Shampoo Recipes

Homemade Shampoo Recipes

Making your own completely natural shampoo couldn't be easier or more fun.  There are many benefits to making shampoo yourself,  it costs less, you can customize each shampoo to your specific hair needs, and most importantly, you will have a product that does not contain the laundry list of toxins that store bought brands include.  Making shampoo that is chemical and toxin free is not only beneficial for us, but for the planet as well.   


As is the case with store bought products, there will be some trial and error before you find the exact combination of ingredients that suits your individual needs.  In addition to the experimentation process, some people find that their hair takes awhile to adjust to the new, chemical free shampoo, mostly due to the fact that your hair is actually purging all the nasty build up that has been accumulating there for the last couple decades.  I am a big fan of using baking soda to clarify the hair and start the process of ridding your hair of the years of chemical build up.  And for eliminating residue and restoring hair to its natural ph, nothing can beat an apple cider vinegar rinse.  I noticed a difference right away when I made the switch to my homemade shampoo, but it can take some people more time.  So be patient, try different herbs and enjoy the rewards of going chemical free! 

Basics of homemade shampoo:

The Base
Castile Soap-  is soap made from a group of vegetable oils, usually olive, hemp, coconut, and jojoba.  It is available in liquid or flake form.  The purest castile soaps are made from olive oil only.  Pure olive oil Castile is the best soap to use if you can get it.  Castile soap differs greatly from other soaps, which are made from animal fat.  One of the many benefits of Castile soap is it's ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable, which means less environmental impact.  This soap has many uses such as, general household cleansing, hair and body cleansing, shaving foam, pet shampoo, and it is wonderful to use on baby's delicate skin.  I use unscented Castile if I am adding other scents to my shampoo but lately I've been experimenting with other varieties.  Almond and Peppermint are my two new favorites!  Dr. Bronner's Castile soap is available at many grocery and health stores and is a wonderful brand to use.

The Water

Distilled Water-  Why distilled water?  Tap water and purified water contain minerals and impurities.   They leave mineral deposits in your hair that build up over time and make your hair dull. Distilled water is water that has had the impurities and minerals removed through distillation. Distilled water is widely used in automotive coolant systems, cigar humidors, and irons for the same reason- less mineral deposits.  It is not recommended to drink distilled water, but for use in homemade shampoo- there is no substitute. 

The Additions
Herbs and oils- There are many different herbs and essential oils to choose from.  You will need to soak the nutrients out of the herbs and into the distilled water before adding them into your shampoo.  It's basically like making tea- you will steep the herbs in water, and then strain them to remove the leaves.   Whether you use dried herbs or essential oils depends largely on the herb you are using.  Dried herbs tend to be cheaper than oils but you will not find all herbs in their dry form.  I always use rosemary in its dried form, but Clary sage in oil form.   

The best herbs for essentially every hair type are:

Rosemary-  is most known for it's stimulating and invigorating properties.  It stimulates the hair follicles, which helps hair grow.  It is also known for it's ability to slow down hair loss and the onset of gray hair.  It has even been shown to darken existing gray hair.  It is beneficial for flaky, dry scalp making it a great addition for people suffering from dandruff.

Sage- has many of the same benefits that rosemary does.  It boosts hair growth, and aids in fighting hair loss. It is helpful for regrowing hair and fighting premature balding.   It strengthens hair making it more manageable and restoring shine.

Tea Tree Oil-  is known for it's antiseptic and antibacterial abilities.  It is great for moisturizing the hair, and for people with dandruff, since it kills the fungus that causes it.  It unclogs the hair follicles of dirt and residue leaving the hair thoroughly clean.  It may help hair grow as well, seeing as blocked hair follicles can impede hair growth. 

Ginger- is widely known for it's powerful stimulating properties.  It helps to increase blood flow to the scalp, which can help to grow hair.  It has been used not only to treat hair loss, but has been shown to improve brittle and dry hair as well.

Lemongrass- is known for its gentle cleansing properties.  It thoroughly cleans the hair without stripping it and leaving it dry.  It add fullness, body and improves the luster of the hair.

