How to Use Cornstarch as Dry Shampoo

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Learn whether or not this TikTok DIY beauty hack is right for you

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: February 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Cornstarch Dry Shampoo Recipe & Application
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• Pros & Benefits
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• Cons & Things to Consider
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• FAQs
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• Other Ways to Use Cornstarch for Beauty & Personal Care

|Show more |Show less

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve likely come across the viral trend of using cornstarch as a dry shampoo substitute. But how effective is this beauty hack, and what’s the correct way to try it out? If you’re looking for answers to these questions, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll go over how to make a DIY dry shampoo with cornstarch and how to apply it. We’ll also cover some pros and cons of using cornstarch as dry shampoo and answer common FAQs. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Can you use cornstarch as dry shampoo?

Yes, you can use cornstarch as a dry shampoo. Cornstarch is great at absorbing moisture, so it will soak up excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh between washes. Simply sprinkle cornstarch on your roots and massage it in. After a few minutes, brush out the excess powder with your hairbrush, and go about your day!

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

How to Use Cornstarch as Dry Shampoo

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   Mix 1 tbsp (10 g) of cornstarch with ½ tsp (1.3 g) cocoa powder OR bentonite clay. Although you can use cornstarch as a dry shampoo on its own, adding a bit of cocoa powder or bentonite clay will help the powder match your hair color more closely. If you have brown or black hair, combine 1 tbsp (10 g) cornstarch with ½ tsp (1.3 g) unsweetened cocoa powder. If you have blonde hair, add ½ tsp (1.3 g) bentonite clay instead of cocoa powder.

   • Keep in mind that everyone’s hair color is different! Feel free to slightly adjust the amount of cocoa powder or bentonite clay you add to match your unique shade.
   • If your hair is super bright blonde, grey, or white, you may not need to add any cocoa powder or bentonite clay—plain cornstarch should work just fine.
   • If you have darker hair and decide to add cocoa powder, it will perfume your hair with a lovely chocolate-y aroma, as well!
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   Apply the cornstarch mixture to your hair with a clean makeup brush. Dip a clean fluffy makeup brush into the powder, and apply it to your roots and any greasy areas of your hair. A blush brush or face powder brush will work very well for this. Once you’ve applied the powder, gently massage it into your hair with your hands.

   • If you don’t have a makeup brush to use, no worries! Go ahead and sprinkle the cornstarch onto your hair and work it in with your hands.
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   Allow the cornstarch mixture to sit for a few minutes. This gives the cornstarch time to work its magic and soak up any excess oil and sebum on your scalp and hair, leaving it fresh and clean-looking.

   • Don’t overdo it! Leaving the cornstarch on for 1-3 minutes should be enough.
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   Brush the excess powder out of your hair. After you’ve let the powder sit for a few minutes, brush the excess powder out of your hair using your regular hairbrush. And that’s it! Style your hair as normal, and go about the rest of your day.

   • Store any leftover powder in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it again.
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Section 2 of 5:

Pros of Using Cornstarch as Dry Shampoo

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   It’s inexpensive. A 16 oz container of cornstarch costs around $2-$4 in most grocery stores. Since you only need to sprinkle a bit of cornstarch onto your hair for each use, one container should last a long time. Plus, you may even have a container of cornstarch in your pantry already. In this case, this hair hack will cost you nothing!

   • On the flip side, store bought dry shampoos tend to cost anywhere from $8-$10 for drugstore brands and $15-$30 for luxury brands, which is significantly more expensive.
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   It’s simple and all natural. Cornstarch is a natural ingredient that you probably already use when you cook or bake. This can definitely be a benefit if you’re trying to avoid using harsh chemicals or unfamiliar ingredients on your hair, which are often found in store-bought dry shampoos.
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   It controls oil and extends time between washes. The purpose of dry shampoo is to soak up excess oil and sebum on the hair and scalp, so that your hair looks clean and refreshed between washes. Because cornstarch is so good at absorbing moisture, it performs very well as a dry shampoo, and it prevents your hair from looking greasy or oily as you wait for your next wash day.
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   It can help your hair look more voluminous. When your hair gets oily or greasy at the roots between washes, it can start to appear more flat and limp. Cornstarch dry shampoo soaks up that excess oil, which gives your tresses a much needed lift and a fuller appearance.
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   It can make your hair appear moisturized and shiny. Cornstarch coats your hair in a smooth-looking finish that even reflects sunlight a bit. This can make your hair appear naturally glossy and shiny.
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   It may soothe an irritated scalp. Cornstarch is a popular home remedy for skin irritation and ailments such as sunburns, bug bites, and bee stings. There haven’t been studies specifically assessing this, but it’s possible that these soothing properties may also calm scalp irritation. And, since cornstarch helps soak up excess oil and sebum, it can promote a more balanced, healthy scalp in general.
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Section 3 of 5:

