How to Make Shampoo — Recipes to Moisturize Dry Hair and Scalp

Sep 22, 2011
Mia Carter

Avocado is Just One Ingredient for a Homemade Shampoo Recipe to Moisturize Dry Hair and Scalp - (Brybs/Sxc.hu Photo)

Learn how to make homemade shampoo using fresh, organic ingredients. These natural shampoo recipes are suitable for dry hair and scalp.

All-natural homemade shampoo recipes are popular among individuals who are seeking organic, Earth-friendly alternatives to store-bought hair care products. People who suffer from allergies or sensitive skin may find that a natural homemade shampoo is a viable alternative since it won't contain chemical irritants and fragrances. In fact, a dry, itchy scalp can be a symptom of a shampoo allergy or sensitivity.

For best results, the shampoo recipe should match your hair type. The following recipes for moisturizing shampoo are ideal for individuals with dry hair, a dry, itchy scalp and sensitive skin.

Lemon and Cucumber Shampoo Recipe

Ingredients like lemon and baking soda can be drying to your hair, so when seeking recipes for dry hair shampoo, opt for formulas that use little or no baking soda and lemon. These ingredients strip away the hair's natural oils. The process of shampooing your hair should serve to remove some oils (otherwise, your hair would start to look greasy), but shampooing should not entirely strip away the oils if your hair is dry.

Try the following organic shampoo recipe for dry hair and scalp:

Pour 1/2 cup of distilled water into a blender;
Add 3 teaspoons of lemon juice;
Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda;
Peel a cucumber and add it to the blender; and
Blend until the mixture reaches a thin smoothie-like consistency.

Since this shampoo recipe contains fresh food items, it must be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Baking Soda and Avocado Shampoo Recipe for Dry Hair

Consider trying an alternative dry hair shampoo recipe, featuring moisturizing avocado:

Skin an avocado, remove the pit and mash it in a bowl;
Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda;
Add 1/4 cup of hot distilled water; and
Mix the ingredients into a paste and massage the homemade moisturizing shampoo into your hair and scalp.

Remember to refrigerate the unused mixture.

To customize this or any of the other recipes, add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Popular oils include lavender, sandalwood, jasmine and rosemary.

Moisturizing Shampoo Recipe With Egg, Oil and Lemon

The following shampoo recipe features olive oil and eggs to moisturize your hair and scalp. The eggs will also add shine to your locks.

Beat 2 raw eggs in a bowl;
Add 3 teaspoons of baking soda;
Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil; and
Add 3 teaspoons of lemon juice and mix thoroughly.

The leftover mixture must be refrigerated since this shampoo formula contains eggs and lemon.

Don't have any distilled water? Bottled water is also suitable. Tap water can also be used, though it's not ideal if you live in a region with hard water. The minerals found in hard water, combined with additives like fluoride, can leave a thin film that reduces shine.

Moisturizing Shampoo Recipe for a Dry, Itchy Scalp

For a moisturizing and soothing shampoo for a dry, itchy scalp, opt for a recipe with chamomile tea and olive oil. This mixture will also produce a lather, which many find appealing.

Put 6 bags of chamomile tea in 4 cups of hot distilled water.
Allow the chamomile tea bags to soak in the water for 10 minutes.
Remove the teabags and pour the mixture into a saucepan. Put it on the stove over "low" heat.
Mix in 1 cup of Fels-Naptha soap shavings.
Stir the mixture until the soap shavings have fully dissolved.
Remove from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Refrigeration is not required; store this homemade shampoo in your shower. If you have very dry hair and scalp, use a bit less baking soda or eliminate it from the mix entirely.

If you have other individuals in your household with different hair types, make a homemade shampoo that's perfect for their locks. To learn more, read "How to Make Shampoo -- Recipes for Normal and Oily Hair Types."

If you enjoy your homemade shampoo recipe, try another organic, natural alternative by making hair conditioner at home. To make a moisturizing rinse, along with a conditioner recipe for shine and manageability, read "How to Make Hair Conditioner -- Recipes for Homemade Rinses."

If you're looking for additional Earth-friendly and "green" alternatives, make a homemade laundry detergent and stain remover too. For the recipes, read "How to Make Laundry Detergent -- Recipes for Soap and Homemade Stain Remover."