Dry shampoo has become a popular haircare product in recent years. It allows you to refresh your hair between washes, absorbing oil and adding volume. While dry shampoo comes in a variety of shades, you may find it doesn’t perfectly match your hair color. Tinting your dry shampoo at home can help it blend seamlessly into your locks.
What is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a powder product that soaks up oil and adds texture to hair. It comes in an aerosol can or bottle, allowing you to dispense it directly onto your roots. When massaged in, the starch-based powder absorbs dirt, oil, and odor from your hair. Most dry shampoos use ingredients like rice starch, arrowroot, and kaolin clay. These natural powders are tinted to match common hair shades. Using dry shampoo between washes can help hair stay fresher longer.
Benefits of Tinting Dry Shampoo
There are several advantages to tinting your dry shampoo at home:
- Matches your exact hair color – Store-bought shades may not be an exact match for your hair.
- Eliminates white residue – Tinting minimizes the white cast dry shampoo can leave behind.
- Customizable shades – You can create a perfect shade or try fashion colors.
- Saves money – DIY tinting is inexpensive compared to buying multiple products.
- Easy to do – Tinting dry shampoo is a simple, fast process.
How to Choose a Tint
When selecting a tint for your dry shampoo, you’ll want to consider:
| Tint Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Permanent hair dye | Lasts 4-6 weeks. Offers extensive color selection. Can be drying to hair. |
| Semi-permanent hair dye | Lasts 4-8 washes. More conditioning. Less damage to hair. |
| Eye shadow | Sheer tint washes out easily. Wide range of shades. Not formulated for hair. |
| Cocoa powder | Subtle natural tint. No damage to hair. Color may be inconsistent. |
Semi-permanent dye or eye shadow offer the best results for most people. They tint evenly and wash out over time. Permanent dye isn’t necessary for a temporary product like dry shampoo. Cocoa powder can work in a pinch but may look uneven.
How to Tint Dry Shampoo
Tinting dry shampoo is a quick and easy process. Here are the steps:
- Choose your tint. Select a semi-permanent dye, eye shadow, or cocoa powder in your desired hair color.
- Mix the tint. For semi-permanent dye, mix according to package directions. For eye shadow or cocoa powder, stir 1 tsp into 2 tbsp conditioner until smooth.
- Apply the tint. Sprinkle dry shampoo powder into a bowl. Spray or drizzle the tinted mixture over the top while mixing. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Let sit. Allow the dry shampoo to sit for 20 minutes so the color fully absorbs.
- Transfer to container. Funnel the tinted dry shampoo into the original container or a clean, empty one.
It’s best to make small batches so you can customize the shade and repeat the process as needed. Always do a strand test on your hair to check the color before using your homemade tinted dry shampoo.
DIY Color Recipes
You can experiment with different household items to create custom dry shampoo tints:
Chocolate Tint
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp conditioner
Mix together to achieve a deep brown hue. Best for brunettes.
Spicy Tint
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp conditioner
Combine spices and conditioner for a warm, reddish-brown tint. Great for redheads.
Sandy Tint
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp conditioner
Mix cornstarch with cocoa powder and conditioner for a natural blonde shade.
Pastel Tint
- Eye shadow in your desired pastel hue
- 2 tbsp conditioner
Stir in a small amount of pastel eye shadow for a soft tint. Works for any light hair color.
Tinting Tips
Follow these tips for best results when tinting your dry shampoo:
- Use coloring conditioner as a mixing medium instead of water for added moisture.
- Start with a small amount of tint – you can always add more.
- Use an old makeup brush to mix in the tint evenly.
- Funnel the dry shampoo into an empty bottle or container after mixing.
- Let the tint fully dry before using the shampoo.
- Shake well before each use to disperse the color.
- Re-tint when the color starts to fade.
Conclusion
Tinting your dry shampoo at home is an easy DIY project that allows you to customize the color. Matching the shade to your exact hair color helps disguise roots and prevents white residue. Semi-permanent dye, eye shadow, and natural ingredients like cocoa powder can all be used to tint dry shampoo. With a simple mixing process, you can create the perfect colored dry shampoo for your hair needs and preferences.