Simple Castile Soap Shampoo

How Do You Make Shampoo for Kids?

Making homemade shampoo for kids is easy and allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals often found in commercial products. Several simple recipes exist, catering to different preferences and hair types.

This recipe, mentioned in multiple sources, uses castile soap as its base. Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap known for its gentleness.

• Ingredients:

  • Castile soap (liquid)
  • Water
  • Glycerin (optional, for extra lather)

• Instructions:

  1. Pour the castile soap into a bowl.
  2. Fill the empty castile soap bottle with water and add it to the bowl.
  3. Add a teaspoon of glycerin (amount isn't critical).
  4. Stir well to combine.

This basic recipe is incredibly simple and quick, taking only a few minutes to prepare. [Source: Multiple online recipes]

Enhanced Castile Soap Shampoo

This recipe builds upon the basic castile soap shampoo, adding beneficial oils and essential oils for scent and added benefits:

• Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup coconut milk
  • ¼ cup castile soap
  • 20 drops essential oils (peppermint, lavender, rosemary, or orange are suggested)
  • ½ teaspoon almond or olive oil (optional, for dry hair)

• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a container and mix well. [Source: Wellness Mama]

This enhanced version adds moisturizing and conditioning properties along with a pleasant fragrance. The essential oils should be chosen based on the child's preferences and any potential sensitivities.

Baby Shampoo Recipe

For babies, a gentler formulation is recommended:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pure castile soap
  • 5 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
  • 12 drops lavender essential oil

• Instructions: Mix ingredients thoroughly in a container. [Source: The Restful Home]

Lavender essential oil is often used in baby products for its calming properties.

Important Considerations

• Always perform a patch test: Before applying any homemade shampoo to your child's entire head, test a small amount on a less sensitive area of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
• Choose appropriate essential oils: Use only pure, high-quality essential oils, and select ones that are safe for children. Avoid using essential oils on infants or young children unless specifically recommended by a pediatrician or aromatherapist.
• Adjust for hair type: For children with dry hair, consider adding more moisturizing oils like coconut oil or olive oil. For children with oily hair, you may want to use less oil or adjust the ratio of water and soap.
• Shelf life: Homemade shampoos generally have a shorter shelf life than commercial products. Store them in a cool, dark place and discard if they show any signs of spoilage.

Remember to always supervise young children when using shampoo to prevent accidents. Consult a pediatrician or dermatologist if your child has scalp or hair concerns.