I decided to make my own shampoo 1) to save money and 2) to reduce the amounts of chemicals in my personal care products. I already use shampoos that are SLS-free, but they are pretty expensive and I’m not completely sure about all the other unpronounceable things in the ingredient list.
So, I used this recipe to make my own homemade shampoo, which is partly based on a recipe my friend Kris told me she uses, but with the addition of the grapeseed oil and essential oil.
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup liquid castile soap (I used Dr. Bronner’s). Here’s a how-to to make your own liquid Castile soap.
1/2 cup of distilled water. Make your own distilled water too.
1 tsp grapeseed oil
essential oil (your choice. I used Rosewood and used about 10 drops)
I did find this recipe to leave my hair a little too oily, so I made it again and left out the grapeseed oil (shoulda listened to Kris in the 1st place). I have been adding a little jojoba oil or vitamin E oil to my ends as needed instead. I can see where someone with thick, coarse hair (the complete opposite of mine) might need the added oil in the original recipe. I suggest making smaller batches of each and see which one works better for you. I’ve also been using a vinegar and water rinse as a conditioner and detangler. The whole process leaves my hair shiny, smooth, less frizzy and with more body than OTC shampoos.
*Additional Tips:
Please make sure to use distilled water as using tap water may introduce bacteria. Additionally, I suggest keeping this mixture in the fridge, as the coconut milk will go bad, and using a small travel shampoo bottle that you can fill up whenever you wash your hair.
