5. Introduction - Why You Should Use Homemade
Shampoo
We live in a world and a time in which technology and speed are highly important. The faster we can get
things done, the happier we are. We usually choose our products and services according to criteria that
are meant to help us save time. Money may come second or let’s say that at least most of us are willing to
invest in something that facilitates our lives considerably and helps us save effort and gain comfort or
time. Similarly, the more complex a product is, the more likely we are to be impressed by it and purchase
it. Why should you be interested in making your shampoo at home with your own hands in this context?
Can’t you find myriad cosmetic lines that already have significant experience in the field and can offer a
guarantee of quality? There are so many companies that produce shampoo along with other cosmetic
products and you can basically find anything you want, from professional products used by stylists to
medicinal shampoo meant to soothe and care for sensitive skin and hair. If you want to save money, you
can always find a good product for a reasonable price. If you want organic care, there’s absolutely no
problem! All you have to do is enter a cosmetic shop and the finest companies in the world will lure you
with their sophisticated and modern palette. You can choose your favorite perfume, you can purchase
shampoo that is suitable for your own hair type, and you can go for any cosmetic line you wish, whether
French, American, German, British, Swiss …and the list is basically open-ended.
All these are facts that have surely made many of us purchase and use ready-made shampoo for a pretty
good while. We probably used such products years in a row and must have been fairly satisfied with the
result. All of us have probably enjoyed entering a cosmetic shop with that feeling of almost childlike
impatience and curiosity at the thought that we can try yet another brand and a new type of shampoo.
Everyone must love the new sensations and impressions created by some new type of shampoo on their
hair. So why should you switch from our routines of using shampoo that is produced by a famous cosmetic
line to something totally new which doesn’t even appear to help us save time?
First of all, homemade shampoo offers you a different type of guarantee. While you can surely find quality
products out there in world of cosmetics, nothing is safer than what you prepare with your hands after all.
Why do you think more and more people have started making shampoo at home? There must be some very
clear advantages to this practice; otherwise it wouldn’t be one of the trendiest methods for hair care. First
and foremost, you see everything you pour into your shampoo and you decide upon every ingredient. As
long as you have efficient recipes, you cannot fail. There is no risk of getting well-known or unknown
harmful substances in your shampoo. The end result will be 100% organic as long as you use natural
products for your shampoo.
When you prepare your shampoo at home, you can avoid many toxins and detergents that are inevitably
found in synthetic products …at least those whose prices are not among the highest on the market! Your
hair will thus benefit from a much more soothing and softer care. The substances that are included in usual
6. shampoo in order to ensure a thorough cleaning have side effects that you really can do without. As long
as you use an ingredient meant to remove impurities in your hair, you have nothing to lose if you make
your shampoo at home. The substances found in ready-made shampoo which are meant to clean your hair
in-depth are not only highly irritating for your scalp, but also they remove sebum, the natural oil that
usually feeds your hair right from its root. If you don’t want to empty your wallet each time you buy a
bottle of shampoo that contains less chemicals and harmful substances (but is still not pure enough!),
homemade shampoo looks like the most reasonable solution.
You have the freedom to use healthy and natural ingredients for your shampoo at home and experiment
with them at the same time. Don’t you know what works best for your hair type yet? No problem at all!
You can prepare smaller quantities of shampoo by mixing a series of ingredients according to good
recipes and try them out directly on your hair. Afterwards you can decide for which version you can go on
a longer term. Maybe you can also give it a try by purchasing a sample, but keep in mind sometimes
shampoo samples that you can find in shops include too small quantities for it to be worth it. When you
experiment with a type if shampoo to see how your hair tolerates its formula, you should be able to wash
your hair at least 3-4 times - usually the change and the effect on your hair is not noticeable right away. At
the same time, really good cosmetic lines you can purchase quality shampoo from don’t always offer the
possibility to try out the product by means of a sample first. That said you may have to make a decision
right away. You have probably already done that several times.
