If you’re concerned about synthetic chemicals in your hair care, or just want to save money, these homemade natural shampoo recipes are just the thing.

One of the best ways to take control of what goes on your hair is by making your own shampoo. You can include only ingredients you consider natural or feel comfortable using.

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Benefits of Natural Shampoo

What’s the point of making your own shampoo instead of buying it?

Saving Money: The ingredients in these recipes are so affordable! You can make several batches of shampoo for a fraction of the cost of some store-bought shampoos
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Unlike commercial shampoos that often contain ingredients and fragrances you may be sensitive to, your natural shampoo recipe can use only gentle ingredients, reducing the risk of scalp irritation and damage to hair follicles.
Nourishing Your Hair: Natural ingredients like aloe vera juice and coconut milk provide vital nutrients to help your hair grow stronger.
Environmentally Friendly: By making your own shampoo at home, you can stop adding traditional plastic shampoo bottles to recycling (which still uses energy).

Basic Ingredients for Homemade Natural Shampoo

To create your own natural shampoo at home, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that are readily available. Here are some essential components:

Liquid Base:

Castile Soap: A gentle, plant-based soap that effectively cleanses the hair without stripping away natural oils.
Coconut Milk: Rich in vitamins and minerals, coconut milk nourishes the scalp and adds shine to the hair.

Carrier Oils:

Jojoba Oil: Known for its similarity to our skin’s natural oils, jojoba oil moisturizes and conditions the hair without leaving it greasy.
Argan Oil: Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil helps tame frizz and adds luster to the hair.

Essential Oils:

Lavender Oil: Promotes hair growth and has a calming effect on the scalp.
Rosemary Oil: Stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, encouraging hair growth and preventing dandruff.

Tips For Using Homemade Shampoo

Shake your shampoo bottle before each use to make sure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
These homemade shampoos don’t contain any preservatives, so it’s best to use them up within a couple of weeks or store them in the fridge where they will last up to 1 month.
If you have extremely dry or damaged hair, you can add a tablespoon of honey to any of these recipes for additional moisture.

Recipe 1 – Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

This recipe combines the moisturizing properties of coconut milk with the cleansing power of castile soap to create a nourishing shampoo that’s suitable for all hair types.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of coconut milk
1/2 cup of liquid castile soap
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the coconut milk and castile soap together until well combined.
Add the jojoba oil and lavender essential oil to the mixture and stir thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture to a bottle with a dispenser.
Shake well before each use and apply a small amount to wet hair.
Massage gently into the scalp and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe 2 – Strengthening Herbal Shampoo

If you’re looking to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage, this herbal shampoo recipe is perfect for you. It combines the goodness of herbs like rosemary and nettle, which are known for their hair-strengthening properties.

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of dried rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaves
1/2 cup of liquid castile soap
1 tablespoon of argan oil
5 drops of rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

Boil the water and add the dried rosemary and nettle leaves.
Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, then strain the liquid into a bowl.
Add the liquid castile soap, argan oil, and rosemary essential oil to the herbal infusion and mix well.
Pour the shampoo into a bottle and shake gently before each use.
Apply a small amount to wet hair, massage into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe 3 – Soothing Aloe Vera Shampoo

If you have a sensitive scalp or suffer from scalp irritation, this aloe vera shampoo recipe can provide relief while cleansing your hair gently.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of liquid castile soap
1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
10 drops of tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the liquid castile soap, aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, and tea tree essential oil.
Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Transfer the mixture into a bottle with a dispenser.
Shake well before each use and apply a small amount to wet hair.
Massage into the scalp, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe 4 – Revitalizing Citrus Shampoo

This refreshing citrus shampoo recipe not only cleanses the hair but also leaves it smelling heavenly. The citrus oils help remove excess oil and product buildup, promoting a healthy scalp.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of liquid castile soap
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
10 drops of grapefruit essential oil

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the liquid castile soap, lemon juice, sweet almond oil, and grapefruit essential oil.
Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.
Transfer the shampoo to a bottle with a dispenser.
Shake well before each use and apply a small amount to wet hair.
Massage into the scalp, lather, and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe 5 – Moisturizing Honey Shampoo

This honey shampoo recipe is perfect for dry and damaged hair. Honey acts as a natural humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the hair strands.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of liquid castile soap
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of olive oil
10 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the liquid castile soap, honey, olive oil, and ylang-ylang essential oil.
Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Pour the shampoo into a bottle with a dispenser.
Shake well before each use and apply a small amount to wet hair.
Massage gently into the scalp, lather, and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe 6 – Frizz Reducing Shampoo

This simple recipe uses natural ingredients that can help close down the hair shaft and manage frizz.

Ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap (unscented or choose a mild scent)
2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
1 teaspoon almond oil or argan oil
5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice (lavender, rosemary, or chamomile work well for hair)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid castile soap, aloe vera gel, melted coconut oil, and almond/argan oil.
Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil for fragrance and extra benefits. Essential oils like lavender can promote hair growth and reduce frizz, while rosemary can stimulate hair follicles.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the shampoo to a clean, empty shampoo bottle or container with a tight lid.

Recipe 7 – Rosewater Shampoo (Frizz Reducing)

Rosewater is a lovely natural ingredient known for its soothing and nourishing properties for both the scalp and hair. It calms frizz very effectively.

This homemade shampoo is gentle and suitable for most hair types, but if you have specific hair concerns (e.g., oily hair, dry hair), you can adjust the amount of jojoba oil accordingly.

Ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap (unscented or choose a mild scent)
1/4 cup rosewater (you can buy it or make your own by simmering fresh rose petals in water and straining the liquid)
1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or any other carrier oil suitable for your hair type)
10 drops rose essential oil (optional, for a stronger rose scent)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid castile soap and rosewater.
Add the jojoba oil and rose essential oil (if using) to the mixture.
Stir the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
Transfer the shampoo to a clean, empty shampoo bottle or container with a tight lid.

FAQ: Using Homemade Natural Shampoo Recipes

1. Why should I switch to homemade natural shampoo?

Commercial shampoos often contain harsh chemicals, sulfates, and artificial fragrances that can be harmful to your hair and scalp. Homemade natural shampoos, on the other hand, use gentle and nourishing ingredients that promote healthier hair and a balanced scalp. They are free of harmful chemicals, environmentally friendly, and can be customized to suit your specific hair type.

2. Will homemade natural shampoos effectively cleanse my hair?

Yes, homemade natural shampoos can effectively cleanse your hair. Ingredients like liquid castile soap and coconut milk provide gentle cleansing without stripping away the natural oils from your hair.

Be aware that some recipes may not lather as much as commercial ones due to the absence of sulfates. Your hair will still get clean.

3. How often should I use homemade natural shampoo?

As often as you use any other shampoo.

4. Can I use homemade natural shampoo on colored or treated hair?

Yes, you can use homemade natural shampoo on colored or treated hair, but not all ingredients are color safe. Avoid ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar in your recipes, which can potentially fade or strip color.

Opt for gentle ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and herbal extracts instead.

5. Are there any specific precautions I should take when using homemade natural shampoo?

While homemade natural shampoos are generally safe to use, people can be allergic to anything, so it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before applying the shampoo all over your scalp. Apply a small amount of the shampoo to the inside of your forearm and leave it for 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

6. How should I store homemade natural shampoo?

Homemade natural shampoos are best stored in dark, glass bottles with a dispenser to protect the ingredients from light and air exposure. Make sure to label the bottle with the date of preparation and the ingredients used.

Store the shampoo in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as natural ingredients may degrade over time when exposed to heat and light. The fridge is a great place to store it, and it will last longer.

7. Can I customize homemade natural shampoo recipes to suit my hair type?

Absolutely! One of the advantages of making your own shampoo is the ability to customize it according to your specific hair needs.

You can experiment with different carrier oils, essential oils, and herbal extracts to address concerns like dryness, dandruff, or hair loss. For example, if you have dry hair, you can add a few drops of argan oil to your shampoo recipe for extra moisturization.

8. Will homemade natural shampoos leave my hair smelling nice?

Yes, homemade natural shampoos can leave your hair smelling great without that lingering days-long smell from phthalates and artificial fragrance.

Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, grapefruit, or ylang-ylang not only provide therapeutic benefits but also leave a subtle fragrance on your hair. You can adjust the amount of essential oil used according to your preference for scent strength.

9. Can I use conditioner after using homemade natural shampoo?

Definitely. Using a conditioner after shampooing is recommended to restore moisture and detangle your hair. You can either buy a natural conditioner or make your own using ingredients like avocado, shea butter, or coconut oil.

10. Are there any specific hair types that homemade natural shampoos are best suited for?

Homemade natural shampoos can be beneficial for all hair types. The recipes can be adjusted to cater to specific needs like oily scalp, dry hair, or sensitive scalp.

The versatility of natural ingredients allows you to create a shampoo that suits your hair type and concerns. Experiment with different recipes until you find the one that works best for you.

Remember, transitioning to homemade natural shampoos may require an adjustment period for your hair to adapt to the new ingredients. Be patient, as it can take a few weeks for your hair to fully acclimate. Once you find the perfect recipe for your hair, enjoy the benefits of healthier, more vibrant locks while minimizing your environmental impact.