the cornstarch mixture. Tap off any excess powder to prevent clumping.
* Gently apply the dry shampoo to your roots, using short, dabbing motions. Be sure to distribute the powder evenly. Avoid applying too much in one spot.
* If you’re using a shaker or container, you can also sprinkle a small amount of the dry shampoo directly onto your roots.
**Step 5: Massage and Blend**
* Using your fingertips, gently massage the dry shampoo into your scalp. This will help to absorb the oil and distribute the powder evenly.
* Pay special attention to the roots around your face and the back of your neck, as these areas tend to get oily quickly.
**Step 6: Brush Out Excess Powder**
* After massaging the dry shampoo into your scalp, use a clean brush to brush out any excess powder. This will help to prevent a white cast and leave your hair looking clean and refreshed.
* You can also use a comb to distribute the dry shampoo more evenly throughout your hair.
* If you still see a white cast, try using a hairdryer on a low setting to blow away any remaining powder.
**Step 7: Style Your Hair**
* Once you’ve brushed out the excess powder, style your hair as usual. You may notice that your hair has more volume and texture after using the dry shampoo.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
To get the most out of your cornstarch dry shampoo, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
* **Start with a Small Amount:** It’s always better to start with a small amount of dry shampoo and add more as needed. Applying too much can make your hair look dull and lifeless.
* **Focus on the Roots:** Concentrate on applying the dry shampoo to your roots, as this is where most of the oil is produced.
* **Don’t Overuse:** While cornstarch dry shampoo is a great way to refresh your hair between washes, it’s important not to overuse it. Using it too frequently can dry out your scalp and lead to product buildup.
* **Apply Before Bed:** For best results, apply your cornstarch dry shampoo before bed. This will give it time to absorb the oil overnight, leaving your hair looking fresh and clean in the morning.
* **Use a Dark Brush:** If you have dark hair, consider using a dark-colored makeup brush or powder brush to apply the dry shampoo. This will help to prevent a white cast.
* **Experiment with Essential Oils:** Try experimenting with different essential oils to find your favorite scent. Lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint are all great options.
* **Adjust the Cocoa Powder:** Adjust the amount of cocoa powder you use to match your hair color as closely as possible. This will help to prevent a white cast.
* **Use a Sifter:** Sifting the cornstarch and cocoa powder together will help to create a finer, more even mixture.
* **Clean Your Brush Regularly:** Clean your makeup brush or powder brush regularly to prevent product buildup and keep it from becoming clogged.
* **Store in a Cool, Dry Place:** Store your cornstarch dry shampoo in a cool, dry place to prevent it from clumping or spoiling.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While cornstarch dry shampoo is generally easy to use, you may encounter a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
* **White Cast:** If you’re experiencing a white cast, try using less cornstarch or adding more cocoa powder (for dark hair). You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to blow away any remaining powder.
* **Clumpy Hair:** If your hair is clumping, you may be using too much dry shampoo. Try using less and distributing it more evenly. You can also try using a comb to break up any clumps.
* **Dry Scalp:** If your scalp is feeling dry, you may be using the dry shampoo too frequently. Try using it less often and using a moisturizing hair mask or oil treatment.
* **Product Buildup:** If you’re experiencing product buildup, you may need to wash your hair more frequently. You can also try using a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup.
* **Not Absorbing Oil:** If the cornstarch isn’t absorbing oil effectively, make sure you’re using pure, unflavored cornstarch. You may also need to apply more dry shampoo to the oily areas.
* **Irritation:** While uncommon, if you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use immediately. You may be allergic to cornstarch or an ingredient in the mixture.
Essential Oil Blends for Different Hair Types
Adding essential oils to your cornstarch dry shampoo can provide a variety of benefits for your hair and scalp. Here are some essential oil blends that are tailored to different hair types:
* **Oily Hair:**
* **Blend:** 2 drops Tea Tree + 1 drop Peppermint
* **Benefits:** Tea tree oil helps to control oil production and has antibacterial properties, while peppermint oil provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation.
* **Dry Hair:**
* **Blend:** 2 drops Lavender + 1 drop Rosemary
* **Benefits:** Lavender oil helps to moisturize the scalp and promote hair growth, while rosemary oil stimulates circulation and adds shine.
* **Normal Hair:**
* **Blend:** 1 drop Lavender + 1 drop Cedarwood + 1 drop Geranium
* **Benefits:** This balanced blend provides a light floral scent while promoting overall hair health and balance.
