2 Natural DIY Dry Shampoos for Blonde & Dark Hair (2025)

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Oily hair is annoying, but washing it too often can strip it of natural oils and damage your scalp. A better solution? DIY dry shampoo. It’s easy to make, affordable, and way healthier for your hair and the planet.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make homemade dry shampoo for dark hair and blonde hair using natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Why use natural DIY dry shampoo?

Store-bought dry shampoos often include synthetic fragrances, talc, and aerosols – things you don’t want near your scalp. Even natural brands can get pricey. Making your means:

• Full control over ingredients
• A much lower cost per use
• Customization for different hair colors
• Zero waste (no plastic cans!)

Ingredients needed

1. Arrowroot powder

• Absorbs oil and refreshes your hair naturally
• Excellent base for any DIY dry shampoo for dark hair or light hair
• Alternatives: Cornstarch or tapioca starch

2. Bentonite or kaolin clay

• Antibacterial. Deeply absorbs oil and impurities
• Reduces dandruff
• Rich in minerals like calcium and potassium

3. Natural color powders (for blending with your hair tone)

Choose based on your hair color:

• Cacao powder – Best for brown or dark hair
• Ground cinnamon – Great for red or light brown hair, stimulates hair growth, and treats hair loss
• Activated charcoal – For black or dark brown hair (use sparingly), it can effectively remove dandruff and dirt.
• Moroccan red clay – For redheads
• Arrowroot/kaolin clay only – For blonde or gray hair

4. Essential oils (optional but beneficial)

Great for promoting hair growth and scalp health:

• Lavender – Balances moisture, soothes the scalp, and promotes hair growth.
• Tea tree – Antimicrobial, fights dandruff, and helps with hair loss.
• Rosemary – Boosts hair growth and improves thickness.
• Peppermint – Stimulates the scalp and supports hair growth.
• Bergamot – Reduces inflammation and supports healthy hair.
• Cedarwood – Balances scalp oils, encourages growth, and reduces hair loss.

5. Ethanol (Vodka)

• Natural preservative
• Absorbs oil and neutralizes odor
• Best used in spray versions
• 60% ethanol alcohol effectively kills bacteria and germs

Note: It can dry out your scalp if used too often.

Let’s jump to the DIY dry shampoo recipes! You can also watch my step-by-step video guide here, where I show the whole process:

3 DIY Dry Shampoos For Any Hair Color (Powder & Spray)

DIY dry shampoo powder

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 1 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
• 1–3 tbsp of natural coloring powder (based on your hair color)
• 10 drops of lavender, rosemary, or tea tree essential oil – or a mix of the three (optional for healthy scalp & hair regrowth)

Instructions:

Step 1: Add arrowroot powder to a non-metallic bowl.
Step 2: Add kaolin or bentonite clay.
Step 3: Mix in 1–2 tbsp of natural coloring powder based on your hair color:

• Brown hair – cacao powder
• Lighter brown/red hair – cinnamon
• Dark brown/black hair – activated charcoal
• Red hair – Moroccan red clay
• Blonde hair – nothing or a pinch of cinnamon

Step 4 (Optional): Add your preferred essential oils.
Step 5: Mix thoroughly. Adjust color as needed.
Step 6: Store in a small jar or salt shaker for easy application.

Note: Use a NON-METALIC bowl and utensils, cuz of the clay.

DIY dry shampoo spray

Perfect if you prefer a more hydrating option or dislike powders.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp arrowroot powder
• 3 tbsp vodka (80–120 proof)
• 10–15 drops of essential oil (your choice)
• ~150ml water (about ⅔ cup)
• A clean spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix arrowroot, vodka, and water until smooth.
2. Add essential oils and stir.
3. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use.

How to apply the DIY dry shampoo powder & spray

1. Divide hair into sections and find oily areas near the roots.
2. Apply a small amount of powder or spray, section by section.
3. You can use a salt shaker, a makeup brush, or directly with your hands.
4. Apply the dry shampoo by brushing and tapping the powder into your roots. Gently massage it in.
5. Let it sit for a bit. Then, brush out the excess and style as usual.

Tip: Do this over a sink to catch any fallout.

Final tips

• Experiment with color blends for your perfect match
• Do a patch test before full use to avoid irritation
• Don’t overdo it – a little goes a long way
• Avoid metal utensils when mixing bentonite clay
• Use high-quality essential oils only (no fragrance oils!)

FAQ

How does dry shampoo work? 

Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil using ingredients like starch, clay, or alcohol (like vodka). It doesn’t clean your hair, but gives it a fresh look between washes.

Who can use dry shampoo? 

Anyone! It’s safe for all hair types, thick, fine, oily, straight, curly, and for both adults and kids.

Is DIY dry shampoo safe?

Yes, especially compared to aerosol sprays. It is much more natural and kinder to your hair. But don’t overuse it. Using dry shampoo too often can clog hair follicles and dry out your scalp.

How often can I use dry shampoo?

Start with once or twice a week. Over time, you might only need it every 7–10 days. The goal is to reduce dependence on frequent shampooing.

Is cacao powder good for your hair?

While there isn’t any study to back it up, many people report positive results when applying cacao powder to their hair. It adds volume, enhances dark tones, and contains zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants that support scalp health.

Can baking soda damage your hair?

While some DIY dry shampoo recipes use baking soda, I no longer recommend it for regular use. It’s high pH (around 9), compared to our scalp, which is 5.5, and can disrupt your scalp’s natural balance, causing frizz, breakage, and irritation over time.

✅ OK for occasional emergency use
❌ Not great long-term

What are the healthiest dry shampoo products?

There are great natural dry shampoo brands out there too:

• Lulu Organics
• Viori dry shampoo powder
• The Earthling Co. dry shampoo

Just keep in mind: natural store-bought options tend to be pricier.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re going plastic-free, switching to clean beauty, or just want an easy fix for oily roots, DIY dry shampoo is a perfect solution.

Plus, with options for blonde, brunette, red, or dark hair, you can create a blend that works just for you.

Got questions or want to share your favorite blend? Drop a comment below!