7 Homemade Shampoo Recipes, How They Work, & Tips To Use

Why Homemade Shampoo?

Homemade shampoos have certain advantages over commercially available products:

1. Natural Ingredients: Homemade shampoos contain ingredients straight from your pantry. These are natural, organic, preservative-free, and minus the harsh chemicals and toxins. This means fewer side effects. You may miss the lather and bubbles, but the detergents or SLSⁱ  XA common surfactant found in soaps, commercial cleansers, and some food items that is used to lower the surface tension between compounds. in the store-bought shampoos dry out the hair. Moreover, homemade shampoos will not contain artificial fragrances, colors, orparabensⁱ  XPreservatives frequently found in pharmaceutical products and cosmetics that can potentially disrupt fertility and raise cancer risk. that often cause allergic reactions.

2. Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients in the homemade shampoo to suit your hair’s unique needs. It can address the hair concern better than generic store-bought shampoos.

3. Cheaper: The ingredients in the homemade shampoos are easily accessible and cheap.

4. Eco-friendly: Since the products used are from natural sources (organic), DIY shampoos also reduce environmental pollution. You can cut down plastic waste by switching to recyclable containers.

Excited to try homemade shampoos? Check out some easy recipes in the next section.

How To Make Homemade Shampoos

1. Egg Shampoo Recipe For Oily Hair

You Will Need

• 2 whole eggs
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Process

1. Whip up two eggs until they are foamy.
2. Add baking soda and olive oil and mix well.
3. Add apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to the mixture.
4. Store it in a bottle.
5. Apply the mixture thoroughly to your hair. Wash and rinse as usual.

2. Avocado Shampoo Recipe For Dry, Damaged Hair

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• ¼ cup of water

Process

1. Blend the avocado, baking soda, and water into a smooth paste.
2. Store it in a pump bottle.
3. Apply the DIY shampoo generously to your hair.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Recipe For Itchy Scalp

You Will Need

• ¼ cup of liquid castile soap
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 10-15 drops of tea tree essential oil
• ¼ cup of water

Process

1. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and store it in a spray bottle.
2. Spritz this shampoo on your hair and massage your scalp.
3. Rinse with warm water.

4. Basic Homemade Shampoo Recipe For Sensitive Scalp

You Will Need

• ½ cup of castile soap
• ½ cup of water
• ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil or glycerin

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients.
2. Store in a bottle. Shake well to mix.
3. Massage your hair and scalp with a natural shampoo.
4. Wash off with lukewarm water.

5. Coconut Milk Shampoo Recipe For Thick, Long Hair

You Will Need

• ¼ cup of coconut milk (homemade or canned)
• ¼ cup of castile soap
• 20 drops of essential oils (peppermint, lavender, rosemary)
• ½ teaspoon of olive or almond oil

Process

1. Mix the ingredients.
2. Store the blend in a bottle.
3. Use it to cleanse the scalp and hair.
4. Wash off with lukewarm water.

6. Oats Shampoo Recipe For Dull, Lifeless Hair

You Will Need

• ½ cup of whole oats
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• ¼ cup of water

Process

1. Blend the whole oats, baking soda, cornstarch, and water into a smooth paste.
2. Apply generously to your hair and massage.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

7. Chickpea Shampoo Recipe For Strong, Shiny Hair

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• ½ teaspoon of fenugreek powder
• ¼ cup of water

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients to make a thick paste.
2. Apply it to the hair and scalp.
3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

8. Dry Shampoo Recipe

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (optional)

Process

1. 1. Mix the cornstarch and cocoa powder well.
   2. Use a makeup brush to distribute this mixture on the scalp.
   3. Brush your hair to remove the residue.

9. Shea Butter Shampoo Recipe For Smooth Hair

You Will Need

• ¼ cup of liquid castile soap
• 2 tablespoons of shea butter
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, rosemary, etc.)

Process

1. Melt the shea butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 20-30 seconds until it turns into liquid.
2. Mix the liquid castile soap, honey, jojoba oil, and essential oil in a separate container.
3. Slowly add the melted shea butter to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Pour the shampoo into an empty shampoo bottle.
5. Use by applying a small amount to wet hair. Lather and rinse thoroughly.

If you are wondering how these simple ingredients work for your hair, find out in the next section.

How Do The Ingredients In The Homemade Shampoos Work?

1. Baking Soda: Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda removes grime from the scalp. Studies have shown that it has a neutralizing effect and antifungal properties. However, its mechanism of action is yet unknown (1).

