Oatmeal dry shampoo can be purchased at drug and pet stores, but it's also easy to concoct at home with just a few ingredients. Dry shampoo often is used on pets, but is suitable for human use as well. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-irritant properties, making it a good choice for irritated skin. In fact, oatmeal has a centuries-old tradition of use as a skin-soothing agent, according to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Function
Dogs enjoy a warm oatmeal shampoo application, advises the Reader's Digest book, "Home Made, Best Made." Mix equal portions of oatmeal and bran--about half a cup to a cup--and spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Warm your shampoo for five minutes at 200 degrees Farenheit. Use a warm towel to rub the shampoo into your canine's fur, and then brush it out.
Benefits
Oatmeal shampoo is soothing for a dog's skin and can reduce itching, according to Matthew Hoffman's "Dogs: The Ultimate Care Guide." Oatmeal contains varying types of phenols that have anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant action, according to a February 2007 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology article by E. S. Kurtz and W. Wallo.
Considerations
A dry oatmeal shampoo is most often used for touch-up cleanings on a dog, especially by dog groomers and dog show participants, advises Hoffman. People really should not use dry oatmeal shampoo to thoroughly and completely clean an entire dog because that is not what dry shampoo is designed for.
Use for People
Make oatmeal shampoo to use on humans with 1 cup of oatmeal and 1 cup of baking soda. Blend the oatmeal so it becomes a fine powder before mixing it with the baking soda. This is a great shampoo for bedridden folks, advises the Reader's Digest publication "Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things."
Storage
Keep dry oatmeal shampoo in an airtight container, advises Reader's Digest. That way it can be stored for use during "emergency" situations, such as waking up late for work with no time to wash your hair.
Expert Insight
To use homemade oatmeal shampoo on yourself, rub some into your hair. Let it soak up oils for about two minutes before brushing or shaking it out. Do this over towel or bag so that you don't end up with a mess to clean up, advises Reader's Digest.
