Read on to learn whether you should really be putting cornstarch on your head. A few years ago, so-called beauty experts were swearing by washing their hair with baking soda and using baby powder as a dry shampoo. Now, everyone is talking about using cornstarch as a dry shampoo. "The idea is that this simple kitchen staple can be used as a dry shampoo and to help with hair growth benefits," said Dr. Chekuri. Related: Is Hair Slugging the Next Big Trend? If you have extra oily hair, you might be interested in a treatment that will help. "Cornstarch is being used in lieu of regular dry shampoo or other products designed specifically for things like oil absorption," said Dr. Chekuri. "Simply sprinkle some onto your scalp and then massage it into your roots. Those who have fine or thin hair might find that sprinkling cornstarch on their tresses gives them a thicker appearance. However, that's purely anecdotal and isn't scientifically proven. Some people using cornstarch in their hair claim that it has benefits for hair growth, but Morris disagrees. "Cornstarch is primarily used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking," he said. Morris explained that cornstarch might help to absorb excess oil from the scalp, which could contribute to a healthy scalp environment. However, cornstarch is not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, which are essential for promoting hair growth. If you're looking for a natural solution for absorbing oil, there are plenty of high-quality, all-natural dry shampoo options like VEGAMOUR's GRO Dry Shampoo, which can help absorb excess oil while preventing clogged follicles. Creating a hair mask at home is one of the simple pleasures of a self-care day and many people are using cornstarch in their masks to optimize their results. "Simply mix it with some water and apply it to your hair. Rinse out after 15-20 minutes for best results," said Dr. Chekuri. "It's important to note that cornstarch is not meant to be left on the scalp long-term since it can clog the pores and lead to irritation and itching," said Dr. If you are looking to impart moisture to your hair without exposing your strands to potential skin irritations, you can try soothing oils like olive oil, argan oil or VEGAMOUR's Pure Marula Oil. Morris explained that cornstarch had become a trending alternative to dry shampoo because it's a natural and inexpensive alternative to traditional products, which might contain synthetic chemicals or harsh ingredients that irritate the skin or scalp. Cornstarch can be mixed with water or aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl to create a hair volumizer. Cornstarch can be combined with other ingredients like honey or coconut oil to create a homemade hair conditioner. The mixture can be applied to damp hair, left on for 15-20 minutes and rinsed out for softer, more manageable hair. Cornstarch can be combined with lemon juice and water to create a natural hair lightener. While some people will tell you that cornstarch masks act as a natural hair straightener, this hasn't been proven yet. To try a coconut milk mask, mix cornstarch or corn flour with a cup of coconut milk and heat over low heat until it has a gelatin or cream texture. Remove the mixture from the low heat and put it into a mixing bowl. Apply to dry hair with a large makeup brush. Leave the thick paste on each hair shaft and cover your head with a shower cap for up to an hour before washing out. Air dry your hair as normal. Cornstarch or corn flour absorbs moisture, which can cause hair to become dry and brittle over time. This can lead to split ends and breakage. Cornstarch can also clog the hair follicle and pores, leading to scalp irritation and hair loss. Additionally, cornstarch can irritate your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin, which can lead to redness, itching and inflammation. While cornstarch might seem like a quick fix for greasy hair, it is not worth the potential damage it can cause. Keep the cornstarch in the kitchen where it belongs and instead add GRO Dry Shampoo to your top shelf. GRO Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oil, sweat and odors while also supporting thicker, fuller strands. Erin Shaw is a Los Angeles-based writer and author. She has been writing about beauty, health, food, travel and lifestyle for more than a decade. Previously, her work has been featured in publications such as LA Confidential, Daily Candy, Fathom, and HelloGiggles! Erin released her debut novel, "Party Girl: A Modern Fairytale" in 2014 and her second, "Have Baggage, Will Travel" in 2020. Her third novel, "My Sister's Passport" is in production and expected for a 2024 release. It’s getting more and more popular these days as more people get frustrated with all of the chemicals that are in their everyday shampoo and conditioner. So, in comes the “no poo” concept. The theory behind it is that our hair only gets greasy because we strip the natural oils from it everytime we shampoo our hair. The proponents of “no poo” say that if we allow our scalp to readjust to not having shampoo and conditioner (which usually takes around 1-2 months) then our hair will look shiny, clean, and non-greasy all the time without the use of shampoos and conditioners. I tried the “no poo” concept a few times several years back and could never get past the adjustment stage. There would always be somewhere that I had to go to during that time where I just couldn’t get away with not having my hair shampooed. So… I’ve decided to compromise. I use shampoo and conditioner 1-2 times per week, and the rest of the time I just use baking soda as a dry shampoo to keep the oiliness in check. