Wondering how to make shampoo at home? Homemade shampoo recipes are popular among individuals who are seeking affordable, natural shampoo alternatives that are Earth-friendly, easy to make and safe for use on children and adults alike.
Many people who are inspired to make organic shampoo at home are sensitive to the chemicals and fragrances found in commercial products. A homemade hair wash is a viable alternative for people with allergies and sensitive skin and scalp.
Water, Baking Soda and Lemon Shampoo Recipe
Try the following natural shampoo recipe for normal to oily hair types:
- Mix 2 cups of warm distilled water with 6 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Stir the solution until the baking soda dissolves completely.
- Add 1/8 cup of lemon juice and mix.
Since this shampoo recipe contains lemon juice, use caution and take measures to avoid getting the solution in your eyes. It will sting! Store the leftover mixture in the refrigerator.
Water, Baking Soda and Vinegar Shampoo for Oily Hair
The following shampoo recipe is suitable for oily hair:
- 3 cups of warm, distilled water;
- 7 teaspoons of baking soda; and
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Mix until the baking soda is dissolved.
This all-natural shampoo can be stored in the shower.
Notably, if you don't have distilled water on-hand, use bottled water or tap water instead. Distilled water is free of minerals and additives like calcium and fluoride. These additives can leave a "film" on your hair, thereby reducing shine.
Homemade Shampoo With Soap Flakes, Water, and Olive Oil
Looking for suds? Some individuals don't feel like their hair is clean unless the shampoo produces a lather. Try the following shampoo recipe, suitable for normal and oily hair and scalp:
- Grate Fels-Naptha bar soap to create 2 cups of soap flakes;
- Mix with 4 cups of distilled water;
- Dissolve the soap flakes by heating the mixture in a saucepan on "low" heat; and
- Remove from the heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly.
This mixture can be stored in your shower, as it does not contain perishable ingredients. Notably, you can substitute with another soap brand. Fels-Naptha is a gentle soap that's frequently used to remove oils associated with poison ivy, poison oak and other rashes, so it's typically well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive skin.
Add a few drops of essential oil to any of the aforementioned shampoo recipes for a pleasant scent. You can also tailor the recipes to suit your specific hair type. For instance, for extra oily hair, add a bit of extra lemon or baking soda. For hair that's more toward the "normal" end of the spectrum, use a bit less lemon or baking soda.
To make shampoo for other family members with dry hair and scalp, read "How to Make Shampoo -- Recipes to Moisturize Dry Hair and Scalp."
In addition to making shampoo at home, many people also enjoy homemade hair conditioner and rinses. To get directions for making a moisturizing conditioner, along with a conditioner recipe for shine and manageability, read "How to Make Hair Conditioner -- Recipes for Homemade Rinses."
If you're interested in making shampoo at home in an effort to save money, consider making a homemade laundry detergent and stain remover. To learn more, read "How to Make Laundry Detergent -- Recipes for Soap and Homemade Stain Remover."
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
