This post is a fun one. I’m sharing with you a DIY recipe that I make and use on a regular basis. When it comes to natural body products, I’m a big fan of the acronym KISS, or Keep It Simple, Sister!
While I am NOT a hairstylist, I do know what works for my hair. I make my own simple and inexpensive dry shampoo. When I use this dry shampoo recipe, my hair is non-greasy and textured without being weighted down. In fact, I used to think my hair was pin-straight, but since using natural products I’ve discovered that I have so much more texture and curl than I ever thought!
I have tried all sorts of crazy natural hair ideas, like the baking soda + apple cider vinegar cleanse. Some ideas have stuck and some I have…ahem, gracefully let go. One method that I love, however, is the use of dry shampoo. While the oil produced by our scalp is by no means the enemy (this is what keeps our hair soft and smooth!), over time it accumulates at the scalp, giving our hair the greasy appearance. If you’re looking to extend the life of your hair between washings, using dry shampoo is a great option.
What my hair looks like after using my dry shampoo recipe.
During my journey exploring natural hair care, I quickly discovered that many products contain chemicals that I’d rather not put on my body. In my opinion, it’s JUST as important to know what’s inside of your frequently-used-products as it is your frequently-eaten-foods. After much experimentation, I came up with this recipe for dry shampoo that I will likely always use. Here’s a brief description of the ingredients I use:
Arrowroot Powder is a natural powdered root starch that works to absorbs moisture. You may already have some in your kitchen if you use it as a substitute for cornstarch.
Kaolin Clay is a fine white clay mineral with absorbent properties and also boosts circulation to the scalp.
Bentonite Clay is a mineral rich powder that has been used since ancient times for its cleansing properties. It also acts as a texturizing agent on dry hair. I like using equal amounts of both clays, since the kaolin tends to be milder.
Cocoa powder is used for titrating the color up or down, depending on your hair color. My hair is dark blond, and it gets lighter in the summer. I find that adding 1 tsp. per batch is plenty. You can add more or less according to your hair color/preference
Essential oils work to stimulate and nourish your scalp, while providing a lovely scent. Grapefruit and peppermint are refreshing, rosemary helps to stimulate hair growth, and lavender is very soothing. You can choose just one or a combination of 5 drops of each essential oil.
This is a very simple recipe, so feel free to play around with the measurements and adjust them according to your liking. Everyone’s hair type is a little different. Try experimenting to find what works best for you!
Brooke’s Dry shampoo
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder 1 Tablespoon kaolin clay 1 Tablespoon bentonite clay 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 5 drops each of any of the following essential oils: grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint
Directions: Simply combine all ingredients. I like to put them in a 4-oz jelly jar and shake to combine.
How to apply it: I believe that our hands are our most effective yet most often overlooked tool. Simply brush your hair back away from your hairline, dip the tips of your fingers into the powdery goodness, and massage it into your scalp and roots, flipping over to evenly distribute the powder. A little goes a long way. This is a great opportunity to give yourself a gentle + luxurious scalp massage, which helps to stimulate blood flow to the area and loosen tension.
That’s it for today! If you decide to try this out, I’d LOVE to hear how it works for you!
XOXO,
Brooke