Hey Beautiful! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Making your own shampoo at home has become increasingly popular as people seek alternatives to commercial products filled with harsh chemicals and sulfates. Creating homemade shampoo allows you to control exactly what goes on your hair and scalp while often costing significantly less than store-bought options. With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen and a few simple additions, you can craft personalized hair care solutions tailored to your specific needs.

The beauty of DIY shampoo lies in its simplicity and customization potential. Unlike commercial shampoos that contain long lists of unpronounceable ingredients, homemade versions rely on natural cleansers and nourishing components that have been used for centuries. These gentle formulations clean hair without stripping away natural oils, making them suitable for people with sensitive scalps or those looking to reduce their exposure to synthetic chemicals.

Diy Shampoo – Natural Hair Care From Your Kitchen

Table of Contents

Basic DIY Shampoo Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk (canned, full-fat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil or jojoba oil
  • 10-15 drops essential oil of choice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the castile soap and coconut milk in a clean bottle or container
  2. Add the olive oil or jojoba oil to the mixture
  3. Stir in the honey until completely dissolved
  4. Add your chosen essential oils drop by drop
  5. Include vitamin E oil if using, as it acts as a natural preservative
  6. Shake well before each use
  7. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks

This foundational recipe creates a gentle, moisturizing shampoo suitable for most hair types. The castile soap provides cleansing power without harsh sulfates, while coconut milk adds moisture and shine. Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the hair, and the oils provide additional nourishment.

Natural Ingredients and Their Benefits

Let’s get into the properties of natural ingredients that can help you create more effective homemade shampoos tailored to your specific needs.

Castile Soap Base

Castile soap, made from olive oil and lye, provides gentle cleansing without harsh sulfates. Its natural saponification process creates a mild cleanser that maintains the scalp’s natural pH balance while effectively removing dirt and buildup. The olive oil content leaves hair soft and manageable.

Coconut Products for Moisture

Coconut milk contains proteins and healthy fats that penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep conditioning benefits. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help with scalp issues while adding shine and reducing protein loss from hair. These ingredients work particularly well for damaged or chemically treated hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Balance

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains beneficial enzymes and acids that help balance scalp pH, remove product buildup, and smooth the hair cuticle. Its clarifying properties make it excellent for oily hair types, while its gentle acidity helps seal the hair shaft for increased shine.

Honey as a Natural Humectant

Raw honey draws moisture from the air into the hair, providing long-lasting hydration. Its antimicrobial properties help maintain scalp health, while its gentle cleansing action removes impurities without stripping natural oils. Honey also contains antioxidants that protect hair from environmental damage.

Essential Oils for Targeted Benefits

Different essential oils offer specific benefits beyond fragrance. Tea tree oil provides antimicrobial action for problematic scalps, rosemary stimulates circulation to promote hair growth, lavender soothes irritation and inflammation, and peppermint creates a cooling sensation while potentially improving blood flow to hair follicles.

Shampoo Tweaks for Different Hair Types

Oily Hair Formula

For those dealing with excess oil production, modify the basic recipe by reducing moisturizing ingredients and adding clarifying elements.

Replace the coconut milk with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar diluted with 2 tablespoons water. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and use tea tree or peppermint essential oil. The acidic components help balance scalp pH and remove excess oil buildup, while tea tree oil provides antimicrobial properties that can help with scalp issues often associated with oily hair.

Dry Hair Formula

Dry, brittle hair needs extra moisture and gentle cleansing. Increase the olive oil to 1 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon of mashed avocado to the basic recipe. Replace regular honey with raw honey if available, and consider using argan oil instead of olive oil for its lightweight moisturizing properties. Chamomile or lavender essential oils work well for dry hair types.

Color-Treated Hair Formula

Colored hair requires special care to maintain vibrancy and prevent fading. Use the basic recipe but substitute the castile soap with a gentler option like diluted Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild soap. Add 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil and include rosemary essential oil, which helps preserve color while stimulating circulation to the scalp.

Curly Hair Formula

Curly hair tends to be drier and more fragile than straight hair. Enhance the basic recipe with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin. These ingredients help define curls while providing intense moisture. Ylang-ylang or geranium essential oils complement curly hair textures well.

Fine Hair Formula

Fine hair can easily become weighed down by heavy ingredients. Use the basic recipe but reduce the oil content to 1/4 teaspoon and replace coconut milk with 1/4 cup brewed green tea (cooled). Green tea contains antioxidants that can strengthen hair follicles, while the lighter formulation won’t overwhelm delicate strands. Lemon or eucalyptus essential oils add freshness without heaviness.

Change Up the Scent with These Ideas

Citrus Energizer

Create an invigorating morning shampoo by combining 8 drops sweet orange essential oil, 4 drops lemon essential oil, and 3 drops grapefruit essential oil. This combination provides an uplifting scent that can help wake you up and start your day with energy. The citrus oils also have natural cleansing properties that enhance the shampoo’s effectiveness.

Herbal Garden

For a more earthy, grounding scent, blend 6 drops rosemary essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil, and 4 drops sage essential oil. This combination not only smells wonderful but also provides benefits for scalp health. Rosemary stimulates circulation, lavender soothes irritation, and sage helps balance oil production.

Tropical Paradise

Transport yourself to a tropical getaway with 8 drops coconut essential oil (or coconut fragrance oil), 4 drops vanilla essential oil, and 3 drops lime essential oil. This exotic blend pairs beautifully with the coconut milk in the base recipe and creates a vacation-like experience every time you wash your hair.

