If you have light to dark brown hair, you may enjoy the benefits of using unsweetened or sweetened cocoa for a dry hair cleanse. Although it may seen like an unusual ingredient, it makes a great dry shampoo.

Not only does it smell fabulous, it works very well for brunettes because it doesn’t leave any streaks. Some brunettes who utilize cocoa powder as a dry hair cleanser even report that it leaves a hint of copper or auburn to dark strands.

Sprinkle just 2-3 tablespoons of finely ground unsweetened or sweetened cocoa powder (organic if desired) over the top of your roots. Use the pads of your fingertips to lightly massage the cocoa powder into the areas which may need cleansing.

If you prefer you can mix 2-3 tablespoons of the cocoa in a container. Instead of sprinkling over the roots dip fingertips into the powder and dab into the scalp.

This allows you to target oily, dirty roots without getting too much cocoa into the hair. A little bit goes a very long way. It also makes it easier to brush out any excess cocoa powder.

Note:  Some people prefer to use a large powder puff instead of fingers or sprinkling the powder in a free-form manner.

After massaging the powder through strands, bend over a sink or bathtub and brush the cocoa powder from tresses with a 100% boar bristle brush. Be sure to remove all the powder to avoid leaving any dark powder stains.

Worst Dry Hair Cleansers

One of the very worst Do It Yourself (DIY) dry hair cleansers you can use is baby powder which is made with talc or similar powders.

The very best DIY dry shampoo, if your hair is blonding, red or light colored is cornstarch, finely grained oat bran or even oatmeal put through a food processor.

Of course baby powders which are 100% organic with a cornstarch base are fine, but not the traditional kind. Some people also prefer to use regular white baking flour or corn flour.

What if you have chocolate brown or raven black tresses? While you can use DIY white powders, if the dry cleanser isn’t properly brushed from the strands, it can leave white or grey streaks.

Cocoa & Cornstarch Dry Shampoo Custom Blend

If you don’t want to use straight cocoa powder you can mix up your own custom blend of 4 1/2 – 5 teaspoons of unsweetened or sweetened cocoa powder with 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.

Note:  Some people find white orris root powder is easier to remove.

If you wish you can also sprinkle 2-4 drops of essential oil. Peppermint is excellent if you want a burst of energy. Lavender will provide the opposite benefit of relaxation. You can also use Ylang Ylang for a sensuous twist.

When cocoa powder isn’t available you can experiment with cacao powder for a similar result.

Mix all of the the ingredients in a container, paper bag or blender for a few seconds. Then apply the mixture to your roots with fingertips, wait a few minutes, and then brush out with a boars bristle brush.

Benefits Of Cocoa Powder For Dry Hair Cleanse

The cocoa & cornstarch dry hair cleanse recipe is perfect for brunettes. Blondes may prefer to swap out the darkening cocoa powder for white or yellow corn powder or extra cornstarch.

Just as white powders such as cornstarch or oat bran may streak dark colored strands, dark cocoa or similar powders may leave dark streaks in light colored hair. Others may skip cocoa powder as a DIY cleanser because of the oils it contains.

Redheads also may benefit from utilizing cocoa powder as a dry shampoo style cleanser. Not only does it brush out easily, the natural oils in cocoa powder will help minimize frizz and add subtle hydration.

Summary – Cocoa Powder For Dry Hair Cleanse

Cocoa powder is an excellent DIY dry hair cleanse option for light to dark brunette tresses.

Although it may seen like an unusual ingredient, it makes a great dry shampoo, has a wonderful aroma and won’t leave a filmy residue. It does a great job of removing oils but doesn’t leave hair frizzy or tangled.

Does it work for every type, texture and length of hair? Maybe. Not everything does. If you wish to try this dry hair cleanse, start slow and test small sections of your hair.

While some users rave about the amazing aroma and wonderful results, not everyone is as thrilled with this option.