The Softest Playdough EVER!

Making your own playdough at home is a fun and easy activity that requires just two simple ingredients: cornstarch and conditioner. This DIY playdough is soft, moldable, and perfect for kids to enjoy creative play without the need for a lengthy list of supplies. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together while fostering imagination and sensory skills. We added pretty glitter and food coloring for Springtime fun.

You will need:
Corn Starch
Any Cheap Hair Conditioner

Extras:
Glitter
Food Coloring

Recipe:
2 cups Cornstarch
1 cup Conditioner

Instructions:

Dump the cornstarch into a container. We used our Flisat Table but you could use a bowl or plastic container.
Add Conditioner. All conditioners are different so start with a little and add more as you go. If the dough is crumbling, add more conditioner.

*Tip on what conditioner to pick* – Originally, I wanted to add essential oil to the dough for a relaxing smell. The smell of the conditioner was incredibly over powering. I would suggest unscented or a light, fresh smell. I am very sensitive to fragrances, though!

3. Mix it up! Make sure you really smoosh it and get all the conditioner blended in.

4. Add glitter.

5. Knead the dough as it forms into a ball.

6. Break the dough into equal pieces and add food coloring. Knead the food coloring into the dough.

Play! If you find the dough too crumbly, add a bit more conditioner. You can Make Monsters, snowmen, balls to smoosh (great for fine motor!) and so much more.

Store it in an air tight container.

5 Comments

Kathy Martin

May 24, 2019 at 9:37 pm

This playdoh is EXTREMELY sticky. I couldn’t get it mixed to a consistency to where you’d be able to play with it, roll it out or use playdoh cutters. I think it may be best to add HALF of the conditioner and then add more as needed.

Shannon
May 25, 2019 at 11:20 pm Log in to Reply
Kathy, I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you! I imagine this is because of the difference in conditioners since ours wasn’t sticky at all. I edited the post to emphasize adding a little to start so hopefully no one else has this issue. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
- Carolina
  December 19, 2019 at 5:23 am Log in to Reply
  This dough is fantastic, but I found that ours dried up quickly and then made such a big mess. 🙁