Cons of Using Cornstarch as Dry Shampoo

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   Prolonged or excessive use may dry out your scalp and hair. Cornstarch absorbs moisture, which is a good thing if you’re trying to get rid of greasiness between washes. However, if you leave the cornstarch on your hair for too long or use it very often, it can be a bit too drying. This can lead to brittleness and breakage. Excessive dry shampoo use in general can also irritate your scalp and cause your hair to look a little duller.

   • To avoid this, make an effort to use your cornstarch dry shampoo sparingly.
   • When you apply the powder to your hair, only let it sit for a minute or two before brushing it out.
   • For best results, use your cornstarch dry shampoo only 1-2 times per week, and try not to use it two days in a row.
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   Some people may be allergic or sensitive to cornstarch. Although cornstarch is a safe and effective dry shampoo substitute for many people, it can cause skin irritation or even allergic reactions for others. To make sure your skin isn’t sensitive to cornstarch, try rubbing a small amount of it onto the back of your hand and wait a few minutes to see if you have a reaction. If you don’t notice any discomfort or irritation, you should be good to go!
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Section 4 of 5:

FAQs about Cornstarch Dry Shampoo

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   Can you add additional scents to cornstarch dry shampoo? Yes, you can personalize your cornstarch dry shampoo with additional scents. The easiest way to do this is to add a few drops of an essential oil to the powder mixture. Lavender, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils are all popular options.
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   Is cornstarch dry shampoo okay to use on all hair types? Cornstarch dry shampoo works well on a wide variety of hair types, and it’s usually suitable for straight, wavy, and curly hair. However, if you have very tight curls, it may be harder to evenly distribute the cornstarch and brush it out completely when it’s done soaking, so you may prefer a more traditional store-bought dry shampoo.

   • Additionally, if you have very dry, color-treated hair or a sensitive scalp, it may be best to avoid cornstarch dry shampoo.
   • Since it absorbs moisture, it may cause skin irritation, excess dryness, or breakage.
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   How often should you use cornstarch dry shampoo? You can use cornstarch dry shampoo 1-2 times per week. Remember, all dry shampoos are meant to freshen up your hair between washes, not to act as a substitute for washing your hair with water and regular shampoo. Dry shampoos will soak up extra oil and moisture to keep your hair looking nice, but they won’t actually clean your hair or scalp—you’ll need to hop in the shower to do that!
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Section 5 of 5:

Other Ways to Use Cornstarch for Beauty & Personal Care

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1. 
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   Make a DIY hair mask. When added to a homemade hair mask, cornstarch can help detangle your hair, boost volume, control oil, and enhance shine. Here’s an easy cornstarch hair mask recipe to try out:

   • Heat one can of coconut milk and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk mixture until smooth.
   • Add 4 tablespoons (59 ml) lime juice and 2 tbsp (20 g) cornstarch to the mixture and stir.
   • Continue stirring until the mixture has thickened, being careful not to burn it.
   • Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool.
   • Apply the hair mask to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes.
   • Rinse the mixture out of your hair.
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   Make some all-natural deodorant. Since cornstarch is good at absorbing moisture and oils, it also makes a great ingredient in homemade deodorant. Try out this DIY deodorant recipe if you’re looking for an inexpensive, natural alternative to store-bought deodorant!

   • Combine ¼ cup (68 g) baking soda with ¼ cup (40 g) cornstarch.
   • Mix in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted coconut oil and 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
   • To use, apply a pea-size amount of the mixture to your underarm and rub it in until absorbed.
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   Make a paste to soothe bug bites, bee stings, or sunburns. Mix 3 tbsp (30 g) cornstarch with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cold water. Smear the paste over the bite or bee sting and let it dry. You can also apply this paste to sunburned areas to ease pain and soothe irritation.
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