Other herbs that can be used in shampoo are:

Peppermint-  is known for its PH balancing properties, which makes it ideal for both neutralizing oily hair and moisturizing dry hair.  It also stimulates the scalp, aiding in hair growth.  And for adding a clean, fresh scent to your shampoo, there is nothing quite like this herb!

Chamomile-  known as the calming herb, chamomile can soothe a dry, irritated scalp.  It is known for its hair lightening ability, so while it is wonderful for blonds, I strongly discourage people with darker hair colors from using it.

Nettles-  have been used since ancient times as a hair tonic.  They stimulate hair growth and restore luster and shine.  Nettle, means "to burn" and it is this sensation that increases blood flow and brings oxygen to the scalp and follicles.  Nettle has been known to alter women's menstrual period so it is not advised for women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are nursing.

Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated liquids containing aroma compounds from plants.  They have been used for centuries for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.  Essential oils can be used in place of herbs or to add fragrance to your shampoo.  Almond, vanilla, and lemon oils can be used as long as they are not the type intended for baking.

Other Note-worthy Shampoo Tips

Do not expect homemade shampoo to lather like commercial brands.  Almost all commercial products contain lathering agents,  surfactants, like sodium laryl sulfate.  We have become accustomed to think that suds= clean, but that simply is not true.  While your homemade shampoo may not make a head full of bubbles, it will clean, moisturize and protect better than its bubbly counterpart.

Another thing to consider with homemade shampoo is- it is a natural product and therefore does not have an indefinite shelf life.  Just like food without preservatives, the shelf life is shorter than a chemical laden product.  Homemade shampoo can last for almost a year if stored properly in an airtight container, preferably glass.  You can keep the majority of your shampoo in a mason jar with a lid and then keep a small amount in an old shampoo bottle for use in the shower, since glass isn't recommended in a wet, slippery place!  Store shampoo in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.  If these conditions can't be met, discard after 6 months.

Homemade shampoo  does not contain thickening agents.  It will be an extremely thin, watery liquid.  I personally do not mind this, you just have to learn to pour very slowly.  I have found that putting some in a plastic squeeze bottle, helps in not wasting your shampoo.  Otherwise, you will end up pouring out way more than you need.  I have very long, thick hair and I use a very small amount of shampoo.  If the consistency is just too watery for your taste, I have heard of people adding xantham gum to their shampoo to thicken it up, but I have not tried this yet and can't attest to its effectiveness.

Certain precautions must be taken when using homemade shampoos.  Because many of them contain herbs and essential oils, there is a chance of an allergy or adverse affect.  Do not use if you have any abnormal reaction to any of the herbs.  Always consult a medical professional before using if you are or plan to become pregnant, are nursing, or have any other medical conditions.

One last consideration.  All shampoos are somewhat alkaline.  Dr. Bronner's Castile soap is very alkaline, somewhere between 9. and 10. Ph.  Hair itself has a slightly acidic Ph level, and it is this acid that provides hair with its protective barrier.  To restore hair to it's naturally acidic state, it is recommended to use a vinegar rinse after washing your hair with any shampoo, but especially homemade ones.  You can read more about vinegar rinses below.

Basic Shampoo
- for normal hair
-the base mixture for most other shampoo recipes

1 c  distilled water
1/4 c  liquid Castile Soap - unscented or any other variety
1/2 t  jojoba, grapeseed, or avocado oil

Mix together all the ingredients. Store in a bottle. Shake before use.

Basic Herbal Shampoo

-for all hair types

1 c distilled water
1/4 c Castile soap- any scent
3 T dried rosemary
1 T lemongrass
2 T tea tree oil
1/2 t grapeseed, jojoba, or avocado oil

Boil water.  Add rosemary and lemongrass, either in a tea ball or strainer or just place in boiling water. Mix herbs around a bit and then cover and steep for 30-40 minutes, or until fragrant.  Strain liquid into mason jar, or other glass container, removing any pieces of herbs.  Add tea tree oil, grapeseed oil and Castile soap.  Mix thoroughly- you are combining water, oil, and soap so it needs to be mixed very well.  Allow to cool completely and place tight fitting lid on container.  Store properly.