When high quality shampoo with less damaging side effects on your hair and more organic ingredients are
quite pricey, how could it not be amazing that you can prepare your own shampoo at home? Just think
about it: most products can be found in places you usually shop for a more than reasonable price. For
instance, you can even use something you already have in your home such as olive oil or honey. Even
when you have to purchase something more special just for your shampoo e.g. coconut or argan oil, you
will be very certain the ingredients you want are placed in your desired quantities in your shampoo and
you can also use them for other purposes (for instance, for face masks). In any case no matter how
complex or unique the shampoo recipe of your choice may be, you will hardly ever find a less expensive
version based on the same ingredients in shops.
Last, but not least, making shampoo at home doesn’t really take so much of your time after all. How about
getting rid of preconceptions? All right, you don’t just grab something already prepared by other people
and pour it in your hair. You have to use your hands to mix some ingredients instead. Does it sound so
complicated and time-consuming? Actually it is not. It may take a few extra minutes when you make your
shampoo at home for the first time, but that’s about it. Doesn’t everything imply a bit more attention and
patience until it becomes routine? If you think about the first time you dyed your hair at home, you’ll
realize it also sounded like too much effort. And yet I bet people who dye their hair prefer saving some
money sometimes and adopting a “do it yourself” attitude unless they really cannot purchase or obtain
their favorite hair color. It’s pretty much the same with shampoo. It’s even easier, because there’s
absolutely no risk of failure (and undesirable consequences) when it comes to making shampoo at home.
So let’s see what it takes to learn how to prepare your shampoo with your own hands.
8. chemical build-up and other foreign substances in a rather mild way. Anything you place in your hair for
volume, shape, and styling (foam, gel etc.) and anything that may have got into your hair because of only
walking outside or being in a room (e.g. dust or other impurities) will be thus removed.
Alternatively you can use a formula based on apple cider vinegar, a mild acidic substance that will
regulate the pH balance of your hair. It’s great for people who have oily hair or whose hair needs
detangling. Apple cider vinegar cleans your hair quite well and it leaves it shiny and smooth. The basic
rule is using one tablespoon baking soda or one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for one glass of water.
Depending on how much shampoo you want to make at once, you can adjust the exact quantities.
Some people prefer using a liquid soap instead of baking soda or vinegar. For instance, Liquid Castille
Soap could be a good option for the cleaning basis of your shampoo. You will also have your usual
bubbles if you use a quality liquid soap. You can add several essential oils of your choice and a very
nourishing ingredient like coconut milk and/or olive oil and you’ll have an excellent shampoo which also
resembles the one you already know and are used to.
Of course there are more complex recipes for preparing homemade shampoo. Some of them require the
use of natural herbs that have to be boiled first in order to get a nice flavored tea-like liquid with lots of
nutrients for your hair. This herbal liquid has to be mixed with other ingredients such as the liquid castile
soap, essential oils, and other “heavier” and more nourishing ingredients like coconut milk or almond oil
which are meant to hydrate your hair as deeply as possible. Now you know the basics about making
shampoo at home and you can rest assured you can take as much of your time as you want to prepare it. In
the following pages I am going to introduce you to several amazing recipes for different types of hair. As
you could see for yourself, homemade shampoo is not only an easy target, but also something quite
fascinating to prepare. You can actually turn making shampoo into a totally interesting activity that will
stimulate your creativity as well as your senses. There are so many incredible natural ingredients that you
can use to make your richly nourishing shampoo at home, that you will surely enjoy seeing for yourself the
result of the best recipes.