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Be careful not to get the baking soda actually on your scalp. If you have darker hair, some people prefer to add a little bit of cocoa powder in with the baking soda. So, what do you think? Are you brave enough to try the “no poo” thing? What about dry shampoo? Homemade dry shampoo combines simple ingredients to help decrease oily hair and extend the time between hair washing. Simplifying Life With Dry ShampooWhy you will love this recipe:Tips For Using Dry ShampooIngredients:How To Make Dry Shampoo:How To UseFAQ:What can I use as DIY dry shampoo?Is dry shampoo just baking soda?What is a natural alternative to dry shampoo?Does DIY dry shampoo really work?Need more natural hair recipes? For awhile, I had been using my homemade powder foundation for my face and as a dry shampoo (you know I love when a product can do double duty!). But as many of these recipes start, I decided I needed something stronger, so I headed to the store to find the best natural option. I’m far too cheap for that. Why would I pay so much for a tiny container of something when I already have all the ingredients to make a fantastic homemade dry shampoo in my pantry? So I headed home and whipped up this recipe for homemade dry shampoo, and it works SO well. This homemade shampoo has become a staple in my house. Well, it’s just for me… after having my second child, I needed to find ways to save time, and dry shampoo does exactly that. And let’s be honest, I want to look put together without a lot of effort. This allows me to go up to a week without washing my hair. In high school, my hair was super curly, and I could easily go two weeks without washing my hair. I love my children, but I also loved when I didn’t have weird pieces of hair that flip up and look like horns. They are totally worth it, though. And one day that postpartum hair loss will grow back in, and my kids will be grown, and I’ll long for them to be little again, hair loss and tantrums and all. I already feel this way, as my baby started taking steps at 9 months old. Now that he is 10 months, he is basically running. He hasn’t really started talking yet, but I think I’ll be even more emotional when that happens. Ok, back to homemade natural dry shampoo so I don’t start crying over my rapidly aging children. Whether you’re running late or you just want to spend less time washing and styling your hair, dry shampoo is the best friend you’ll ever have. Good for all hair types: Whether you have fine hair or thick hair. Cheap: Most natural dry shampoos are super expensive for what you get. A small jar for $12. No thanks. This post contains affiliate links. A Blossoming Life is a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites. These are the most helpful tips I’ve found with using homemade dry shampoo. Apply the dry shampoo solution to clean, dry hair. Yes, before it starts looking dirty. This allows the dry shampoo to already start to work before your hair starts to get greasy. Tease your hair near the root. Style your hair with heat. This will help prolong your hair between washes. Especially if you work out and you hair gets a little sweaty. When taking a shower, cover your hair with a shower cap or some type of covering. A little goes a long way. Bentonite clay: (Optional) helps absorb extra oil. *Cocoa Powder: This is totally optional. If you have dark hair, adding cocoa powder to the dry shampoo will make it darker, which will help it blend into your hair a bit better. If you have light hair, you can skip it. Essential oils: Optional. Tea tree, rosemary, and lavender essential oil are good options. Side note: If you only have corn starch (or arrowroot) and cocoa powder, that will work for dry shampoo. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if desired. Write down how much cocoa powder you needed to add for future reference. After applying the dry shampoo, using your fingers, rub it into the scalp and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then comb through your hair. The main ingredient is corn starch or arrowroot powder. This could be too drying and cause irritation to just use baking soda. Yes. Making your own at home is very easy to do. Yes. Need more natural hair recipes? DIY Scalp Scrub. - This is amazing for itchy scalp. If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you came back and gave it 5 stars! Mix together the ingredients well. Apply the dry shampoo solution to clean, dry hair. Yes, before it starts looking dirty. This allows the dry shampoo to already start to work before your hair starts to get greasy. Tease your hair near the root. Style your hair with heat. This will help prolong your hair between washes. Especially if you work out and you hair gets a little sweaty. When taking a shower, cover your hair with a shower cap or some type of covering. A little goes a long way. Do you use and love