Cornstarch Dry: Shampoo Recipe
Uncover the joy of cornstarch dry shampoo! It’s versatile, natural, and 100% safe to use on your hair.
Add volume, expel grease, and rock that just-washed look faster than you can say, ‘Shower anyone?!’
Dry shampoo has definitely saved me more times than we would like to admit. It was especially helpful as we was transitioning years ago from washing our hair daily to now twice a week.
Now we rely on it whenever we don’t have time to wash our hair, more so to add volume and give it a freshly washed look – without washing it.
Yet, in days gone by, it rarely ended up looking like we wanted it to. And little did we know that conventional dry shampoo contains toxic chemicals that are so bad for you.
Benzene is one chemical that freaked me out, as it’s considered a cancer-causing chemical.
Of course, we was not exactly surprised when we heard this and, within minutes, had researched healthier dry shampoo alternatives, one of which we're sharing today in this note.
We have already shared a dry shampoo recipe in the past, but we have had so many people ask if it could be made with cornstarch that we decided to go ahead and publish a post just for this cornstarch dry shampoo.
You can see our other dry shampoo recipe here.
Cornstarch as a dry shampoo
Now, we can already hear some of you asking, cornstarch? Really?
Perhaps you’re familiar with cornflour, but less the starch form? (like we was!)
Cornstarch is a white, finely ground powder made from corn that is usually used to thicken sauces and stews when cooking.
Yep, it’s that stuff!
Being 100% natural and very effective at absorbing moisture, it’s also cheap to buy, making it a great dry shampoo alternative.
You can add natural colorings to it so it matches the color of your hair perfectly, which we love to do.
Read on to find our recipe for cornstarch dry shampoo.
Remember to read the tips section on using cornstarch as a dry shampoo for best results (coloring advice included!)
After all, time is short – yet we all still want clean, fresh hair! Am we right?!
Why you will love this recipe
- It’s simple to make: Just two ingredients, mix them together, and use it immediately.
- It’s 100% natural: No nasty chemicals or toxins to worry about.
- It’s budget-friendly: A packet of cornstarch costs next to nothing in most places!
- It’s versatile: We suggest trying different natural colorings so you don’t end up with just white powder. Instead, you’ll have a dry shampoo that is the color of your hair!
Cornstarch dry shampoo recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay (for lighter hair)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder (for darker hair)
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure the ingredients and add them to a shallow container with an airtight lid.
Step 2: Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Use as and when needed.
(Note this is not to be used as a replacement for regular shampoo!)
Color guide:
We recommend using bentonite clay as a color additive for blonde or silver hair. Start with a tiny amount (half a teaspoon is a good starting point) and work upwards, adding more as required to match the color of your hair.
For darker hair, coca powder works great as a color. Again, build it up by starting with half a teaspoon and adding more if desired.
And we would use plain cornstarch for bleach blonde or grey hair only.
How to use cornstarch dry shampoo
The secret to using dry shampoo is to do it sparingly. Too much dry shampoo on your hair is so apparent to onlookers and doesn’t look good!
Dab a clean makeup brush into the dry shampoo and tap off any excess on the side of the container.
Gently pat the brush on the roots of your hair. We like to do it along the part line.
Use your hands or a comb and brush the powder into the hair.
Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the greasiness before brushing out the excess powder.
Remember, this dry shampoo will help you go longer between washes, but you still need to wash with shampoo, like with our cold process shampoo bars and follow up with a homemade hair conditioner.
Do we need to use dry shampoo on all our hair?
No, really you only need to use dry shampoo wherever your hair gets or looks greasy. Consider using it on your roots, the sides of your hair, or your bangs (if you have one.)
But don’t let it replace your regular shampoo! You might also like to try making your own DIY shampoo, such as this clarifying shampoo recipe.
We use a makeup brush for easy application. Whatever you choose to use, the key is to evenly distribute it to the roots of the hair.
Note, a little will go a long way. Start by dipping the brush into the container, then give it a little tap on the side of the container to remove any excess powder.
FAQs
Does cornstarch work as a dry shampoo?
Yes, it does! Cornstarch is an excellent moisture absorber, meaning hair feels refreshed and clean after just one application.
What does dry shampoo do?
Dry shampoo is used as a grease absorber for the hair. It gets rid of that heavy, greasy look and adds volume simultaneously, giving hair that freshly washed appearance without washing it.
Is dry shampoo good for your hair?
This cornstarch shampoo certainly won’t hurt your hair if you use it correctly, and it’s good for absorbing excess oil and refreshing hair that’s perhaps missed a wash or two.
Remember – a little goes a long way! And you can always add more if you need to.
How often should we use dry shampoo?
Use dry shampoo one to two times per week.
Tips
- Beware of cornstarch allergies: It is possible to be allergic to corn products, so we always recommend doing a patch test before using this dry shampoo on your hair.
- Don’t use it daily: Too much dry shampoo may dry your hair and scalp out, feeling uncomfortable and potentially damaging the hair. If you do use too much, this nourishing hair serum will restore lost moisture.
- Use regular shampoo: Don’t use dry shampoo as a replacement for regular homemade shampoo! It’s certainly not meant for this. Use dry shampoo in short bursts or when you haven’t got the time to wash your hair and style it properly.
In summary
We hope you enjoy making and using this cornstarch dry shampoo! Remember, a little goes a long way, so don’t use too much at once.
And if you made this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a comment or review below!
Are you looking for more great hair care recipes? See some of these favorites below.
- How to make shampoo for hard water buildup
- How to make a deep conditioner treatment
- Homemade dandruff shampoo
- How to make beard shampoo
Cornstarch Dry Shampoo
By the studio Ascher Prep: 5 minutes minsActive: 2 minutes minsTotal: 7 minutes mins
SaveSaved Pin Print Dry shampoo is great for giving your hair a just-washed look or to help transition from conventional shampoo to dry shampoo. Equipment
- Dry shampoo container We actually use an old foundation container.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon of bentonite clay, for lighter hair or
- ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder, for darker hair
Instructions
- Measure out the cornstarch and add it to a shallow container with an airtight lid.
- Next, choose between cocoa powder or clay, depending on your hair color, and stir in well.
- Use an applicator brush to dot a small amount along the part line. Then, use a comb or your fingers to run it through your hair.
