7 Best Zero-Waste Dry Shampoos + Natural DIY Recipe

The convenience of dry shampoo on hectic mornings can’t be beat.

Yet the lingering thoughts of environmental and health repercussions in those aerosol sprays are hard to shake off.

Thankfully, there are non-toxic, zero-waste dry shampoos that are much safer for your health and the environment.

Read on to see our recommended safer zero-waste dry shampoo powders and practical tips to adopt them into your hair routine.

The dirty on traditional dry shampoo

Traditional dry shampoos have become a greasy hair, late start, and post-gym refresh staple.

However, they often come packed with questionable chemicals and in aerosol cans that contribute to waste and environmental harm. It’s a classic case of a quick fix that might be doing more long-term damage than we realize.

These conventional dry shampoos that contain butane and propane rely on propellants to expel the shampoo from the can.

The spray releases toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the air you breathe.

A recent independent study found high levels of benzene, a VOC, in popular dry shampoo brands, prompting a recall of 19 products. (Source: Valisure Independent Study)

Benzene can affect respiratory health and has been linked to cancer. (Source: American Cancer Institute)

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The clean sweep: zero-waste, non-toxic dry shampoo powder

In contrast, zero-waste, non-toxic dry shampoos offer a breath of fresh air.

These products are free from toxic chemicals and use natural, safe ingredients that absorb excess oil, refresh the hair, and leave minimal impact on the planet.

They come in earth-friendly, zero-waste packaging that’s either compostable, reusable, or recyclable.

But with so many options sprouting up, which ones truly stand out?

7 Best Zero Waste Dry Shampoos for Conscious Consumers

1. Eco Roots

Eco Roots zero-waste dry shampoo is all-natural and absorbs residue and odor, all while supporting hair health and adding volume.
Formulated with plant-based ingredients, it is vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and shipped plastic-free.
The eco-friendly glass jar with a metal lid is reusable and recyclable.
Ingredients: Organic aloe leaf powder, baking soda, corn starch, green clay, allantoin, vitamin C, provitamin b5, and nano zinc oxide.

2. Lumi

eco-friendly dry shampoo in recyclable cardboard. Three versions shown, one for blonde, one for brunette and one for strawberry

Lumi’s dry shampoo powder incorporates all-natural ingredients with a protein-rich formula to absorb oil and add texture.
We love that Lumi has three formulas to choose from based on your hair color: Blonde for lighter hair, Strawberry for auburn hair, and Brunette for brown hair and black hair.
Lumi’s eco-friendly dry shampoo is packaged in recyclable cardboard and is organic, fair trade, and fragrance-free.
Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, raw cocoa powder.

3. Acure

Acure’s fast-acting dry shampoo formula features all organic ingredients and a rosemary and peppermint scent.
The shampoo is packaged in a convenient shaker bottle made from recycled material that is also recyclable.
It’s available in two formulas: all hair types and brunette for dark hair.
Ingredients: Corn starch, baking soda, cocoa powder, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, maranta arundinacea root powder, kaolin clay.

4. The Earthling Co.

sustainable dry shampoo in recyclable cardboard tubes, one for light hair and one for dark hair

The Earling Co. Dry Shampoo protein-packed formula for healthy hair absorbs oil, boosts volume and fullness, and neutralizes odors all day.
It’s available in two options: light hair or dark hair.
This sustainable dry shampoo powder is packaged in recyclable cardboard and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Ingredients – Dark Hair Formula: maranta arundinacea root powder*, bentonite clay, theobroma cacao (cocoa) powder*, hydrolyzed rice protein, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil*, biotin, salvia sclarea (clary) oil*, bambusa arundinacea stem powder, pelargonium graveolens flower oil*
*certified organic
Ingredients – Light Hair Formula: maranta arundinacea root powder*, bentonite clay, hydrolyzed rice protein, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil*, biotin, salvia sclarea (clary) oil*, bambusa arundinacea stem powder, pelargonium graveolens flower oil*
*certified organic

5. Chagrin Valley

two tubes of zero waste dry shampoo in recyclable cardboard. one is purple for dark hair and one is green for light hair.

Chagrin Vallye’s 100% USDA-certified organic dry shampoo absorbs oil from the roots while adding an extra boost of volume.
It’s Leaping Bunny certified, vegan, and made in the USA.
It’s available in two versions: light hair or dark hair.
This sustainable dry shampoo is packaged in paperboard tubes made from recycled paper with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
Ingredients – Dark Hair Formula: organic arrowroot powder, organic tapioca flour, organic cocoa powder*, organic cornstarch, kaolin clay, organic burdock root, organic plantain, organic lavender essential oil, organic rosemary essential oil
Ingredients – Light Hair Formula: organic arrowroot powder, organic tapioca flour, organic cornstarch, kaolin clay, organic burdock root, organic plantain, organic eucalyptus essential oil, organic peppermint essential oil, organic rosemary essential oil, organic lime essential oil, organic spearmint essential oil, organic tea tree essential oil

6. Beauty By Earth

Beauty By Earth’s 100% USDA-certified organic dry shampoo keeps the oil at bay while increasing volume.
The plastic squeezable bottle is recyclable, and the dry shampoo is Leaping Bunny certified.
Ingredients: organic zea mays (corn starch), organic maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, kaolin clay, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), organic theobroma (cocoa) powder, organic lavandula hybrida (lavender) oil.

7. Hair Dance

Hair Dance is an environmentally conscious dry shampoo powder infused with lavender essential oil.
It’s free of harsh ingredients, packaged in a recyclable bottle, cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the USA.
Ingredients: organic oryza sativa (rice) starch, organic colloidal oatmeal, Silica, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil organic olea europaea (olive) leaf.

How do I apply powder dry shampoo?

Follow these simple steps for flawless application:

Start with the Right Tool: Use the convenient shaker bottles to apply or grab a makeup brush, dip it into the dry shampoo powder, and gently tap off any excess to avoid over-application.
Target the Roots: Find the oiliest sections of your hair and part them. Use the shaker or a brush to apply the powder right at the roots, where oil builds up the most.
Protect Your Clothes: Consider draping a towel around your shoulders before starting. This simple step keeps any stray powder from landing on your outfit.
Blend It In: After applying, use your fingertips to spread the product through your roots lightly. This helps ensure even coverage and maximizes oil absorption. For extra volume, flip your head upside down while massaging.
Let It Sit: Give the dry shampoo a few minutes to work its magic. This brief wait allows it to fully absorb excess oil.
Finish Off: Finally, brush or for curls, shake your hair as you usually would. This helps remove any leftover powder and leaves your hair looking fresh and clean.

Can I make my own dry shampoo powder?

Yes! Making dry shampoo is relatively easy.

For a simple dry shampoo recipe, you only need arrowroot powder or corn starch as the base.

Mix in cocoa powder or cinnamon to adjust the base to your hair color.

For blonde hair skip the cocoa or cinnamon.

If you like fragrance, add 1-3 drops of your favorite essential oils.

Store the dry shampoo mixture in an eco-friendly recyclable glass container or in a shaker jar or salt and pepper shaker for ease of use.

Final thoughts on zero-waste dry shampoo

Switching to zero-waste, non-toxic dry shampoo is not just a small step for your hair care routine; it’s a giant leap for your health and the environment.

These eco-friendly products sidestep the pitfalls of pollutants and non-recyclable plastics, offering a cleaner and greener alternative.

Plus, they’re often crafted by companies passionate about making a positive impact, meaning your purchase supports broader sustainability efforts.

So, the next time you reach for that dry shampoo, make it a choice that leaves no trace—except for fabulous hair, of course.

Your turn

Have you tried any zero-waste, non-toxic dry shampoos, or do you have other sustainable beauty favorites? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

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