During the Second World War, beauty routines were shaped by rationing, resourcefulness and a determination to maintain a sense of normalcy. Shampoo ingredients were diverted to the war effort, hot water wasn’t always guaranteed and hairstyles were designed to last for days as opposed to hours. Victory rolls, pin curls and sculpted waves needed staying power, instead of daily washing.
So women turned to a simple, inexpensive pantry staple that quietly became a wartime essential. In this case this would be cornstarch as dry shampoo and for darker hair such as brunettes, cocoa powder was added to the cornstarch.
It was practical, fast and surprisingly effective. A small act of beauty that helped women feel polished during an era defined by sacrifice.
Why Cornstarch Became a Wartime Staple
WWII rationing touched nearly every corner of life and beauty was no exception. Magazines and home‑front guides encouraged women to “make do and mend,” offering tips for maintaining their appearance with limited resources.
Cornstarch fit perfectly into this moment by absorbed oil at the roots, refreshed hair between scarce washes, preserved curls and set styles and inexpensive and widely available.
A light dusting at the scalp, a minute to absorb and a quick brush‑through suddenly hair looked clean, lifted and ready for another day of factory work, volunteer shifts or evenings at the dance hall.
The Cocoa‑Tint Trick for Dark Hair
Blonde women could use cornstarch straight from the box but brunettes faced a familiar problem, that problem is that plain cornstarch left a pale, powdery cast.
Wartime beauty guides offered a clever solution: mix a pinch of un-sweetened cocoa powder into the cornstarch to create a tinted dry shampoo that blended seamlessly into darker hair.
Some women even added a touch of cinnamon to warm the tone for auburn shades. It was resourceful, customizable and completely in the spirit of the era.
Hollywood Used It Too
While women on the home front used cornstarch out of necessity, Hollywood used it out of practicality.
Studio stylists relied on powders including cornstarch to keep actresses’ hair matte and perfectly styled under hot lights. Washing and re‑setting hair took hours, so powdering the roots became a quiet industry standard.
- Veronica Lake’s peek‑a‑boo waves were kept smooth and shine‑free with root powdering.
- Rita Hayworth’s glossy red waves were refreshed with powder between takes.
- Lauren Bacall’s sculpted S‑waves were maintained with tinted powder to avoid a chalky cast.
The same trick that kept factory workers’ hair fresh also kept Hollywood’s leading ladies camera‑ready.
How to Re‑Create the WWII Method
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch to a small bowl.
- For dark hair, mix in a pinch of cocoa powder until the shade matches your roots.
- Apply with a powder puff, make-up brush or cotton ball.
- Let it sit for one minute to absorb oil.
- Brush through with a soft or boar‑bristle brush.
- Smooth and style as desired.
Simple, nostalgic and still incredibly effective.
A Wartime Hack That Still Works Today
Cornstarch as dry shampoo is one of those rare beauty tricks that survived long after the war ended. It’s budget‑friendly, gentle and rooted in a moment when women used creativity to maintain a sense of femininity and glamour.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
do you feel fabulous today?
Face by Stace 