13. Homemade Honey Shampoo
This recipe is extraordinary for normal hair, but it can also be used for dry or dandruff-affected hair. It is
based on the natural magic potion that we all know and probably include in our diet, namely honey. So
have you tried it on your hair yet? Since it has such a wide variety of nourishing substances and it
basically concentrates so many valuable qualities that can also be found in flowers and pollen, how could
it not be a real gift for your hair? Here is a simple recipe for your uniquely nourishing shampoo:
Water (1 cup)
Honey (3 tablespoons)
Essential oils (lavender, carrot seed, or rosemary are great for this recipe)
You can heat the water to ensure perfect dissolution of the honey. This shampoo can be used within one
month from the moment your prepare it. It’s better to store it in the fridge. If you think your hair may need
some time to get accustomed to this honey mixture (or to the transition from regular ready-made shampoo
to this homemade pure balm for your hair), you can use vinegar rinse after you shampoo your hair for a
while. It will give your hair more tonus and flexibility. You shouldn’t face any major problem, since
honey is quite easily tolerable by hair and scalp, but some people have found this last method efficient.
Why is this homemade shampoo so highly recommendable? First of all, please note that it is very pure. It
only uses raw honey and plant oil (for both fragrance and extra moisture). If you don’t care about bubbles
and a familiar texture too much, try this shampoo. It will do wonders for your hair. Honey is such
powerful medicine! Its pH is close to the pH of your hair and it is totally soothing. Your scalp won’t be
stripped of its protective natural oils and thus it won’t be exposed, but highly protected and hydrated
instead. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties will keep your hair incredibly clean and pure. It is also
good if you have dandruff. If you use this shampoo, your hair will be softer, shiny, and less frizzy.
15. Avocado and Orange Blossom Shampoo
You will surely love this shampoo recipe, because orange blossom has such a captivating fragrance,
while avocado is one of the most nourishing ingredients for your scalp and hair. You can use either
essential oils, or herbs and fruit. The easiest version relies on essential oils only, of course. What do you
need? Just use water (1 cup), baking soda (2 tablespoons), and oils (about 8 drops). If you want deeper
moisture, you are free to use the fruit and plant in their raw form:
Water (1 cup)
Orange blossom (a bunch)
Avocado (a half of the whole fruit)
You should bring the water to boil, pour it over the orange blossom, and let steep for 15-20 min. Sieve the
liquid and mix it with the avocado. You can use your blender to obtain your homogenous and creamy
shampoo. Store in the fridge for maximum 2 weeks and shake before pouring into your hair. If you don’t
wash your hair often (e.g. every other day), you should adjust the whole quantity a bit. Use less water and
fruit.
You are all familiar with the fantastic properties of avocado for skin and hair. You have already used this
fruit for masks, haven’t you? If you haven’t, it’s a must! Your skin and hair will look brighter and more
hydrated than ever. Why is this shampoo so beneficial? It helps you stimulate and accelerate hair growth,
whether you run the risk of hair loss, or you just want richer and healthier hair. It’s easily absorbable into
your hair and it nourishes it from the root to its tips. Needless to say it’s imperative to use this fruit in
your shampoo if you have split ends. Its high vitamin E and B quantities nourish both your scalp and your
hair. It’s a unique solution for hair rejuvenation. Your hair will look full of life, soft, strong, and lustrous.
This fruit is also very rich in proteins and it can help anyone who needs more resistant and shiny hair. It’s
also great for softening your hair, so use this shampoo is your hair is “rebellious” or rough. As for orange
blossom, it helps your hair regenerate and it makes it even shinier. It’s highly hydrating and it can tone
your scalp and your hair. You’ll get a natural energy boost for your hair with this plant. Of course it also
gives you the fragrance of your dreams.
16. Homemade Shampoo with Aloe Vera and Glycerin
This shampoo is both refreshing and hydrating. The perfect balance for dry hair! What ingredients do you
need for making some nice supplies that can ensure long-term care?
½ cup water
½ cup liquid Castille soap
1/3 cup Aloe Vera gel
1 teaspoons glycerin
1 teaspoon almond/avocado oil
Mix everything together and store the fluid in a plastic bottle. You are free to keep it in your shower or in
your fridge. Dry and brittle hair can benefit immensely from the use of glycerin in your shampoo. It is one
of the most powerful moisturizers. If combined with organic oil, it gives you an unbeatable solution
against having too dry hair. Not only does glycerin nourish your hair like no other, but also it defines your
curls and it minimizes frizz. It has a viscous texture, no color, and no smell; it adds a pleasant feel to any
shampoo. If diluted enough, glycerin is an excellent humectants for your hair and scalp. It will feel as if
you were treating your scalp with real cream. However, since glycerin is a rather delicate substance,
caution is advisable if you dye your hair regularly. You shouldn’t use this shampoo right after you’ve dyed
your hair and if you regularly resort to permanent hair dye, you may want to use it less frequently.
