When You Don’t Have Dry Shampoo: Alternatives That Work Wonders

When you run out of dry shampoo and don’t have time to get to the store, you’re left with two options: wash your hair or risk running late to work and risking your job by skipping it altogether. If your second option sounds better than washing your hair, then the following alternatives will come in handy the next time you forget to pick up some dry shampoo on your way home from work

Baby Powder
Believe it or not, baby powder can be used as an alternative to dry shampoo. Just sprinkle a bit on your roots, rub it in, and voila! The oil will be absorbed and your hair will look and feel clean. Plus, it’ll smell nice and fresh. If you’re worried about looking like you have white powder in your hair, don’t be! Once you style your hair as usual, the baby powder will be undetectable. Be sure to tap off any excess powder before styling because some people find that it’s too much for their hair type. It’s also important to note that this is only for oily roots and not for greasy or dirty hair.
But if you want to make sure your head doesn’t get too sweaty, try out this trick! Take a spray bottle of water and fill it up halfway with rubbing alcohol. Shake the bottle well so that both ingredients are mixed together. Spray this mixture onto your hair after you’ve done everything else mentioned above, and then blow-dry as normal. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so there won’t be any residue left behind.

White Eyeliner
Many people don’t know that white eyeliner can be used as a dry shampoo alternative. Just apply it to your roots, and blend it in with your fingers. It will absorb any excess oil and leave your hair looking clean and fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra volume to your hair. If you have dark hair, you can also use a light-colored eyeshadow to achieve the same effect. Apply the shadow like you would a liquid or powder foundation.
Make sure not to rub too hard when blending, because this will just move it around on your scalp instead of absorbing oil from your roots. In addition to using these products on the top of your head, they can also be applied at the base of your ponytail for those who like to tie their hair up into a high bun for work or school.

Baking Soda
Believe it or not, baking soda can be used as an alternative to dry shampoo. In a bowl, combine equal parts baking soda and cornstarch with a few drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, peppermint, etc. are all great options). Rub your head thoroughly and then brush out the powder until it’s no longer visible. Be sure to wash your hair afterwards if you’re going for that clean look. You can also try adding some sea salt in with the mixture to give your scalp a tingly feeling.

Potato Starch
Did you know that potato starch can be used as a dry shampoo alternative? All you need to do is apply it to your roots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out. You’ll be left with refreshed, clean hair that looks and feels great! Plus, it’s a cheaper alternative to buying dry shampoo at the store. Give it a try next time you’re in a pinch!

Arrowroot Powder
Did you know that arrowroot powder can be used as a dry shampoo alternative? Just add a bit of the powder to your hairbrush and brush it through your hair. The powder will absorb any excess oil and leave your hair looking and feeling fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to extend the life of your blowout. As an added bonus, all natural arrowroot powder is also good for creating an extra-firm hold on your style by applying a little bit to your hands before pulling up hair into a ponytail or bun.

Lemon Juice and Salt Hair Spray
When you don’t have dry shampoo and you’re in a pinch, this is a great alternative. All you need is some lemon juice and salt. Mix together equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle, then add a tablespoon of salt. Shake it up and spray it on your roots. The lemon juice will help absorb oil, while the salt will add texture. Let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it out. For an even more voluminous look, try adding volume powder or mousse to your hair after brushing. And if you want something with a bit more staying power, apply hairspray onto your scalp and let it set before moving on to the next step.

Baby Oil and Coconut Oil
Believe it or not, baby oil and coconut oil can be great substitutes for dry shampoo. Just rub a small amount into your roots, and voila! Your hair will look clean and smell fresh. Plus, these oils have the added benefit of being good for your hair. If you’re worried about looking greasy, just brush your hair out well after applying the oil. The oil will sit on top of your scalp until you wash it off with shampoo. And if you want to make your hair shinier, apply it from root to tip before washing and conditioning.

Coffee Beans
Did you know that coffee beans can actually absorb oil and help give your hair some lift? Just grind up a few beans and rub them into your scalp. Let it sit for a minute or two, then brush it out. Your hair will look and feel refreshed! Plus, the caffeine in the beans can even stimulate hair growth. The great thing about this method is that there’s no need to worry about residue because the beans are natural!