dry shampoo? Busy, modern life has opened the door to quick beauty fixes. For multi-tasking mums to dedicated gym junkies, dry shampoo is a winning invention that, as the name suggests, requires no water - and next to no time. Not intended as a replacement for shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoos are marketed as “in-between” beauty remedies for application when you don’t have time for a full wash-and-dry. They’re designed to keep you looking fresher for longer and are also said to foster healthier locks due to less washing. These new-age shampoos, which sell for between AU$2.95 and AU$80 everywhere from chemists to high-end salons, are available as powders, liquids or aerosol sprays to suit various hair shades. However there are natural, organic beauty companies meeting consumer demand for natural, powdered dry shampoos that are free from nasties. Dry shampoos can save on water bills but their job is to take out excess oil but not necessarily the dirt and grime from city smog and everyday living. Allow the product to sit in the hair a few minutes before styling. This allows the ingredients to do their job. Oatmeal & baking soda Combine one part ground oatmeal to one part baking soda. Massage the mixture into your roots. Cornmeal & salt Mix one tablespoon of salt and half a cup of cornmeal. Store in a saltshaker and shake the mixture onto the hair roots, massage in and leave for about one minute. Cornstarch Apply a generous amount of cornstarch to your hair roots, massaging it in to ensure oil is soaked up effectively. Cornmeal, orrisroot & almonds Combine one tablespoon of cornmeal with one tablespoon of orrisroot and one tablespoon of very finely ground almonds. Be sure to brush hair well before massaging through, concentrating on the roots. This is a great mixture for especially oily hair. Cheesecloth Skip ingredients and get your hands on a decent size piece of cheesecloth. Wrap it around a natural bristled brush and work through your hair, focusing on the roots. If you’re looking for a little extra volume, an at-home dry shampoo with flour as the base can help. If smelling like oatmeal and almonds doesn’t appeal, there’s a natural way to add scent to your DIY dry shampoo. Simply add dried flowers such as lavender or rose petals when making the mixture. After using your dry shampoo mixture of choice, put a few drops of a high-quality essential oil in a spray bottle and fill with water. Shannon Dunn is a wellness writer, eco Beauty editor and EFT practitioner. Truthfully, I was never much of a dry shampoo lady in my younger years. I grew up washing my fine hair on the daily as I relaxed in long hot showers. So out with the daily hair washing…in with the dry shampoo! I tried the powder kinds. And then the aerosol kind. I even got so sick of it all that I resorted to using only talc-free baby powder for a while…but that ended up looking like I had just dumped a bowl of flour on my hair. Tried-and-true. I have literally used this DIY dry shampoo for years. And so have many of my followers. Made with stuff you might have in your kitchen. Quick to make. 3 ingredients mixed in a container to minutes and you are good to go. All natural. Adaptable. No one has exactly the same hair color, so you can adjust the cocoa in this recipe to match your unique color. The key to this DIY dry shampoo, I have learned, is the application. You can’t just dump it onto your scalp, as you will end up with clumps and chalking looking hair. The secret, I learned, to applying DIY natural dry shampoo is using a makeup brush. It doesn’t have to be a special makeup brush, just one that you can dedicate to your dry shampoo so that you don’t find yourself with clumps of makeup in your hair or dry shampoo in your makeup. So why is this the way to go for dry shampoo application? Applying dry shampoo with a make-up brush allow you to “paint” the dry shampoo onto the greasy sections of your hair without overloading your locks with powdery product. This post contains affiliate links, though all opinions are my own. 1 tablespoon baking soda heaping1 tablespoon arrowroot powder OR cornstarch heapingcacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder Adjust as needed for your unique hair color. Leave out for light blond hair or add more for dark hair. Mix baking soda and arrowroot powder/cornstarch in a small bowl until all clumps are broken down.If you have light hair, you can stop there! If you have darker hair, add cacao powder/cocoa powder a little at a time to the dry shampoo until you reach a tone that will disappear into your hair. (I use 2 1/2 teaspoons to make a shade that matches my light brown/dark blond hair). Mix cacao/cocoa powder in until dry shampoo is all one color and there are no clumps.For application Once your dry shampoo is all mixed up, dip a makeup brush into the powder. Tap the side of the brush on the side of the container your dry shampoo is mixed in to shake off excess powder.Apply along your part and roots, “painting” the dry shampoo along the greasy sections of your hair. Apply throughout hair wherever needed.Rub the dry shampoo into your hair and scalp a little with your fingers. I used to pass dry shampoo in the drug store and turn my nose up. But then a few weeks ago, the topic of homemade dry shampoo