Quick Tip

The abrasive nature of baking soda can dry out your hair and scalp. Therefore, people with dry hair should use a conditioner to moisturize their scalp after using a homemade shampoo containing baking soda.

1. 1. Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV has a pH range similar to the scalp. This acidic nature breaks down oil and removes product residue and scalp buildup from the hair. It also has antimicrobial properties and can soothe scalp infections (1).
   2. Egg Yolk: Egg yolk contains lecithin, anemulsifierⁱ  XAn additive that helps mix two liquids, consisting of a hydrophilic end that binds with water and a hydrophobic end that binds with oil. that can clean the oil and grease from the scalp. Eggs are rich in proteins and nutrients that make them a good hair conditioner (2).
   3. Avocado: This rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids (3).The natural oils in it may provide deep hydration to your hair. Thus, it can be a great conditioner for dry, dull, and damaged hair.
   4. Castile Soap: This is a plant-based, non-toxic cleanser made of natural oils. It contains lye or sodium carbonate and is a common soap base for DIY soaps and shampoos. Castile soap breaks down excess oil, dirt, and grime from the scalp without drying it.

Did You Know?

Castile soap may strip off dye from your hair. Hence, people with colored hair or highlights should avoid using it on their hair.

1. Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil has antimicrobial properties (4). It can keep the scalp free of irritation and infections.
2. Coconut Milk: It is a natural and ultra-hydrating cleanser and commonly used in DIY shampoos and soaps to clean the scalp.
3. Chick Pea Powder: Traditionally, chickpea powder is to clean the scalp in India.
4. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has antibacterial and moisturizing properties (5). It makes the homemade shampoo hydrating.
5. Honey: Honey has antimicrobial properties and can soothe inflamed skin (6). It also helps lock in moisture to keep the hair healthy and shiny.
6. Fenugreek: This is a popular ingredient used as a home remedy to combat various hair concerns like hair loss and dandruff. It also an effective herbal shampoo and conditioner (7).
7. Olive Oil: It has emollientsⁱ  XMoisturizing treatments that hydrate dry, cracked, and flaky skin and make it smoother by supplying lipids (fats). , such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene (8). These ingredients soften the hair and keep it smooth and shiny.
8. Cornstarch: It absorbs excess oil and grime on the scalp.

Here are a few tips you can follow when using a DIY shampoo.

Tips To Use Your Homemade Shampoo

1. Always shake the bottle before using.
2. Use a palm-full of the shampoo. If the shampoo has a thinner consistency, use a spray bottle for application.
3. Apply the mixture directly onto the scalp and hair.
4. Gently massage into the scalp for a minute. There may be no suds as these homemade shampoos do not have sulfates.
5. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
6. You may also prepare simple homemade conditioners with coconut oil or any other essential oils to go with the shampoo.

Tips To Maintain Hair And Scalp Health

Cleansing the scalp may not be enough to maintain your hair’s health. You must take care of your scalp, nourish your locks, and follow proper hair care practices to keep them healthy. Check out the infographic below to learn about hair care hacks and DIY tips you can follow at home.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a natural shampoo?

Natural shampoos are shampoos made with only natural, organic ingredients as opposed to conventional shampoos that contain synthetic ingredients.

Can natural shampoo damage hair?

Natural shampoos are claimed to not damage the hair or alter its condition in any way. However, to avoid scalp irritation, be careful to check for any ingredients that you might be allergic to.

What is homemade shampoo, and how does it differ from commercial shampoos?

Homemade shampoos constitute natural ingredients and are gentle on the skin, whereas commercial shampoos contain synthetic ingredients.

Are homemade shampoos suitable for all hair types?

Yes, homemade shampoos are suitable for all hair types, but it is important to choose ingredients that match your hair type and requirements.

Are there any potential risks or drawbacks to using homemade shampoo?

In general, homemade shampoos are safe to use. But, it is best to take a patch test before adding a new product to your hair care routine.

Can homemade shampoo be stored for long periods, or is it best to make small batches?

It’s better to make homemade shampoos in small batches and use them within a week.

Are there any natural preservatives or additives that can be used in homemade shampoo to extend its shelf life?

Adding citric acid or vitamin E oil and other essential oils such as tea tree and rosemary oil can extend homemade shampoo’s shelf life.

Will using homemade shampoo affect color-treated or chemically-treated hair?

Yes, homemade shampoo can affect color-treated or chemically-treated hair, so choose ingredients accordingly.

Can homemade shampoo be used on children or individuals with sensitive scalps?

It’s better to patch test before using homemade shampoo on children or individuals with sensitive scalps to avoid allergens and irritants.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner

     

Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that...more

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Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...more

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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

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Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more