The 2 ingredients for the best DIY dry shampoo are already in your pantry

There are countless numbers of dry shampoos to choose from on store shelves. But why spend money on pricey options with long ingredient lists when a couple pantry staples will do? It turns out arrowroot and cocoa powder create the perfect DIY dry shampoo recipe.

Plenty of natural brands already use each in their dry shampoo formulas. (Acure, Mother Mountain Herbals, and Primally Pure are examples.) Both ingredients are excellent alternatives to traditional aerosolized sprays, according to Libby Rhee, DO. “Since most people use dry shampoo as a means to extend their blowouts or decrease washing and subsequent heat styling—not the sole means to cleanse their hair and scalp—this intermittent use of natural dry shampoo ingredients is a great choice,” says the New York City-based dermatologist.

So how exactly do you take advantage of these ingredients for oil-free strands? It’s super easy. For lighter hair, you’ll use 1/4 cup arrowroot powder on its own. For darker hair, you’ll use the same amount of arrowroot powder and add 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder. The sweet stuff acts as a natural colorant. Then, if you want to, add in 5 to 7 drops of essential oil, like lavender, chamomile, Moroccan argan, or jojoba, says Dr. Rhee. To use it, you can either sprinkle it onto your hair with your fingers or work it in with a fluffy makeup brush.

Here’s an added bonus for you brunettes. “[Cocoa powder contains several minerals and antioxidants that can be healthy for the scalp and hair,” says Rhee. But don’t overdo it. Cocoa can be super drying in big doses.

As long as you don’t overuse these gentle, grease-absorbing ingredients, the formula will keep your strands lookin’ fresh. Plus, extra bonus: If you get hungry, you can use the ingredients to whip up some healthy cookies. It’s kind of a win-win.

Here’s how to deal with heat-damaged hair, once and for all. Or, find out the easy-peasy way to get effortlessly cool French-girl hair.