Washing your hair can be an issue, from getting it wet and rinsing the shampoo off to drying it afterwards, especially if you’re battling both a busy schedule and greasy hair. Luckily, you can find a solution in dry shampoo. This water-free alternative can clean your hair and address the excess oil that can drag down and dull your hair. 

However, some dry shampoos contain chemicals that can damage the hair. So, instead of using them try whipping up a natural product that is better for your hair and easy to make. Here are some DIY dry shampoo recipes that match different hair colours and can absorb oil and give roots more volume while easily blending into the hair. 

For blonde or silver hair:

Mix half a cup of cornstarch, two tablespoons of kaolin clay, one tablespoon of baking soda and 30 drops of lavender or lemongrass oil. Transfer the mixture into a container or repurposed salt or spice shaker and tighten the lid. Sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed. Rub the mixture in with your fingers or a brush. You can also use a hairdryer to disperse quickly throughout the hair.

For black or dark brown hair: Combine one tablespoon of activated charcoal powder, a quarter of a cup of raw cacao powder (you can add more or less to match the exact shade of your hair), half a cup of cornstarch, two tablespoons of kaolin clay, one tablespoon of baking soda, and 30 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil. Transfer the mixture as before and sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed. 

For red hair:

Mix a quarter of a cup of cinnamon powder (more or less to match the exact colour of your hair), half a cup of cornstarch, two tablespoons of kaolin clay, one tablespoon of baking soda and 30 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil. Use as before.

For brown hair:

Combine a quarter of a cup of organic raw cacao powder (more or less to match the exact shade of your hair), half a cup of cornstarch, two tablespoons of kaolin clay, one tablespoon of baking soda and 30 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil. Use as before.

For all types of hair:

Sprinkle a small amount of pure baby powder on your fingertips. Rub them together and then massage directly into the scalp and any oily sections of the hair. Repeat until you achieve the desired result and there’s no visible residue left on the hair or scalp.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 9 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly