DIY : Dry Shampoo Can Help on Bad Mental Health Days – Emily Springgay – Medium
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for those bad mental health days when it’s hard to get out of bed and get going. I share a DIY dry shampoo recipe that saves me time, money, and peace of mind!
When you’re struggling with mental illness, it can be hard to get out of bed and face the world. On days when I didn’t have the energy to shower, I turned to dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is a product that can absorb oil from your scalp and hair, making it look and feel freshly washed without getting your hair wet. It comes in three different forms: a liquid, a powder, and an aerosol spray. Dry shampoo appeals to many people because it can save time, absorb oil in between washes, save water and be used in situations when water isn’t readily available (e.g. camping), and add volume and texture to the hair.
Of course, there are also drawbacks to using on dry shampoo. Some people complain about the white residue left on the hair. If you have darker hair, it may make sense to use a product specifically for your hair colour. Dry shampoos can also be expensive, running anywhere from $5 to $65 or more per bottle, depending on the brand. I’ve also found the effectiveness of dry shampoo varies with brands and it may not last all day.
Another concern for some people is ingredients. Commercial dry shampoos often contain many chemicals to aid in the absorption process. When used for several days, those leftover powder particles, air pollutants, and chemicals from other hair products will begin to create a buildup on the scalp. Dry shampoo buildup also traps bacteria which may inflame the hair follicle causing pimples or cysts. These pimples or cysts eventually dry out and become scabs, which can disrupt the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
In the course of getting ready every morning, I probably use dozens of products, from soaps, lotions, conditioner to makeup products. Toxic chemicals are found in many everyday products and these chemicals are often studied in isolation. Weak labeling rules in Canada allow manufacturers to hide harmful chemicals under the umbrella term “fragrance” or “perfume.” If you want to focus on clean ingredients, I recommend ignoring marketing claims like “all natural,” “Green,” or “Clean” and focus on the actual ingredients. Turn those bottles over and read!
If you’re intrigued by the benefits of dry shampoo but don’t want to add chemicals to your scalp, you can buy organic dry shampoos which are made from all-natural ingredients or you can make your own! You can find many recipes online, but I’ll share one that I’ve tried.
How to make your own dry shampoo:
In a bowl, mix together:
⅓ cup of cornstarch OR arrowroot powder
5–8 drops of lavender essential oil
*for brown hair; mix in ⅓ cup of cacao or cocoa powder for desired colour.
Pour mixture into a mason jar and either sprinkle into your roots or apply it with a makeup brush
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think! I’ve found it doesn’t work as well as store-bought dry shampoos but I certainly save time, money, and peace of mind with this DIY.