* **Sensitive Scalp:**
* **Blend:** 2 drops Chamomile + 1 drop Lavender
* **Benefits:** Chamomile and lavender are both known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for sensitive scalps.
Remember to always use essential oils sparingly and perform a patch test before applying them to your entire scalp. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use.
Cornstarch Dry Shampoo vs. Commercial Dry Shampoo
Let’s compare cornstarch dry shampoo to its commercial counterparts to further highlight the advantages of the DIY option:
| Feature | Cornstarch Dry Shampoo | Commercial Dry Shampoo |
| ——————- | ————————————- | —————————————— |
| Ingredients | Natural, simple, customizable | Often contains chemicals, propellants, etc. |
| Cost | Very affordable | Can be expensive |
| Environmental Impact| Reduces plastic waste | Contributes to plastic waste |
| Scalp Irritation | Less likely to cause irritation | May cause irritation due to ingredients |
| Customization | Easily customized for hair color/scent | Limited customization options |
| Oil Absorption | Effective | Can be effective, but varies by product |
| Application | Requires a brush or shaker | Typically spray application |
As you can see, cornstarch dry shampoo offers a compelling alternative to commercial options, particularly for those seeking a natural, affordable, and customizable solution.
Other Natural Dry Shampoo Alternatives
While cornstarch is a popular and effective choice, it’s not the only natural option for dry shampoo. Here are a few other alternatives you can try:
* **Arrowroot Powder:** Similar to cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a fine, white powder that absorbs oil effectively. It’s also gluten-free, making it a good option for those with gluten sensitivities.
* **Rice Flour:** Rice flour is another absorbent powder that can be used as dry shampoo. It’s particularly good for fine hair, as it adds volume and texture without weighing it down.
* **Oatmeal:** Finely ground oatmeal can also absorb oil and soothe the scalp. It’s a good option for those with dry or itchy scalps.
* **Clay:** Bentonite clay and kaolin clay are both highly absorbent and can be used as dry shampoo. They’re particularly good for oily hair.
* **Cocoa Powder (alone):** For very dark hair, cocoa powder can sometimes be used alone as a dry shampoo, but it might be messier than a cornstarch blend.
Experiment with different ingredients to find what works best for your hair type and preferences.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Cornstarch!
Cornstarch dry shampoo is a simple, effective, and affordable way to refresh your hair between washes. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can say goodbye to greasy hair days and hello to clean, voluminous locks. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the many benefits of this natural beauty secret. So, ditch the chemicals, embrace the power of cornstarch, and give your hair the love it deserves!
FAQ About Cornstarch Dry Shampoo
**Q: Can I use cornstarch dry shampoo every day?**
A: While it’s tempting, it’s generally not recommended to use dry shampoo every day. Frequent use can lead to product buildup and a dry scalp. Aim to use it 2-3 times per week, or less if possible.
**Q: Is cornstarch dry shampoo safe for all hair types?**
A: Yes, cornstarch dry shampoo is generally safe for all hair types. However, those with very dry hair may want to use it less frequently or add moisturizing essential oils.
**Q: Can I use cornstarch dry shampoo on colored hair?**
A: Yes, cornstarch dry shampoo is safe to use on colored hair. It won’t strip the color or cause any damage.
**Q: How long does cornstarch dry shampoo last?**
A: Cornstarch dry shampoo can last for several months when stored in a cool, dry place.
**Q: Can I travel with cornstarch dry shampoo?**
A: Yes, you can travel with cornstarch dry shampoo. Be sure to store it in a sealed container to prevent spills.
**Q: What if I don’t have cocoa powder for dark hair?**
A: If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can try using cinnamon or activated charcoal as alternatives. However, be careful when using activated charcoal, as it can stain lighter clothing.
**Q: Can I add other ingredients to my cornstarch dry shampoo?**
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to your cornstarch dry shampoo, such as finely ground herbs or spices. Just be sure to test a small amount first to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions.
**Q: My hair feels gritty after using cornstarch dry shampoo. What am I doing wrong?**
A: You may be using too much cornstarch or not brushing it out thoroughly enough. Try using less cornstarch and making sure to brush out any excess powder. A hairdryer can also help remove lingering grit.
**Q: Can I use this on my pet?**
A: While cornstarch itself is generally safe for pets, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before using it as a dry shampoo for your furry friend. They can advise you on the best and safest grooming practices for your pet’s specific needs.
By understanding these FAQs and applying the knowledge within this guide, your journey with homemade cornstarch dry shampoo should be a success!