Like many people, I have fine hair that gets oily easily. For years, aerosol dry shampoo was my lifesaver. I kept travel-size cans in my purse, my gym bag, even my beach bag during the summer.

It worked quickly, it was convenient, and it gave my hair that fresh-washed look when I didn’t have time for a full wash.

But over time, I started learning more about what was actually inside those little cans.

What I once thought was a harmless beauty staple was actually something that could be harmful for both our health and the environment.

The Problem With Aerosol Dry Shampoo

Many aerosol dry shampoos contain chemicals like butane, propane, and alcohols that help spray the product evenly. While convenient, these ingredients can come with downsides:

• They can dry out and irritate the scalp
• Some formulas have been linked to benzene contamination, a known carcinogen
• Aerosol propellants contribute to environmental pollution - smog and acid rain
• The cans themselves create single-use waste

Once I understood this, I started looking for better alternatives because though I didn't want to die of cancer or help in destroying our ecosystems, I also did not want to walk around looking like I hadn't washed my hair in days.

A Better (and Cheaper) Solution

Luckily, the solution turned out to be incredibly simple.

This DIY dry shampoo uses just 2–3 natural ingredients, costs only a few dollars to make, and works just as well as store-bought sprays.

Even better — you can customize the color depending on your hair shade, so it blends naturally.

This recipe is:

• Non-toxic
• Sustainable
• Extremely affordable
• Easy to make in minutes

DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe

Ingredients

Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a natural absorbent that helps soak up excess oil from your scalp.

It’s commonly used in cooking and baking, completely safe, and very affordable.

You’ll only need about 2 tablespoons, but a one-pound bag of Arrowhead Powder usually costs under $15 and lasts for dozens of batches.

You can find it at most grocery stores or health food stores.

 

Colouring Powder

Colour powder is used to match and blend into your hair colour naturally. Depending on your hair colour, you can use the following powders:

• Blonde / light hair: leave it plain or add a little cinnamon
• Brown hair: add cocoa powder
• Black hair: activated charcoal powder works beautifully

Use 1–2 tablespoons, adjusting until the shade blends naturally with your hair.

Essential Oils 

Essential oils add a natural scent and can also support scalp health.

Some great options include:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree

Add 10–25 drops, depending on how strong you’d like the scent.

 

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly until the color is evenly blended.

3. Store in a small jar, reusable container or even use a salt/pepper shaker.

 

How to Use

Using a makeup brush, sprinkle a small amount onto your roots.

Let it sit for about 30–60 seconds so it can absorb excess oil.

Then gently massage it into your scalp with your fingertips.

If needed, use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help blend it evenly.

 

Why I Love This Swap

This simple DIY solution completely replaced aerosol dry shampoo for me.

It works just as well, costs pennies per use, and eliminates unnecessary chemicals and packaging.

Sometimes the most sustainable solutions are also the simplest ones.

And this is exactly the kind of tiny swap that makes a big difference.