Dry Shampoo

Weekly DIY

Dry Shampoo

Learn how to make a dry shampoo that absorbs oil at the roots, stretches out wash day and disappears into the hair once brushed through - perfect for in-between washes and avoiding wet hair on cold winter days.

2-5 minutes
Beginner
Concerns
Oily Roots • Flat Hair • In-Between Wash Days
Benefits
Absorbs Excess Oil • Refreshes Roots • Adds Lift • Extends Wash Day
Format
Loose Powder / Dry Shampoo
Shelf life
Use within 6–12 months

What You'll Need

Arrowroot Powder
5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
Creates the soft, lightweight base that helps the powder spread easily through the roots.

Kaolin Clay
1 tablespoon
Binds to excess oil and buildup, helping greasy roots feel fresher and more lifted.

Calcium Carbonate
1 teaspoon
Improves the dry, silky feel of the blend and helps it brush through more cleanly.

How to Make

  1. Add the arrowroot powder, kaolin clay and calcium carbonate to a clean, completely dry bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly with a whisk or spoon, pressing out any small lumps, until the powders are evenly blended.
  3. Transfer to a clean, dry shaker jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

How to Use

Guidance

Dip a clean, dry makeup brush into the powder and tap off the excess. Lightly brush a small amount onto oily roots, focusing only where needed.

Leave it for 1–2 minutes to absorb the oil, then massage it in with your fingertips and brush through the hair until it disappears. Start with less than you think you need - you can always add more.

Make It Yours

  • For Stronger Oil Absorption:
    Swap the kaolin clay for the same amount of rhassoul clay. It gives the powder a slightly deeper colour and a stronger oil-absorbing feel, which may suit darker hair particularly well.
  • For A Beautiful Scent:
    Add 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil to the full batch and mix extremely well. Ylang ylang gives a rich floral scent, rosemary feels fresh and herbal, while peppermint gives a crisp, cooling aroma.
  • For Darker Hair:
    The powder blends away well once worked into the roots, even on darker hair. But, for an even more seamless match, add a small pinch of cocoa powder until the colour suits your hair.
  • For A Extra-Smooth Blend:
    Sift the powders together once or twice before transferring them to the container. This breaks up small clumps and helps the kaolin, calcium carbonate and essential oil disperse more evenly throughout the dry shampoo.

Pro Tips & Storage

  • Can I use this dry shampoo on curly hair?

    Yes. Apply a small amount directly to the roots with a clean makeup brush, then gently massage it in with your fingertips. Avoid brushing it through the lengths, as this may disturb the curl pattern or leave curls feeling dry.

  • Will it leave a white cast?

    It should disappear once properly worked into the roots, but applying too much can make it more visible. Start with a very small amount, leave it for 1–2 minutes, then massage or brush through before adding more.

  • How often can I use it?

    Use it between washes whenever the roots begin to look oily. It is best treated as a temporary refresh rather than a replacement for regular shampooing.

  • Can I add more essential oil for a stronger scent?

    We recommend keeping it to just one drop per batch. More essential oil may create clumps, apply unevenly or irritate the scalp.
Arrowroot Powder - 75g

Arrowroot Powder - 75g

R 145.00
Essentially Natural Kaolin Clay - Essentially Natural

Essentially Natural Kaolin Clay

R 39.00
Essentially Natural Calcium Carbonate

Essentially Natural Calcium Carbonate

R 39.00

Aiden van Wyk

Aiden is an eccentric explorer of ideas, endlessly curious and always eager to share his discoveries. His mind is a maze of rabbit holes, each leading to new insights (and occasionally pure chaos). In all honesty - he's a little impulsive, he's easily distracted, delightfully scatterbrained, and unapologetically himself. But through every deep dive and misstep, his mission remains the same:

To make the world a teeny tiny little better, one lesson at a time :)