While commercial dry shampoos are convenient and effective, many Australians are seeking more natural alternatives. Whether you're concerned about aerosol propellants, want to reduce plastic waste, have sensitive skin that reacts to synthetic ingredients, or simply want to save money, there are excellent natural options that can refresh your hair just as effectively. The best part? Most of these alternatives use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen pantry.
Why Choose Natural Alternatives?
Before we dive into specific recipes and options, let's explore why natural dry shampoo alternatives might be right for you:
- Environmental impact: Eliminates aerosol cans and plastic packaging from your routine
- Sensitive scalp friendly: No synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or potential irritants
- Cost-effective: Basic ingredients cost a fraction of commercial products
- Customisable: You control exactly what goes into your hair
- Emergency ready: Always have a solution on hand when you run out of regular dry shampoo
The Best Natural Dry Shampoo Ingredients
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is arguably the best natural dry shampoo base. Extracted from the arrowroot plant (Maranta arundinacea), this fine white powder has exceptional oil-absorbing properties without the controversial aspects of some other starches. It's lightweight, dissolves into hair easily, and leaves minimal residue when properly applied. Arrowroot is also gentle enough for sensitive scalps and has a neutral scent that won't interfere with your other products.
Cornstarch
A kitchen staple that doubles as an excellent oil absorber. Cornstarch (also called cornflour in Australia) works similarly to arrowroot but is typically more affordable and easier to find. It has a slightly heavier texture, so it works particularly well for those with thick or coarse hair. The fine powder binds to oils effectively, leaving hair looking matte and refreshed.
Rice Flour
Finely milled rice flour has been used in Asian beauty traditions for centuries. It has natural oil-absorbing properties and contains silica, which adds a subtle shine to hair without greasiness. Rice flour is slightly grittier than arrowroot or cornstarch, so ensure you're using finely milled varieties and brushing thoroughly after application.
Light-coloured powders can leave visible residue on dark hair. To avoid this, mix your base powder with unsweetened cocoa powder (for brown hair) or activated charcoal powder (for black hair). Start with a 2:1 ratio of starch to colourant and adjust based on your hair colour.
Kaolin Clay
This gentle white clay has been used in beauty products for thousands of years. It has excellent absorbent properties and can help purify the scalp while soaking up excess oil. Kaolin is the mildest of all cosmetic clays, making it suitable for sensitive scalps. It provides a bit more grip and texture than starch-based alternatives, which is great for styling.
Oat Flour
Finely ground oat flour (or colloidal oatmeal) is particularly beneficial for those with irritated or sensitive scalps. Oats have natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The flour absorbs oil while delivering gentle conditioning benefits to the hair. You can make your own by blending rolled oats in a high-powered blender until they become a fine powder.
DIY Recipes
Basic Light Hair Formula
Perfect for blonde, light brown, or grey hair:
- 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 5-10 drops essential oil of choice (optional—lavender, peppermint, or rosemary work well)
Mix ingredients in a small jar or container with a lid. Apply with a large makeup brush or your fingers, focusing on the roots. Wait 2-3 minutes, then brush through thoroughly.
Brunette Formula
For medium to dark brown hair:
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 drops essential oil (optional—vanilla or sandalwood complement the cocoa scent)
Adjust the ratio of arrowroot to cocoa based on your exact hair shade. More cocoa for darker hair, more arrowroot for lighter brown.
Dark Hair Formula
For black or very dark hair:
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder
Mix thoroughly—activated charcoal can be messy, so blend well to ensure even distribution. Apply carefully to avoid staining clothes or surfaces.
Soothing Scalp Formula
For sensitive or irritated scalps:
- 2 tablespoons colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats)
- 2 tablespoons kaolin clay
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
This formula provides oil absorption while delivering calming benefits to troubled scalps. The tea tree adds natural antimicrobial properties.
Application Tips
Tools for Application
While you can apply natural dry shampoo with your fingers, using the right tools makes the process easier and more effective:
- Large powder brush: A clean kabuki makeup brush distributes powder evenly at the roots
- Salt or spice shaker: Fill a clean shaker with your mixture for easy, controlled dispensing
- Recycled container: An empty dry shampoo bottle with a powder dispenser works perfectly
- DIY applicator: Poke small holes in the lid of a glass jar for a custom shaker
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your DIY dry shampoo in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, these mixtures can last 3-6 months. If you've added essential oils, keep the mixture away from direct sunlight to preserve the oils' potency. If your formula develops any unusual odour or changes in texture, it's time to make a fresh batch.
Repurpose glass spice jars or small mason jars for storing your DIY dry shampoo. Label them clearly and keep one in your bathroom and another in your gym bag for on-the-go freshening.
Other Natural Alternatives
Blotting Papers
Yes, the same blotting papers used for facial oil work on your scalp too. While not as effective as powder-based options, they're great for light touch-ups. Gently press the papers along your part line and around your hairline to absorb surface oil without disturbing your hairstyle.
Translucent Powder
Mineral-based translucent face powder can work as an emergency dry shampoo. These products typically contain silica, kaolin, and other oil-absorbing ingredients. Apply with a powder brush at the roots. The translucent formulation works across hair colours, though it may require extra brushing on very dark hair.
When Natural Isn't Enough
It's important to acknowledge that natural alternatives may not work for everyone. Commercial dry shampoos are specifically formulated for hair and often contain ingredients that help with residue, application, and lasting power. Natural alternatives are excellent for:
- Occasional use or emergencies
- Those with sensitivities to commercial products
- People seeking zero-waste options
- Budget-conscious consumers
However, if you have very oily hair, need dry shampoo daily, or simply prefer the convenience and consistency of commercial products, that's perfectly valid. You might also consider natural or organic commercial options that bridge the gap between DIY and conventional products.
The Bottom Line
Natural dry shampoo alternatives offer an effective, affordable, and eco-friendly way to refresh your hair between washes. Whether you choose arrowroot, cornstarch, kaolin clay, or a custom blend, the key is finding what works best for your specific hair type and colour. Start with simple recipes and adjust based on your results.
These DIY options empower you to know exactly what you're putting on your hair and scalp while reducing your environmental footprint. Give them a try—you might find that the natural route is not just an alternative, but your new preference.
Want to learn more about caring for your hair naturally? Explore our guide on maintaining scalp health, or if you decide commercial products work better for you, browse our curated selection of dry shampoos available in Australia.