Spa Relaxation

Create a calming, spa-like atmosphere with 7 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops tea tree essential oil, and 3 drops peppermint essential oil. This combination provides a cooling, tingly sensation on the scalp while offering antimicrobial benefits. It’s particularly good for those with scalp issues or anyone who wants to feel refreshed after shampooing.

Warm Spice

For a cozy, comforting scent reminiscent of autumn, combine 6 drops cinnamon essential oil, 5 drops sweet orange essential oil, and 4 drops clove essential oil. This warming blend creates a luxurious sensory experience while the spice oils provide gentle stimulation to the scalp, potentially promoting healthy hair growth.

Tips for Making DIY Shampoo Successfully

Storage and Preservation

Homemade shampoos lack the synthetic preservatives found in commercial products, making proper storage crucial. Always store your DIY shampoo in the refrigerator and use clean hands or utensils when dispensing. Glass bottles work better than plastic for storage, as they don’t harbor bacteria as readily. Make small batches that you can use within two weeks to ensure freshness and effectiveness.

Adjustment Period

Your hair may go through an adjustment period when switching from commercial to homemade shampoo. This transition can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks as your scalp learns to regulate its natural oil production without synthetic detergents. During this time, your hair might feel different than usual – either oilier or drier – but this typically resolves as your scalp finds its natural balance.

pH Balance Considerations

Hair and scalp health depend significantly on maintaining proper pH levels. Most commercial shampoos are highly alkaline, while healthy hair has a slightly acidic pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. Apple cider vinegar makes an excellent pH-balancing rinse when diluted with water. Use this rinse once or twice a week after shampooing to help seal the hair cuticle and add shine.

Ingredient Quality Matters

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the effectiveness of your homemade shampoo. Choose organic, cold-pressed oils when possible, as they retain more beneficial nutrients. Pure essential oils work better than synthetic fragrances and provide therapeutic benefits beyond just scent. Raw honey contains more enzymes and nutrients than processed honey, making it a better choice for hair care.

Customization Through Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to adjust recipes based on your hair’s response. If your hair feels too dry, increase the oil content slightly. If it feels weighed down, reduce moisturizing ingredients or add more cleansing components like apple cider vinegar. Keep notes about what works and what doesn’t so you can refine your formula over time.

Application Techniques

Proper application maximizes the effectiveness of homemade shampoo. Always shake the bottle well before use, as natural ingredients tend to separate. Apply to wet hair starting at the scalp and work outward to the ends. Because homemade shampoos don’t foam as much as commercial versions, focus on massaging the scalp rather than creating suds. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to help seal the hair cuticle.

If Something Goes Wrong

If your homemade shampoo leaves residue, try diluting it with more water or reducing the oil content. Greasiness usually indicates too much oil for your hair type, while dryness suggests you need more moisturizing ingredients. Hair that feels tangled after washing may benefit from a vinegar rinse or a small amount of natural conditioner applied to the ends.

Why Commercial Shampoos Can Damage Your Hair

What’s in conventional shampoos anyway? Getting to know them can explain why DIY alternatives have gained such popularity. Many commercial hair care products contain ingredients that can cause long-term damage to both hair and scalp health.

The cumulative effect of using products containing these ingredients daily can lead to a cycle of hair problems that require even more products to address. Switching to gentler, natural alternatives breaks this cycle and allows hair to return to its natural, healthy state.

Sulfates: The Harsh Cleansers

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are the primary cleansing agents in most commercial shampoos. These synthetic detergents create the rich lather that many people associate with cleanliness, but they’re actually far too harsh for regular use. Originally developed as industrial degreasers and garage floor cleaners, these chemicals strip away natural oils from the scalp and hair shaft. This aggressive cleansing action can lead to dryness, irritation, color fading in treated hair, and paradoxically, increased oil production as the scalp overcompensates for the stripped oils.

Parabens and Preservation Problems

Parabens, including methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, serve as preservatives in commercial shampoos. While they extend shelf life, these chemicals can disrupt hormone function and have been found in breast tissue samples, raising concerns about their long-term safety. Many people also develop contact dermatitis from parabens, experiencing scalp irritation, redness, and flaking.

Synthetic Fragrances and Allergens

The term “fragrance” on ingredient lists can represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, as fragrance formulations are considered trade secrets. These synthetic scents often contain phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive issues and hormone disruption. Many people experience headaches, respiratory irritation, or allergic reactions from synthetic fragrances without realizing their shampoo is the culprit.

Silicones: The Buildup Creators

Ingredients like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane coat the hair shaft to create artificial smoothness and shine. While this provides immediate cosmetic benefits, silicones build up over time, creating a barrier that prevents moisture and nutrients from penetrating the hair. This buildup makes hair appear dull and lifeless, requiring increasingly harsh clarifying treatments to remove.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Chemicals like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 slowly release formaldehyde to prevent bacterial growth. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause scalp irritation, hair loss, and respiratory problems. Even small amounts released over time can accumulate and cause sensitivity reactions.

Artificial Colors and Their Effects

Synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 4 or Yellow No. 5 serve no functional purpose beyond aesthetics but can cause allergic reactions and scalp sensitivity. These petroleum-derived colorants have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may contain heavy metal contaminants.

Hair Care at Home

Creating your own shampoo opens up a world of natural hair care possibilities while reducing your exposure to harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients. You can develop personalized formulations that address your specific hair needs while enjoying the satisfaction of making your own beauty products.

The journey to healthier hair starts with understanding what your hair truly needs and providing it through gentle, natural ingredients you can trust.