Though dry shampoo has been in use for ages, it gained prevalence recently due to the advice of hair stylists and hair experts. Beauty experts recommend washing your hair less frequently to keep it healthy.
As an Ayurveda practitioner I would like to say classical Ayurveda describes hair washing as a dinacharya or daily routine. But the fact that water in ancient days was purer and easily available should also be taken in to consideration. Nowadays, the high chlorine or bleach content in water can give rise to various hair problems including dry scalp and itching. So, skipping your hair wash once or twice a week is always fine.
What exactly is dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a dry substance that cleans your hair without the use of water. Dry shampoo works by absorbing oil from your scalp and hair, thus making it look and feel freshly washed again. Dry shampoo absorbs excess sebum and other oils from your roots, freshens up the rest of your hair, and leaves it smelling fresher.
Benefits of Using a Dry Shampoo:
• Saves time: Whenever there’s no time for a proper shampoo and blow-dry, dry shampoo is your friend and savior.
• It gives a silky texture to your hair
• It makes your hair look to have more volume
• It eliminates odor
• It conserves your hair color
• It also soothes the irritated or itchy scalp
Photo by Adobe Stock/kazmulka
Preparation of Dry Shampoo at Home
This homemade dry shampoo not only cleanses your hair of all the dirt but also leaves it smooth, shiny, and silky. It can be used for all hair types.
Ingredients:
• Acacia concinna or Shikakai powder – 1 cup
• Amla or Indian goose berry powder – 1 cup
• Hibiscus powder – 1 cup
• Reeth or soap nut powder – 1 cup
• Lavender essential oil – 4 drops
Directions:
Combine all ingredients well and store your all-natural, homemade dry shampoo in the container of your choice.
How to Use Dry Shampoo on Your Hair
Dry shampoo is always applied at the roots of the hair. Use a brush or a comb and separate sections of your hair, shaking the powder onto your scalp. Massage it into the surrounding hair and let it sit for approximately two minutes—just enough time to absorb all that oil! When you’re finished brush the dry shampoo through your hair until it is no longer visible.
Therapeutic Benefits of This Homemade Dry Shampoo
• The above recipe is simple and inexpensive.
• The Reeth or soap nut powder used here is a natural cleansing agent. It is highly recommended for oily hair and improves volume.
• Shikkai powder Is both a cleanser and mild conditioner. It promotes hair growth, strengthens hair roots, improves dandruff, and can help add volume and shine. It is ideal for dry hair.
• Hibiscus powder promotes healthy hair growth, prevents hair loss, and thickens hair. It will impart a burgundy to black cherry color, so may not be suited for lighter hair colors.
• Amla powder stimulates hair growth, prevents graying, and strengthens hair at the root.
• Lavender oil is nourishing and gives a pleasant smell to the dry shampoo powder.
