The following post is written by NC State Steward and sophomore environmental science major Amelia Fujikawa, who writes below about wellness and importance of tossing the toxins for a more sustainable you.
We’ve all had that morning when we wake up late and start scrambling to get to work or class on time. On days like these, there might be little or no time for a shower. If you have long hair, oily hair or you just haven’t washed your hair in a several days (it happens), you might feel like you’re walking around with a greasy, flat disaster on your head.
This seems to be the mornings that dry shampoo was made for. If you’re not familiar with dry shampoo, it essentially soaks up excess oil which means you can potentially wash your hair less. There are many aerosol-based dry shampoos on the market that do refresh hair but at cost. Aerosol cans contain hydrocarbons, volatile compounds, and compressed gases that are all harmful to our atmosphere.
Okay, so no aerosols. What about baby powder? Yes, baby powder does do a great job of absorbing oil, but the powder contains talc, which has been known in the past to be contaminated with asbestos (a carcinogen). So, let’s try and stay away from that (and smelling like a baby).
Here’s a greener, cheaper and healthier alternative that I found on a blog and have found to be easier and more effective than other dry shampoos.
Recipe:
¼ Cup of Cornstarch (or Arrowroot Powder)
1 tbsp of Baking Soda
1 tbsp of Cocoa Powder
THAT’S IT!
This recipe can be doubled or tripled depending on how much you can fit into your designated container. I recommend upcycling empty tubs that come from products with a screw-on lid. A Mason jar would also do the trick. Also, adjust the amount of cocoa powder in your mix depending on your hair color.
To apply to your hair, a cheap face powder brush does the job perfectly. Just dust lightly into roots, massage through and let sit for a few minutes. Then comb or shake out the remaining powder. This concoction will absorb any excess oil as well as give your roots some volume. Additionally, it will help maximize the time between washes, which will improve the overall health of your hair. It’s a great way to toss the toxins and improve your wellness.
Note: The views expressed above are solely those of the post’s author. As with any DIY technique, this recipe is provided for information purposes only, is not guaranteed and may not work for everyone. Experiment sparingly and discontinue if you experience any undesirable outcomes.