Dry Shampoo Powder Formula & Coloring
Question
Could you provide a formula for a dry shampoo powder, including recommendations for absorbent powders and how to add pigment to match brown hair colors (light brown and dark brown)?
Answer
Dry Shampoo Powder Formula
Creating a dry shampoo in powder form is a great way to absorb excess oil between washes without needing water. A simple powder formula based on starches or clays is generally gentle for the hair and scalp when used occasionally.
Basic Powder Formula
You can create a basic dry shampoo powder using absorbent ingredients. Here's a simple example:
- Absorbent Powder(s): 95-99%
- Choose one or a blend of powders like Rice Starch (such as Ricesorb ™), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, or Kaolin. These powders help absorb oil and provide a dry feel. You could also use a base like Dry Shampoo Powder, which already contains rice starch and a conditioning agent.
- Pigment(s): 1-5% (Adjust as needed to match hair color)
Pigment Recommendations for Brown Hair
To color your dry shampoo to match dark brown or light brown hair, Iron Oxides are excellent choices for creating natural-looking shades. Mica powders can also be used for color with added shimmer.
- Iron Oxides: These pigments come in various colors (Yellow, Red, Black, Brown) and can be blended to match almost any hair color.
- Start with Iron Oxides Brown as your base color.
- For dark brown hair, add a small amount of Iron Oxides Black to deepen the shade.
- For light brown hair, add Iron Oxides Yellow to lighten the shade. You might also add a tiny amount of Iron Oxides Red for warmer tones if desired.
- Mix small amounts of pigment into your base powder and test on a tissue or a strand of hair until you achieve the desired match.
- Mica Powders: Chocolate Brown Mica (light brown) and Dark Brown Mica (dark brown) can provide color with a subtle pearlescent finish. You can use these alone or blend them with Iron Oxides.
How to Mix and Use
- Measure your chosen absorbent powder(s) into a bowl.
- Gradually add small amounts of your selected pigment(s) (Iron Oxides or Mica).
- Mix thoroughly. A mortar and pestle or a small blender can help ensure even dispersion of the color, especially with Iron Oxides.
- Test the color on a tissue or a hidden section of your hair. Add more pigment if needed to match your hair color.
- Once the color is perfect, transfer the powder to a suitable container (like a shaker bottle or a jar).
- To use, sprinkle or brush a small amount of powder onto the roots of your hair.
- Gently massage or brush through to distribute the powder and absorb oil.
Remember to start with a small amount of both the dry shampoo and the pigment, adding more as needed.
Related Products Mentioned
Dark Brown Mica, dark brown (size A)
Iron Oxides Brown (non-coated)
Iron Oxides Red (non-coated)
Iron Oxides Black (non-coated)