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Why Use a DIY Dry Shampoo Spray?

For starters, washing hair daily is not recommend or necessary for most hair types. Overwashing can strip your hair of natural healthy oils. And commercial chemical-based shampoos often dry out hair leading to breakage and dead ends.

Alternating with dry shampoo instead of washing hair every day helps to keep your hair and scalp moisturized!

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Why Use a DIY Dry Shampoo Spray?

How does a Dry Shampoo Spray Work?

Applying natural oil-absorbing ingredients like baking soda or arrowroot powder to oily hair roots absorbs excess oil without harsh chemicals. A DIY dry shampoo spray is the perfect solution to use when you oversleep and don’t have time to wash your hair.

Dry Shampoo Powder Vs Spray

While you can apply oil-absorbing arrowroot powder or baking soda directly to hair with a makeup brush, I find it much easier to use as a spray.

The dry shampoo powder can be very messy to use. And if you try to apply it after getting dressed for the day, look out for residue on your clothes!

This recipe for a DIY dry shampoo spray is easy to apply, doesn’t create a mess, and is quick to make!

Related: Is Your Hair Conditioner Really Doing Its Job?

Related: Tired of the Tangles? Try This Hair Detangler Recipe

What are the Best Essential Oils to use in a DIY Dry Shampoo Spray?

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis

A member of the mint family, rosemary is a rather good-sized herb, similar to a woody bush and native to the Mediterranean area. This invigorating essential oil encourages blood flow to the scalp and stimulates hair follicles.

Rosemary essential oil is a common ingredient used for anti-flake, premature graying, and thinning hair. It is one of the best essentials oils to use in a dry shampoo because it works to balance the production of the sebum glands and clear clogged pores that can cause acne or an itchy scalp.

Rosemary essential oil is packed full of antioxidants, and regular application helps to ensure healthy, dandruff-free, non-greasy hair!

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Extracted from the flowers of the herb, lavender essential oil can be used for all hair types. It is a mild, soothing essential oil used to improve blood circulation in the scalp, helps prevent hair loss, and promotes hair growth.

Similar to rosemary, lavender helps to balance sebum production while maintaining a moisturized scalp. Lavender’s cleansing properties help control flakes and breakouts occurring on the scalp or hairline as well. All of which make a great addition to a natural DIY dry shampoo spray.

Easy Natural DIY Dry Shampoo Spray Recipe

DIY Dry Shampoo Spray Ingredients:

How to Make DIY Dry Shampoo Spray:

1. Using a funnel pour ½ cup distilled water into a fine mist spray bottle (this is similar to the bottle I use).

2. Add two tablespoons of arrowroot powder and vodka.

3. Remove the funnel and add 2 drops of rosemary essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil.

4. Place the fine mist nozzle on the spray bottle with the cap closed and shake well to combine.

How To Use DIY Dry Shampoo Spray to Combat Oily Hair!

How To Use DIY Dry Shampoo Spray:

Shake well before each use. Hold a small section of hair up, pulling away from the scalp. Spray dry shampoo about eight inches away onto the roots of the hair. Work in layers and repeat until you’ve covered the oily areas.

Then let stand for a few minutes before either using your fingers to comb through roots or using a natural boar hair brush with fine bristles to distribute evenly and boost hair volume.

This DIY dry shampoo spray dries quicker than most I have tried due to the vodka, but you can speed things up if needed by blow-drying. Either way, after drying style as usual.

Is it better to use dry shampoo at night or in the morning?

For best results, apply dry shampoo just before bedtime when you’re not planning on shampooing the following morning. Apply it just as you would in the steps above. This will greatly help to absorb the excess oil in your hair while you sleep!

Then in the morning, only apply more as needed before styling. (As a side benefit, the aroma of lavender and rosemary essentials oil can help you achieve more restful sleep. See how I use essential oils to make a natural sleep spray here.)

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I love to use natural DIY dry shampoo spray in between shampooing or after a workout. Not only does it keep my hair looking fresh, but the combination of rosemary and lavender also makes it smell amazing!

Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!! Have you made this homemade dry shampoo? Tag #lifenreflection on Instagram to share yours or Pin this easy hair care recipe to make. 

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16 Comments

  1. Hello Kristy,
    I have made this and today I tried it for the first time.. it’s amazing it really works it also made my hair look so much thicker where I have so much hair loss,thank you again Kristy !!
    Hugs Deb.

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Yay, glad to hear that Debbie. I used it today too, it definitely helps make your hair look fuller instead of the “flat head” look many of us get on day two or three.

  2. Hi Kristy,

    Looking forward to trying this, but have a question – is the vodka a “must” for this DIY? I don’t drink so don’t have any on hand – I guess I could pick up a small pint if necessary, but wanted to check first. Thanks so much – enjoying your site!!

    Best Dd

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Dana, I understand you could opt for a dry shampoo powder or swap the vodka for isopropyl alcohol.

  3. Is there something else that can be used instead of the Vodka?

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Yes, Traci you swap vodka for isopropyl alcohol.

  4. Hi Kristy, do you find the arrowroot powder clogs the spray bottle nozzle after a while?

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Hilary, yes after a while it can if you’re shaking it up and down versus side to side. You can clear the clogged spray nozzle by soaking in a bowl of hot water and either vodka or rubbing alcohol.

  5. Hey, is there any ingredient I can replace the arrowroot powder with?

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Yes, you can exchange it for baking soda.

  6. Hi Kristy..
    Is it okay if I don’t use vodka? Because I don’t have it. Maybe it can be substituted with other ingredients.
    Thank you for your help..

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Fenny, you could try exchanging it for isopropyl alcohol.

  7. Elizabeth says:

    I have dark brown hair. Will this make my hair full like powder dry shampoo sans cacao powder would? How much cacao powder would I use if I added it to your recipe?

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Lizzie, my husband has light brown hair and uses this without any issues. It’s not a dry powder that sits on top of your hair.

  8. My rosemary essential oil came out a super fast and so I accidentally added 4 drops instead of two. How big of a deal is it? Should I go ahead and double the rest of the batch?
    Also, can I add a few drops of vanilla oleoresin to this recipe?

    1. lifenreflection says:

      NO biggie, the herbal essential oils are thin and do come out quickly, I’ve made the same mistake before. Vanilla won’t add any benefits for your hair, but it shouldn’t weigh it down either.

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