I’ve created natural alternatives for body wash, dry shampoo, and other hair care products, but making homemade shampoo presented the greatest challenge. After many unsuccessful tries, I finally developed a recipe for a DIY moisturizing shampoo using natural ingredients that leave my hair soft and silky.
DIY Shampoo
I wanted to avoid store-bought shampoos filled with preservatives, synthetic chemicals, and artificial fragrances, which aren’t great for hair and scalp health. I tried the "no-poo" method, which works wonders for some people, but it didn’t suit me, as evidenced by some unflattering Christmas photos. The method may be beneficial for those with coarse, normal to dry hair, but not for my baby-fine, oil-prone hair.
For those unfamiliar, the no-poo method often includes using a baking soda water solution on the scalp as a shampoo substitute. It’s usually followed by an apple cider vinegar rinse and possibly some coconut oil on the hair’s ends for conditioning. While some find it effective, others report issues like itchy scalp, hair loss, and buildup in follicles. It might even strip the hair’s natural oils over time.
Don’t Want to Make It?
When traveling or lacking the time to make my own, I’ve found a few organic shampoos that perform well. My favorites include:
- Wellnesse Shampoo – I co-founded this company and helped create products that contain non-toxic, health-benefiting ingredients with a version for curly hair.
- Morrocco Method Raw and Natural Organic Shampoo – Although it doesn’t lather like traditional shampoos, it’s improved my hair’s strength over time.
A Different Homemade Shampoo
I missed the foaming aspect of commercial shampoos, even though their "foam" comes from synthetic chemicals. Initially, I tried using plain liquid castile soap, but it left my hair frizzy, tangled, and less than ideal. After trying various homemade recipes that didn’t work, I finally found inspiration from a natural coconut milk shampoo. This led me to a recipe that doesn’t tangle or overly oil my hair.
The shampoo is safe for kids’ hair too, though it isn’t tear-free, so caution is advised around the eyes. It provides a slight sudsing effect like commercial shampoos, and you can customize it according to your needs. The simplicity of this shampoo recipe makes me wonder why it took so long to devise.
The essential ingredient: Coconut Milk!
What You’ll Need for Homemade Shampoo
- Coconut milk – Softens hair and adds natural oils. Homemade coconut milk might work better depending on your hair type.
- Liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronners)
- Essential oils of your choice – Options include peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and orange, or you can leave them out for an unscented version.
- Carrier oil – Suitable for dry hair. Olive, castor, avocado, or jojoba oils are good options. Castor oil can aid hair growth.
Other homemade shampoos may include ingredients like raw honey, vitamin E, aloe vera gel, or glycerin. Experiment to find what best suits your hair. Shampoo bars are another cost-effective option.
Essential Oils for Hair
Essential oils offer more than just fragrance—they can improve scalp health and help with hair thickness, breakage prevention, and dandruff control. Here are a few options and their benefits:
- Tea tree oil – Useful for dandruff and itchy scalp; also treats head lice.
- Rosemary – Reduces itchiness and flakes, restores oil balance, and prevents split ends.
- Lavender – Studies suggest it increases hair follicle count, promoting growth.
- Peppermint – Boosts hair growth and thickness, and strengthens hair.
Natural Homemade Shampoo
This homemade natural shampoo smells delightful, works effectively, and provides a wonderful lather.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 ounces
Author: Katie Wells
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bottle or jar. Soap dispensers or foaming dispensers are ideal. If using a foaming dispenser, add ¼ cup of distilled water.
- Shake well to combine.
- Shake before each use and massage into the scalp.
- Refrigerate after each use.
Notes:
- A foaming dispenser doubles as a great shaving cream.
- The shampoo lasts about a week in the fridge.
Troubleshooting Tips
The shampoo’s efficacy can vary based on hair type and water quality. Some find it doesn’t handle hard water minerals well. The type of coconut milk matters too; homemade versions may perform better than canned, though they have shorter shelf lives.
Should your hair become greasy and difficult to manage, increasing the castile soap ratio to two parts may help.
Natural Hair Conditioner
With a natural shampoo, you may not need conditioner due to the oils’ moisturizing effects, but here are suggestions for those who do:
- A chamomile tea rinse (leave-in) results in smoother, shinier, and eventually lighter hair.
- A 50:50 apple cider vinegar and water rinse can enhance hair cleanliness and shine; apply with a spray bottle for convenience.
- Homemade conditioner recipes can incorporate hair-nourishing oils, glycerin, and essential oils.
But… Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day!
One major discovery is that hair thrives better when not washed daily. Explore further why washing frequency is as crucial as the shampoo you use by searching for experts’ opinions.
Ever tried making your own shampoo or going "no-poo"? Share your experiences!
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