Alternate it with another shampoo for dry hair in this case.
Avocado or almond oil will add vitamins and minerals to your shampoo. Don’t hesitate to use this
shampoo if your hair is also a bit damaged or if your ends are split. How about Aloe Vera, this potent
source of health for so many parts of your body? What can it do for your hair in particular? It contains lots
of enzymes that remove dead cells for your hair and promote hair growth. Aloe Vera has extremely
beneficial alkalizing properties that will balance the pH level of your scalp. Hardly could you find better
moisture than by using Aloe Vera in your shampoo. Its anti-pruritic properties make it the perfect solution
against scalp and hair dryness. It also combats inflammation and itching. If you have dandruff, remember
that you can use this shampoo at will. Any kind of damaged hair can also be cured by means of Aloe Vera.
This shampoo is wonderful for dry or damaged hair and it can be used by men threatened by baldness,
too.
24. Anti-dandruff Homemade Shampoo with Peppermint and Jojoba Oil
Peppermint is a famous enemy of dandruff which nicely refreshes your hair and leaves it smooth and fluid
to the touch. There’s a particular sensation that stands out after you wash your hair with peppermint
shampoo – it’s as if you can sense the clean, cool, and fresh texture with your fingers. It also imparts
wonderful scent to your shampoo and that will also affect your hair in a positive way. What do you need
for this recipe?
½ cup water
½ cup Castille liquid soap
2 teaspoon jojoba oil
Peppermint oil (6-8 drops) or herbs (a bunch)
You can prepare the herbs in boiling water as you do with tea. Sieve the liquid after 20 minutes. If you
want to use oil, mix everything directly in your liquid soap and shake well. This is a long-term solution.
You can store it in your shower even for months, especially if you use peppermint oil. However for
effective results and getting rid of dandruff fast, you should use this shampoo on a regular basis, so
chances are this quantity will be enough for 14-20 hair washes.
What’s so special about peppermint? “Oh, come on” you may think, “the bland and boring peppermint that
you don’t even feel willing to use for breakfast tea anymore …”. Well, actually peppermint is a rather
valuable herb, though you may find it easily and it’s not expensive at all. Its cooling effect on your hair is
simply amazing. Your hair will feel fresher and more soothed than ever. Besides, peppermint is also great
for normal to oily hair. It regulates sebum production and purifies your scalp and your hair to the core.
Your hair won’t feel greasy if you use this shampoo and your dandruff will disappear in 1-2 weeks.
Peppermint also promotes hair growth and moisturizes your hair, although it may only feel chill and fresh.
It’s actually quite nourishing and it stimulates circulation all over your scalp. However it’s even better to
add the excellent jojoba oil, a deeply hydrating ingredient. Jojoba oil is awesome for damaged hair and
balances your scalp health organically. It has many anti-inflammatory properties. It cleans your hair of
blocked and crusted sebum and it thoroughly eliminates build-up.
