Making shampoo and conditioner at home is a great way to control ingredients and potentially save money. Here's a simple method for creating both:
Homemade Shampoo Recipe
This recipe offers a basic, customizable shampoo using natural ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups filtered or distilled water
- 1/2 cup liquid castile soap (unscented recommended)
- 1-3 teaspoons of oil (choose one):
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
- Argan oil
- Castor oil
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil (use sparingly, as it can solidify in cooler temperatures)
- Optional: Essential oils (for scent and added benefits - see notes below)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a clean container, combine the water, castile soap, and chosen oil.
- Mix Gently: Stir gently to avoid creating excessive bubbles.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Popular choices include lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree oil. Start with a small amount (5-10 drops) and adjust to your preference.
- Transfer to a Bottle: Pour the mixture into a clean shampoo bottle.
- Usage: Wet hair thoroughly. Apply a small amount of shampoo to your scalp and massage gently. Rinse well. You may need to repeat the process, especially if your hair is oily.
Important Notes on Shampoo:
- Castile Soap: Ensure you're using liquid castile soap. Bar soap will not work in this recipe.
- Essential Oils: Always use essential oils safely. Research potential allergens and never apply them undiluted to the skin.
- Water Quality: Filtered or distilled water is recommended to avoid mineral buildup in your hair.
- Adjusting the Recipe: Experiment with different oils and essential oils to find a combination that works best for your hair type.
- Shelf Life: Homemade shampoo typically has a shorter shelf life than commercially produced shampoos, due to the lack of preservatives. Store in a cool, dark place and use within a few weeks.
Homemade Conditioner Recipe
This recipe provides a moisturizing and detangling conditioner using natural ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a clean container, mix the apple cider vinegar and water.
- After Shampooing: After shampooing and rinsing your hair, slowly pour the ACV mixture over your hair, avoiding your eyes.
- Leave In: Allow the conditioner to sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cool water. The vinegar smell will dissipate as your hair dries.
Important Notes on Conditioner:
- ACV Concentration: Adjust the amount of ACV to suit your hair type. If your hair feels dry, use less ACV. If it feels oily, use slightly more.
- Benefits of ACV: ACV helps to balance the pH of your scalp, close the hair cuticle (making hair smoother and shinier), and remove residue buildup.
- Alternative Conditioner: You can also use diluted aloe vera gel as a leave-in conditioner.
- Deep Conditioning: For a deep conditioning treatment, mash an avocado and apply it to your hair for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Troubleshooting Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Hair feels greasy after shampooing | Too much oil in the shampoo | Reduce the amount of oil in the recipe. |
| Hair feels dry after shampooing | Not enough oil in the shampoo, harsh soap | Increase the amount of oil or switch to a gentler castile soap. |
| Hair feels sticky after conditioning | Too much ACV in the conditioner | Reduce the amount of ACV. |
| Shampoo is too watery | Too much water | Reduce the amount of water and increase the amount of castile soap. |
| Shampoo doesn't lather enough | Not enough castile soap or hard water | Increase the amount of castile soap or add a pinch of baking soda (carefully). |
