8 Dry Shampoo Alternatives for When You're in a Pinch

May 2024 · 7 minute read

Greasy hair? Check. An oily scalp? Check. A fresh can of your favorite dry shampoo? Welp, that's where you may fall short (because when you need a hair product the most, it's nowhere to be found). When hair needs a quick refresh without any accessible dry shampoo, there's no need to freak out since plenty of other household and beauty staples are perfectly good stand-ins. The key is to use them sparingly and make sure they're blended in well (read: no white residue or color demarcation) so no one but you knows the real secret to those fresh and bouncy lengths. Learn more about why dry shampoo is so effective and D.I.Y. alternatives below.

Meet the expert

Pros and Cons of Using Dry Shampoo and Its Alternatives

Pros

Dry shampoo is the go-to when washing your hair is out of the question. “Dry shampoos like Orlando Pita Play Highly Coveted Dry Shampoo ($9), revitalize the hair, leaving it looking and feeling clean, fresh, and more voluminous,” says Pita.

Beyond its waterless cleansing abilities, Pureology Artist Elyse Clark adds that dry shampoo and its alternatives double as a styling aid and can give the hair a matte finish. “Dry shampoo can extend the life of your style, add volume to fine hair, and reduce the need for excessive heat styling, which can cut down on the potential for damage. They also help preserve hair color by reducing the frequency of washing,” she says. “It is a versatile product that can be a time-saving and hair-friendly solution for various hair care needs.”

Getty Images

Cons

Since excessive shampooing can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, dry shampoo is the next best thing. However, overusing dry shampoo and dry shampoo alternatives can cause problems, too. Using them for more than two or three days can make the hair feel and look thick and flat at the root. "It starts to work against you, which is a big drawback," Pita adds. Plus, when dry shampoo builds up on the scalp, it can lead to various scalp issues, such as irritation, dryness, itching, redness, and even dandruff. "Proper scalp cleansing and care are essential to maintain a healthy scalp pH and avoid these results from overuse," Clark says.

Dry Shampoo Alternatives

Dry shampoo may be your hair's best friend, but a handful of alternatives work toward the same goals of absorbing oil, adding volume, and refreshing the overall style.

1. Baby Powder

Baby powder works similarly to dry shampoo and was used to refresh hair before dry shampoo became popular. Even though its oil-absorbing powers are pretty powerful, Pita says it can cause the hair to look dull and powdery and leave behind a white residue, which is especially noticeable on darker hair. To use baby powder as dry shampoo, which works for lighter-colored hair and even gray and white strands, sprinkle a small amount on a boar bristle brush first and then brush it through the hair. This way, the powder will distribute more evenly, and the chances of any apparent white residue are less likely.

2. Corn Starch

Corn starch, a common kitchen pantry item, is another cheap, good dry shampoo alternative. Clark says cornstarch is known for its moisture-absorbing properties and ability to bind to the hair's natural oils. "It's a commonly used ingredient in many dry shampoos because of these qualities," she adds. Corn starch can add texture to the hair, but it can also leave behind a residue. Still, corn starch is odorless, and Clark shares that combining it with essential oils is an easy way to add fragrance to it and your hair. To apply it, sprinkle a little on areas where the hair looks limp and brush it through.

3. Baking Soda

“Baking soda can be effective for a quick hair refresh,” Clark says, “but due to its high pH, it's important to use it sparingly to avoid potential irritation or damage to the scalp and hair.” She adds that mixing it with other dry shampoo alternatives can help balance its effects to make it more suitable.

Like baby powder, baking soda can also leave behind a white film or dust on the hair, so make sure to brush it through the hair very well.

4. Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder works as a substitute for traditional dry shampoo thanks to its fine, translucent consistency. "It's gentle on the scalp and can be mixed with other ingredients to create a custom color that matches the hair's tone," Clark says. "This flexibility makes it a popular choice among those looking for a versatile dry shampoo alternative."

5. Setting Powder

The key to getting dry shampoo-like results for makeup is to use a translucent shade rather than a pigmented one. According to Clark, setting powder gives the hair a matte finish, making it a good option for refreshing the hair while leaving it feeling soft and silky. "It's beneficial for those seeking a clean and polished look between traditional washes."

6. Blotting Papers

An easy, on-the-go way to touch up hair that needs a little help is with blotting papers. Start at the roots and slide the paper down to the midshaft, then go back into the root and lightly press the paper onto oil-laden spots. Hair will look immediately cleaner and less greasy—just don't use the same blotting paper on your hair and face!

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

There's a reason so many haircare brands incorporate apple cider vinegar into scalp treatments, rinses, and detoxifying shampoos: it helps to regulate oil production. However, you have to take precautions when using it. "It's essential to dilute it properly to avoid any potential irritation or strong scent," says Clark. Use one tablespoon per eight ounces of water. "Apple cider vinegar can also soothe the scalp because of its anti-inflammatory properties and promotes a healthy pH level," Clark adds. Since apple cider vinegar is a liquid, spray it into the hair with a spray bottle, let it dry, and brush through.

8. Hair Mousse

Even though there are plenty of suitable dry shampoo alternatives, mousse is another viable alternative that adds serious styling benefits. As Clark says, using mousse, like Pureology Weightless Volume Mousse ($31), on dry hair is a creative way to combine the benefits of a dry shampoo with a styling product. “Mousse can also add volume and give the hair a medium hold factor,” she adds.

Getty Images

Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

When using a dry shampoo alternative, Pita says to avoid applying the stand-in product directly to the top layer of hair, which can make it look dull since that layer is most visible. To use powders to absorb excess oil, sprinkle them onto a hairbrush (that you clean frequently), gently tap off the excess, and brush it through the hair. Big, fluffy makeup brushes also work to spot-treat specific areas. "Just be conservative with these techniques and applications," he advises. "You can always go back and add more if needed, but you can't reverse it if you overdo it."

If the idea of a dry shampoo substitute isn't quite your thing, changing your hairstyle can camouflage signs of dirty hair or oily spots. Try pulling the hair into a sleek, slicked-back braid or bun like Sofia Richie, or backcomb the hair with some hairspray to add volume at the crown. Accessories like headbands can also help hide not-so-fresh strands and oil buildup on the scalp.

No matter if traditional dry shampoo is your go-to or you choose something found in your kitchen cabinet or makeup drawer, there are plenty of options for quickly refreshing the hair when time is of the essence, and a full shampoo and blow out aren't in the cards. Remember that dry shampoo and its alternatives aren't substitutes for regular hair washing. While they serve a purpose, it's important not to overdo it and instigate hair damage.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57w6uwZquYlrqxu85mmKWslae7osDIr5ysZWhognJ%2Blmk%3D