26. Homemade Shampoo with Honey, Jojoba Oil, and Beer
1/4 cup of water
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons honey
Jojoba oil (2 teaspoons)
½ cup beer
1 egg yolk
You are already familiar with the protein-rich nourishing properties of egg yolk and the multivitamin balm
that any shampoo with honey literally pours in your hair. Jojoba oil is one of the best ingredients for dyed
(and maybe damaged) hair, together with almond or argan oil. It has sebum-like consistency and it
moisturizes your scalp amazingly. It also has antibacterial properties, so if any artificially created toxic
substance in hair dye may affect your hair, jojoba oil will combat its effects. This oil combats further hair
damages and it cures the tendency of your hair to split and the ends. It is actually not fatty, but quite
smooth on your hair. Thus it also helps you keep your hair detangled and soft. After using this shampoo
regularly, your hair will become bright, strong, and healthy. Last, but not least it will retain its color for a
longer time. Jojoba oil can create beautiful shades and hues in your hair, whether you have a natural hair
color, or you use hair dye. Your hair will look shiny and elegant. Jojoba oil gives your hair texture and
body, as it hydrates it from the root to its ends. This oil is also effective for making your hair thicker and
for encouraging hair growth. If your hair is long and dyed, jojoba oil is a must!
How about beer? “Are you kidding me, do you want my friends to laugh at me when my hair smells like
bear?” Well, that will only happen if you use beer as a conditioner and you don’t wash it from your hair,
but leave it in. Otherwise you are safe and your friends may think you’re spending hundreds of bugs for
luxury hair care. How come? Beer is full of fibers and proteins. It has a high quantity of B-complex
vitamins that will organically nourish your hair. Many people have to take supplements to keep their hair,
skin, and nails strong and healthy by means of these powerful energizing vitamins. Your hair will get a
natural boost if you use beer in your shampoo. Moreover, it will be shiny and it will have visibly
enhanced volume. For all these reasons beer is a must in your shampoo if your hair is a bit damaged
because of dying products.
28. Conclusion
This book provided you with the basics about making shampoo at home. Not only did it introduce you to
this highly useful and fairly easy method for hair care, but also it helped you discover a few principles for
combining ingredients in a way that benefits specific types of hair. This short guide to homemade
shampoo aimed at addressing most hair problems that you can face. Although there is logic in the way in
which herbs, oil, and other ingredients are combined, I must mention the recipes presented in this book
are not set in stone. What does that mean exactly? Are you free to do whatever you want? Well, not really.
The bottom line is that many people have combination hair that may require special treatment. For
instance, if you have oily hair and an annoying form of dandruff, you are welcome to make your shampoo
richer and more complex and use several extra ingredients for sebum regulation on a basis for oily hair.
It’s actually not hard at all! Once you understood why each herb, oil, or other substance is valuable and
how it can treat and benefit your hair, you are encouraged to use it in reasonable amounts in your
shampoo. The logic of the recipes I presented to you is actually quite easy to grasp e.g. remember to make
generous use of oil in your shampoo if you have dry or damaged hair and to use astringent and purifying
ingredients for oily hair.
There is probably an extra issue lingering on your mind. “Should I really use liquid soap?” you probably
wonder. I must say that ideally you should not use a recipe that includes this ingredient too often. You may
as well alternate your shampoo! It’s actually quite recommendable, as long as you make sure not to use
something immensely nourishing only once or twice, then give it up because you don’t see rapid
improvement. Use 2-3 versions of homemade shampoo depending on your hair type and extra problems
you may be facing. For instance, if you have oily hair and you also dye it regularly, find your favorite
recipes for these two hair problems and turn them into your shower routines for at least 2-3 weeks. Only
after consistent use will you be able to notice significant change, unless we’re only talking about extra
shine, volume, and softness. Hair health is quite complex and it requires some time and effort to regulate
itself. You can support it by means of organic ingredients and pure nutrients. However you should give
your hair time to cure and regenerate in depth. You are also free to experiment with several types of
shampoo until you find what is optimal for your own hair. Remember the recipes I included in this guide
are a starting point and they can show you that making shampoo at home can be a real creative act, if you
learn what plants can offer you and how they should be combined. Add fragrance of your liking to the
shampoo you love most and you’ll already discover creative sides of you that you may have not even
suspected until now. Cosmetics can be an art, if you have a passion for the gifts nature places at your feet
and for fortunate and original combinations. Practice your creative skills in an extremely beneficial and
productive way by learning to make shampoo at home. Turn this activity into a real feast for your hair and
your senses. You surely deserve to have the most healthy and attractive hair in the world!
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