There’ve been plenty of times when we needed a quick fix—no time, no energy, just greasy roots that haven’t been washed in a week (or more!). We wanted something simple, effective, and gentle on our scalp.
Enter: our go-to DIY dry shampoo with bentonite clay that we’ve been using for literally years!
Instead of spraying synthetic chemicals on your scalp that contain parabens, fillers, preservatives, additives and other questionable synthetics, you can whip up this homemade bentonite dry shampoo (without cornstarch) using just a few pantry staples. It absorbs excess oil (and impurities), freshens your scalp, and revives your hair between washes—without the buildup.
Why specifically bentonite clay? It’s a natural detoxifier, rich in minerals, and helps balance scalp oils without over-drying. Plus, it’s perfect for all hair types and easy to customize with a couple of additions.
Index: Homemade Dry Shampoo with Bentonite Clay
- Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo Recipe Jump to section
- Cost Savings of Making Your Own Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo Powder Jump to section
- Why Make Your Own Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo? Jump to section
Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo Recipe
Maybe you’re looking for a DIY dry shampoo without cornstarch—possibly because you know you have a cornstarch sensitivity or if you want to prevent any breakouts and inflammation that may occur from the fact that cornstarch can act as a food source for bacteria.
For that reason, this recipe has a longer shelf-life and we’ve personally been using the same bulk batch of this we made over four years ago! It still works just as well as when we first whipped it up.
If so, try this bentonite clay based recipe instead. Bentonite clay dry shampoo not only absorbs excess oils and moisture without over-drying the scalp, but enriches it with natural minerals to balance overall scalp health and pH levels.
Ingredients:
- Bentonite Clay (¼ cup): An oil-absorbing and detoxifying agent to give hair and light and lifted feel. Also balances slalp health with natural minerals.
- Arrowroot Powder (2 tbsp): Helps absorb oil and lighten the clay.
- Cocoa and/or Cinnamon Powder (1-2 tbsp, for darker hair): Cocoa provides color and helps blend the dry shampoo into dark hair. If you have red undertones in your hair, try cinnamon powder.
If you do want a solution using cornstarch, have a look at our DIY dry shampoo with arrowroot powder recipe.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine bentonite clay and arrowroot powder. This will work if you have a lighter blonde hair color (with some tweaks). If you have dark hair, add cocoa powder to avoid a white cast.
- Drop in essential oils and stir well to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to a clean, dry container (like a spice shaker or jar with a makeup brush for application).
Cost Savings of Making Your Own Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo Powder
Beyond the health considerations of using organic and natural ingredients, homemade dry shampoo recipes in general cost way less than drugstore products, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each year (depending on how often you use it).
For example, while store-bought dry shampoo sprays and powders often cost $10 or more (on average) for a tiny bottle, our DIY version with bentonite clay is not only more effective and gentler on your scalp, but way more affordable at $4.18 per batch. Here’s the breakdown.
DIY Dry Shampoo – Bentonite Clay
- Bentonite Clay: $6 for a 4 oz bag (~$3.00 for ¼ cup)
- Arrowroot Powder: $6 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.38 for 2 tbsp)
- Cocoa Powder: $6 for an 8 oz container (~$0.75 for 2 tbsp, less for lighter hair)
- Cinnamon Powder: $6 for a 2 oz jar (~$0.05 for 1 tsp, depending on how much you use)
Cost per batch: ~$4.18
Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$10+ for 1.8 oz aerosol spray or 1 oz powder
Savings per Batch: $5.82
Why Make Your Own Bentonite Clay Dry Shampoo?
Most commercial dry shampoos come with a long list of synthetic ingredients— and sure they’re convenient but overtime they’ll do more harm than good for your scalp and hair:
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Butane and Propane (in aerosol sprays): These are flammable gases that act as propellants and release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can irritate your skin and lungs while also polluting indoor air. Even worse, they may contain trace amounts of 1,3-butadiene—a highly flammable and known cancer-causing chemical.
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Silicones (like Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone): While they make hair feel silky and reduce frizz, they can cause buildup over time, leaving your hair greasy, flat, and lifeless.
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Fragrance: Synthetic scents might smell nice, but they’re often made from undisclosed chemical blends that can lead to allergic reactions or scalp sensitivity.
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Talc: Often used to soak up oil, talc has a controversial safety record due to possible contamination with asbestos—a known carcinogen.
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Alcohol: Common in sprays, alcohol can dry out your scalp and strands, leading to irritation and damage.
Making your own dry shampoo lets you skip the questionable chemicals and stick with gentle, natural ingredients that freshen your hair without risk.
Amber obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Creative Writing, and Psychology from The University of Oxford and Arcadia University. She is an avid crafter, gardener, quail farmer, wannabe novelist, and self-proclaimed eco adventurer. From living in a camper van to living in a tiny house, she is enamored by the small and self-sufficient; and aspires to one day become an off-grid micro-farmer, bridging sustainability with non-toxic living and eating. With a passion for outdoor sports like rock climbing, skiing, and travel, having already backpacked across 30 countries, she is always up for the next big adventure while seeking ways to minimize her impact along the way.