came up during a lunch date with a girlfriend of mine. She admitted to using dry shampoo, and at first I was beyond shocked. I had always thought it was for people who didn’t want to wash their hair. I imagined the average user of dry shampoo was a backpacker or festival goer, where going without showering for days at a time is practically encouraged. While it works great in this context, I just didn’t realise it wasn’t the only context. After all, excessive washing is associated with weaker, duller and more fragile hair. As I get older, I’m actually finding that my life is only getting busier. Between spending time with my energy-packed grand kids, my fitness routine and running this blog, I can actually work up quite a sweat! So, as a way to try and reduce the amount I wash my hair these days, I decided to give DIY dry shampoo a try. Honestly, I was shocked at how well it worked. It let me go another 2-3 days before I needed to wash my hair. It is usually the main ingredient in a dry shampoo recipe, and will rejuvenate your hair between washes by tackling oiliness. It’s also very gentle on your scalp making it perfect for most skin/hair types. The use of bergamot and grapefruit eo’s adds a lovely, citrusy fragrance. Both bergamot and grapefruit also provide important antibacterial properties.The aromatherapeutic benefits should not be underestimated either. Cornstarch: It’s our star ingredient, so a hard one to replace, but if you do not want to use it why not take a look at our arrowroot dry shampoo or baking soda dry shampoo recipes. Baking Soda: You could try arrowroot or finely ground oat flour. Essential Oil: You can use any EO that you want. Lavender, peppermint, and rosemary would be good to use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 59 g Corn Starch, 40 g Baking SodaIn a bowl, sift the cornstarch and baking soda and mix well. 0.5 g Bergamot Essential OilSprinkle in the grapefruit and bergamot essential oil. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure you have an even distribution of the components. Store the shampoo in a mason jar or powder spray bottle. Or a container with a lid, such as a clean and empty spice jar. Keeping your homemade dry shampoo in tip-top condition is simple and convenient. For a straightforward storage solution, you can opt for a glass jar. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more direct method, a pump powder bottle is an excellent choice. When considering storage materials, it’s important to remember the essential oils in our recipe. If you’re leaning towards plastic containers, make sure they are made of PET as its best for the oils. Apply your dry shampoo all the way down to those roots. Finally. That’s all I have for you today. Say goodbye to daily hair washes with our friendly arrowroot powder dry shampoo.
Practical guidance and cautions
Cornstarch can absorb moisture, which can cause hair to become dry and brittle over time, potentially leading to split ends and breakage. It can also clog the hair follicle and pores, leading to scalp irritation and hair loss, and may irritate sensitive scalps with redness and itching. While cornstarch might seem like a quick fix for greasy hair, weighing the risks against the benefits is essential, and it may not be worth potential damage.
Alternatives and blends
Clean choices include high-quality, all-natural dry shampoos like VEGAMOUR's GRO Dry Shampoo, which can help absorb excess oil while preventing clogged follicles. For those preferring homemade routes, cornstarch can be combined with water or aloe vera gel to create a hair volumizer, or mixed with honey or coconut oil to create a homemade conditioner. The main ingredient remains corn starch or arrowroot powder, with optional additions such as cocoa powder to match hair color and essential oils for scent and potential antibacterial properties.
DIY dry shampoo recipes and usage tips
Oatmeal & baking soda: combine one part ground oatmeal to one part baking soda and massage into roots. Cornmeal & salt: mix one tablespoon of salt and half a cup of cornmeal, then shake onto roots, massage, and leave for about a minute. Cornstarch: apply generously to roots and massage in to absorb oil. Cornmeal, orrisroot & almonds: mix one tablespoon each and apply to oily roots. Cheesecloth can be used as a tool to apply powder evenly via a natural bristled brush. For color matching, cocoa powder can be added to suit darker hair, while light hair may skip it. Essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, and lavender are optional additions. After application, rub with fingers and comb through to distribute evenly.
Application technique tips from experienced users
The key to successful DIY dry shampoo is careful application: avoid dumping powder directly onto the scalp, use a makeup brush to paint the powder onto greasy sections, and allow the product to sit for several minutes before styling. Tease at the roots, style with heat, and consider wearing a shower cap if you’re washing later. A little goes a long way, and storage should be in a dry, airtight container, preferably glass or a pump powder bottle. If you’re seeking shade matching, adjust with cocoa powder in small increments to disappear into your hair color.
tags: #baking #soda #cornstarch #dry #shampoo