The Best Dry Shampoo Substitute for a Healthier 'Do and Planet

Over the years, dry shampoo has become increasingly popular as a way to keep your hair clean between washes. They are advertised as a quick and easy option for those who don't have the time to keep up with their hair consistently. And while that seems like a good reason to invest in this product, it actually isn't the best idea — therefore, finding dry shampoo substitutes is a must.

Dry shampoos and other aerosol products are evidently bad for the planet, because of the chemicals they contain. And if you don't want them in the air, it makes sense that you wouldn't want them in your hair. Here are the best alternatives, that will do the job just as well.

Hair stylist and colorist Christophe Robin told The New York Times that apple cider vinegar is something he uses in lieu of dry shampoo. He says that dry shampoos only really give someone one extra day before they need to actually wash their hair. And it's especially not helpful to those who stay active.

To make your own, mix five drops of apple cider vinegar with five ounces of water in a spray bottle. Apply it to your roots and wait for it to dry.

"Unlike dry shampoo, there’s no residue, and the vinegar is a wonderful tonic for the scalp," Robin told The New York Times.

There are plenty of natural methods to make your own dry shampoo substitute at home. Good Housekeeping has different recipes you can try, but arrowroot is an ingredient that's considered top-tier. In fact, it's a pretty standard ingredient when it comes to DIY dry shampoo. To make this one, you need the following ingredients:

• 7 tablespoons of arrowroot powder
• Water
• 4 teaspoons of white kaolin clay

• 24 drops of tea tree oil

Mix these ingredients into a bowl, and if you have a funnel, use it to transfer the contents into a spray bottle. If not, you can always use a rolled-up (but sturdy) piece of paper. Then, add enough water so that it's easy to spray but try not to make it too watery.

This one is best if you have darker hair. According to Byrdie, activated charcoal can help you deal with dandruff and redness on your scalp as well as excess oil you're trying to get rid of. For this one, use the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder
• 1/4 cup of raw cacao powder
• 1/2 cup of arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of bentonite or kaolin clay
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 30 drops of either lavender or lemongrass essential oil

Once you've mixed the ingredients together, put the mixture into a shaker — a spray bottle won't work for this. To apply it, you can use your fingers or a brush, but it's recommended to use a hair dryer in order to get your new shampoo on your roots more evenly.

If you don't have dark hair, Byrdie also has recipes for red, gray, and blonde hair. For redheads, use 1/4 cup cinnamon powder instead of charcoal. For people with blonde or gray hair, use 1/2 a cup of either arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Other than these changes, the formulas are all the same.