How to Make Dry Shampoo from Everyday Items

Using a handy water usage calculator, the average shower utilizes 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Yikes! And while sponge baths are great for maintaing daily cleanliness without wasting a ton of water, the thought of going more that 2-3 days without washing our hair is appalling….especially for us ladies!

Once you’ve gotten the bare essential survival items down – food, shelter, fire – it’s time to think about cleanliness that won’t sacrifice your drinking water.  One of the perks of dry shampoo is that it can be made from household items.

 

 

What is Dry Shampoo?

Instead of creating soap suds, dry shampoo (or powdered shampoo) is an alternative to clean your hair without the use of water. It’s a great way to remove the oils (“sebum”) collected at your roots, minimizing that overall “greasy” look. The powder is rubbed into your roots, and then brushed out.

 

How to Make Dry Shampoo

All you’ll need are a few household ingredients, a bowl to mix it in, and a jar/container to store it (for example – an empty Parmesan cheese container). You can either mix together your ingredients now to put in your survival kit, or just purchase the ingredients for your “bug-in pantry” and add a few dry shampoo recipes to your survival binder.

 

Dry Shampoo Recipes

Baking soda is one of the main cornerstones for a lot of great dry shampoo recipes (I’m a huge fan of Bob’s Red Mill Organic Baking Soda – there’s over a dozen uses for the stuff, including medicinal).

Baking Soda and Ground Oatmeal: One cup of oatmeal and one cup of baking soda makes for a terrific, quick and easy dry shampoo recipe.

Baking Soda and Flour: A strong combination, as both absorb liquids exceptionally well. Use on your grimiest days.

Baby Powder: It’s the easiest and simplest as it’s just one ingredient. Just sprinkle it on, massage into your scalp and brush it out! Can also double as a deodorant.

Cornstarch: An oldie, but a goodie. Apply to your scalp, and brush away the residue!

Essential Oils (Optional): If you’ve got a little lavender around, add a few drops to your dry shampoo mixture to give it an aroma.

 

How to Make Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

The problem with a lot of these recipes is that they’re comprised of white powders, and if they’re not brushed out of dark hair well enough, can leave a “greying” or “dusty” impression. (Just because SHTF doesn’t mean we should completely abandon pride in our appearance as ladies.)

Wheat-Based Flour: Try wheat-based flour in place of regular flour – it’s obviously a few shades darker than blinding white, and won’t be as noticeable in your brunette locks.

Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder with a little baking soda is a good, dark dry shampoo alternative that won’t leave your roots looking dusty.

 

Using Dry Shampoo

Once you’ve concocted the ideal mixture, sprinkle the powder onto your roots, massaging gently with your fingertips. Allow to set 2-3 minutes. Then, with a sexy tousle, remove the access powder – or, for a more straightforward approach, remove by brushing. For finer powdered shampoos, cheesecloth may come in handy.

 

Do you have a recipe for waterless shampoo? Share in the comments below!