Making eco-friendly shampoo at home is simpler than you might think, often using natural ingredients you may already have. Based on the provided information, here is a recipe for a nourishing homemade shampoo.
This recipe combines gentle cleansing agents with natural moisturizers and beneficial botanical extracts to create a less harsh alternative to conventional shampoos.
Ingredients
To make this specific eco shampoo recipe, you will need the following:
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- ½ cup green tea (cooled)
- ¼ cup castile soap (liquid)
- 1 tsp. lime juice or aloe vera gel
- 5–10 drops of peppermint and lavender essential oils
These ingredients are chosen for their natural properties. Castile soap provides a gentle cleansing base, while honey and olive oil can help moisturize and condition the hair. Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, lime juice or aloe vera can benefit the scalp, and essential oils add fragrance and potential therapeutic benefits.
How to Make It
Follow these steps to create your homemade eco shampoo:
- Prepare the Green Tea: Brew ½ cup of green tea and allow it to cool completely. Using cooled tea prevents heat from potentially affecting the properties of other ingredients like essential oils or aloe vera.
- Combine Liquids: In a clean bottle or container, pour the cooled green tea and the ¼ cup of liquid castile soap.
- Add Nourishing Ingredients: Carefully measure and add the 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice or aloe vera gel to the mixture.
- Gently Mix: Close the container and gently shake or stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. Avoid shaking too vigorously, as castile soap can create excessive foam.
- Add Essential Oils: Add 5 to 10 drops of peppermint and lavender essential oils. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for fragrance strength.
- Final Mix: Gently shake or stir again to distribute the essential oils throughout the shampoo.
Your homemade eco shampoo is now ready to use. This recipe yields a liquid shampoo that is free from synthetic sulfates, parabens, and fragrances commonly found in commercial products.
Usage Tips
- Shake gently before each use as natural ingredients can separate.
- Apply to wet hair and lather as usual, focusing on the scalp.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Due to the lack of preservatives, this shampoo is best stored in a cool, dark place and typically lasts for 1-2 weeks. Consider making smaller batches if you don't wash your hair frequently.
Using natural ingredients like these is a step towards reducing your environmental footprint and exposing your hair and scalp to fewer chemicals.