Easy, Economical Shampoo
-for all hair types

1 c distilled water
4 T dried rosemary
1 t lemongrass oil
1/4 c Castile soap- any scent

Bring water to a boil.  Add rosemary and mix herbs around a bit.  Steep for 30-40 mintues or until fragrant.  Strain into a glass container and add soap and lemongrass.  Mix until thoroughly blended.  Store properly.

Hydrate
-for dry hair

1 c distilled water
1/4 c liquid Castile Soap - any scent
1/4 c aloe vera gel
1/2 t glycerin
1/4 t jojoba, avocado, or grapeseed oil

Mix together all the ingredients. Store properly in a bottle with a tight fitting lid and always shake well before using.


Basic Sage Shampoo
- for all hair types

1 c distilled water
1/4 c Castile soap- any scent
2 T clary sage essential oil
1/4 t jojoba or avocado oil

Combine all ingredients and blend well.  Store properly.


Lighten up

-for lightening and refreshing blond hair

1 c distilled water

1/4 c Castile  soap - any scent

6 chamomile tea bags

1 t glycerin

Steep the teabags in 1 c of boiled water for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add Castile soap. Stir in glycerin and mix thoroughly.  Keep in a dark, cool place in a sealed bottle.

Sweet Shampoo

1 c distilled water

1/4 c liquid Castile Soap - use unscented  or almond

1/4 t  jojoba oil or avocado oil

8 drops vanilla fragrance oil

8 drops coconut fragrance oil

Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Place in bottle and store properly.  This one smells divine!


Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
-adds shine, vibrancy and removes build up
-not recommended for daily use- try once a week

1/3 c apple cider vinegar- only use the raw, unfiltered type.  I love Bragg's!
1 c distilled water

Put mixture in a plastic squeeze bottle and shake well.    Shampoo hair and rinse well.   Apply vinegar rinse and let sit for a couple minutes.  Rinse with cold water to seal the hair shaft.  Most people say they do not need conditioner after using this.  Your hair will smell of vinegar slightly but the smell will dissipate after awhile.

Vinegar rinses are wonderful to restore the hair's natural Ph level.  Apple cider vinegar and hair share a similar Ph level.  It helps to rid any residue and sticky build up that causes hair to look dull.  It will add shine and life to your hair!  Some people find it helps to rinse with vinegar when first switching to homemade shampoo.

Ultimate Cleanse
- use to remove build up and rejuvenate hair

1 t Baking soda

1/8 c Apple cider vinegar

1/2 c  Water

Put 1 ts baking soda in a cup or mug to take into the shower with you.
In another cup, pour in  vinegar.
When you get into the shower, fill the baking soda cup with about 1/4 c water.  Apply this to your roots only, massage.   Scrub mixture into your scalp and rinse.

Finish by adding about 1/4 c water to the vinegar.  Pour mixture over hair and let sit for a couple minutes.  Rinse!

                                                     Hot Oil Treatment

- use this every two weeks to replenish dry hair and restore shine

1/2 c dried rosemary

1/2 c olive oil

Combine herbs and oil in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm. Remove from heat and strain.  Test temperature before pouring on hair.  You want a hot oil treatment- not a burned scalp! Pour mixture on hair, being sure to saturate the whole head, from scalp to ends.  Cover hair in saran wrap and then wrap head in a towel. Leave on 15 minutes. Wash twice to remove excess oil.

Luster Shampoo
-use this to add shine to all hair types

1 c distilled water

1/4 c Castile soap- any variety

2 T dried rosemary

2 T sweet almond oil

1/4 t lemon essential oil

Boil water and add rosemary- in a strainer if your have it.  Steep 30-40 minutes or until fragrant.  Strain leaves.   Add lemon, almond oil and soap and mix thoroughly.  Store properly.