Dry Shampoo Alternatives

Imagine this: You've just done an exhausting at-home workout but don't have time to wash your hair. When you open the cupboard to get it, your favourite dry shampoo isn't coming back with any spritzes.

What can a person do if there is no product? Of course, you can always fall back on a tried-and-true dry shampoo substitute. Dry shampoo hasn't been around forever, as you probably know. On the other hand, greasy hair has. As a result, individuals from all walks of life have experimented with typical pantry items, cosmetics, and styling methods to make oily roots appear noticeably less shiny.

Therefore, don't freak out if you ever find yourself without your favourite dry shampoo. We asked the professionals, including Kelly Harrison, Adam Campbell, Marcia Lee, and board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, for their recommendations for dry shampoo substitutes. See what they had to say by continuing to read.

Corn Starch

No dry shampoo? No issue. If you look in your pantry, you probably have a can of cornstarch. According to Engelman, a simple household substance called corn starch can be used as a substitute for dry shampoo because it is both safe and absorbent. In addition to removing greasy roots, she says that corn starch is odourless, so you won't feel like you're being followed by a cloud of fragrance all day. "You can apply a small amount of this to your hairline by hand or with a contour brush, and for those with darker hair, it can be mixed with cocoa powder if you're worried about leaving a residue," she says.

Harrison points out that corn starch may contain GMOs if you're picky about the products you use. If avoiding GMOs is important to you, you should check even though it's used in your hair and not consumed, she advises.

Baking Soda

Campbell expands on the use of maize starch by suggesting that combining it with baking soda is another method for reducing greasy roots. He proposes, using tablespoon amounts, "in a basin, blend equal parts baking soda and cornstarch with a few drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, peppermint, etc.). He advises delicately sprinkling the mixture onto the scalp once it has been blended. He advises shaking out the excess after letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb extra oils. The only drawback? He acknowledges that this mixture occasionally leaves a white-looking residue on darker hair hues. He continues, "Really, it's only to be used in a pinch."

However, Lee advises keeping a salt shaker with cornstarch and baking soda nearby if you find that you truly like the effects. She adds that using a hair dryer on the cool setting and a soft bristle brush can assist in really working the product in, blowing away any excess, and creating volume in the process for an, even more revived head of hair.

Baby Powder

Baby powder is regarded as a trustworthy dry shampoo substitute because it was used before dry shampoos were well-known, according to Engelman. According to Engelman, using a spoonful of baby powder on your hair and then brushing it through will help to remove any extra oil and make your hair look more youthful. However, don't merely sprinkle it on top of your contribution. Harrison advises dividing your hair into layers and carefully sprinkling baby powder between them so that it absorbs throughout rather than just on top.

Remember that baby powder has a tiny aroma, unlike corn starch, when contemplating it for your quick hair fix. Harrison further claims that due to the baby powder's white appearance and tendency to perform best on blonde hair. Additionally, it works best on thicker hair because too much product can make fine hair look limp and lifeless, the expert continues.

Harrison emphasizes that the majority of baby powders are made with talc, which can be dangerous if consumed from a health perspective. She advises reading the ingredients label on your powder before adding it to your cart if you have a talc allergy or aversion.

Arrowroot Powder

According to Engelman, arrowroot powder is a natural starch frequently used as a food thickener and is excellent for absorbing oils. She acknowledges that it can be messy, so to tame it down, it's best applied with a brush and then massaged for full effect. It's also super lightweight, which leaves a nice feeling on the hair.

Translucent Setting Powder

Hair colour expert Seamus McKernan claims it works quickly despite the fact that you might not want to squander your priceless face-setting powder on your hair. Translucent setting powder, he notes, "may be a fantastic option on the run." "Be sure to use a clean blush brush when applying and tap the product in rather than brushing it across to allow the extra oil to be absorbed. After applying, sweep a brush through to remove any extra powder.

Before implementing this advice, Trichologist Gretchen Friese warns that while many hairstylists and dermatologists advocate powders and starches for oil absorption, these products can become cakey and result in the buildup. As a result, they should only be used occasionally, and when it's time to take a shower, they should be followed by a clarifying shampoo rinse. (Spoiler alert: R+Co co-founder and creative director Howard McLaren claims that modern aerosol dry shampoos were developed due to the tendency to cake.)

Blotting Papers

Blotting sheets are a cosmetics item that can help with bangs and oily roots. Blotting papers can also be used on the hair, according to Engelman. They are typically used to dab up oil on the face. These are fantastic because they are portable and convenient. Simply grab one sheet and dab the top of your head where you notice oil residue remaining to give it a dryer appearance.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its ability to control oil production, apple cider vinegar is a well-liked ingredient in skincare products. According to Engelman, the product also works well on oily hair. She advises mixing a few drops of apple cider vinegar with water in a spray bottle and using it to mist your hair. This method is particularly beneficial because it doesn't leave any residue, unlike most dry shampoo alternatives or alternatives in general.

An Alternative Hairstyle

If you've recently been on TikTok, you are aware that not all remedies to dry shampoo include purchasing items. Changing up your hairstyle is one of the best things you can do when you don't have dry shampoo. According to Harrison, "a sleek bun or braids not only provides you a fashionable and low-maintenance look, but it can also cover up oil on the scalp and hair." On the other side, she claims that if you enjoy accessorizing, using a sizable headband can also help detract attention from an oily scalp.

Added Texture

Not in the mood for or not a lover of a sleek bun? According to Harrison, other quick and simple methods to cover up oily strands include teasing and back-combing your hair. She notes that in addition to adding volume, they also assist in distributing oil and raising your hair from the root, which makes it more difficult to notice the oils on your scalp. "This is a fantastic choice for that function with an updo. Tease away and then comb your hair into the style you want since dirty hair always seems to style better.

Additional Haircare Products

Of course, if DIY haircare is not your thing, you can always choose a different kind of style product. While McKernan suggests using hairspray to repurpose oily tresses (more specifically, Nioxin's Niospray Strong Hold Hairspray, $18 for its alcohol content that absorbs oils), celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons suggests using a texturizing spray, such as the Andrew Fitzsimons Apres Sexe Texture Spray ($14).

Because nothing quite compares, do you wish you had time for a shower? Campbell recommends the Unsubscribe No-Rinse Hair Wash ($24). He remarks that all you need is two to four pumps, which can then be air-dried or blow-dried, adding that it's perfect for individuals who work out a lot. It's a cleansing foam with enzymes that both fights smell and fortify hair.

Added choices? Your strands can be dampened with hair-refreshing water, such as Kristin Ess' The One Signature Hair Water ($11), making them simple to re-style. Fitzsimons advises doing this to really elevate your greasy hairdo, so grab the Style Assist Blow Dry Mist ($15) and Dry Finish Working Texture Spray ($14), both by Kristin Ess. The nicest thing about these products, in his opinion, is that they "work for almost any hair type while simultaneously working to deliver just the appropriate tool to what each hair type is seeking for, whether it be shine, volume, or texture."

The Bottom Line

The truth is that everyone occasionally gets greasy roots, and it's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Regarding scalp sebum, Lee advises "embracing what natural human development is." "We require this to moisturize and safeguard the scalp and hair. So, utilize that opportunity to play around with your [hair].

And Friese advises using a clarifying wash when wash day finally comes-especially if you've relied heavily on dry shampoo substitutes (or the real deal). When doing so, she advises giving high-absorbency products a priority, such as those containing charcoal or the BosleyMD Anti Dandruff Shampoo ($28). It eliminates oils and product buildup from the scalp and hair without stripping or drying out the hair.