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10 Best Homemade Shampoo Recipes for Healthier, Natural Hair

Creating your own natural homemade shampoo can seem daunting, but with the right ingredients, it’s easier than you might think.

After several unsuccessful attempts, I finally came up with a recipe that leaves my hair feeling soft, silky, and well-moisturized.

Here’s how you can make a nourishing shampoo without synthetic chemicals or preservatives.

Why Switch to Homemade Shampoo?

Many commercial shampoos are filled with unhealthy chemicals, preservatives, and artificial fragrances.

These can damage your hair and scalp over time, making them less than ideal for long-term hair care.

I wanted to avoid these, which led me to experiment with homemade alternatives.

I tried the “no-poo” method, which works for some, but it didn’t suit my hair type—baby-fine and oily.

This method typically involves using baking soda to wash and apple cider vinegar to rinse, but for me, it caused scalp issues and left my hair looking lackluster.

Personal Experience

I’ve personally embraced homemade shampoo and love the results—it leaves my hair feeling light, soft, and naturally fragrant.

Continue reading to discover how you can make your own nourishing shampoos at home!

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to crafting homemade shampoos! Whether you’re looking to embrace natural ingredients, avoid harsh chemicals, or customize your hair care routine, these ten easy-to-follow recipes will help you create the perfect shampoo tailored to your hair’s unique needs.

Why Choose Homemade Shampoo?

  • Natural Ingredients: Utilize pure, natural components without harmful fillers or irritants found in commercial products.
  • Customization: Tailor scents and formulations to suit your personal preferences and specific hair requirements.
  • Cost-Effective: Save money by making high-quality shampoo at home.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduce plastic waste with reusable bottles and minimal packaging.

Personal Experience

I’ve personally embraced homemade shampoo and love the results—it leaves my hair feeling light, soft, and naturally fragrant. Continue reading to discover how you can make your own nourishing shampoos at home!


1. Basic Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Normal hair or as a base for adding your preferred scents.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (unscented or your favorite scent)
  • 1/2 teaspoon jojoba, grapeseed, or another light vegetable oil
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bottle.
  2. Shake well before each use.
  3. Apply by tilting the bottle over your head, as this mixture is thinner than commercial shampoos.
  4. Enjoy the surprisingly rich lather!

2. Stimulating Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Energizing the scalp and invigorating the senses.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bottle.
  2. Shake before each use.
  3. Apply to wet hair, massage into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly.
  4. Experience a refreshing, tingling sensation that wakes up your scalp!

3. Moisturizing Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Dry or damaged hair needing extra hydration.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (choose your favorite scent)
  • 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon glycerin
  • 1/4 teaspoon avocado or jojoba oil
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bottle.
  2. Shake well before each use.
  3. Apply to hair, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.
  4. Revel in soft, hydrated hair without any greasy residue.

4. Soothing Chamomile Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Calming the scalp and naturally lightening hair.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 1 cup liquid Castile soap (Lavender preferred)
  • 6 chamomile tea bags
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons glycerin
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Steep chamomile tea bags in boiling water for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove and discard tea bags.
  3. Stir in Castile soap and glycerin until well blended.
  4. Transfer to a dark, cool place and store in a sealed bottle.
  5. Use as your regular shampoo for a calming experience and potential natural highlights.

5. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Managing dandruff and maintaining a healthy scalp.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 1/2 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons apple juice
  • 6 finely ground cloves
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients in a grinder or blender on low for 30 seconds.
  2. Wet hair with warm water and apply the mixture thoroughly.
  3. Massage into the scalp and rinse with warm water.
  4. Refrigerate any leftovers and discard after 3 days.
  5. This formula helps reduce flakes and balance scalp oil production.

6. Shine-Boosting Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Adding natural shine and vibrancy to your hair.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (Lemon preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon essential oil
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Boil distilled water and steep rosemary until fragrant.
  2. Strain the rosemary and let the mixture cool.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a bottle and shake well.
  4. Apply as usual, focusing on the ends for enhanced shine.

7. Tea Tree and Rosemary Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: All hair types seeking a refreshing and aromatic cleanse.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 1/2 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil
  • 3 tablespoons rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass
  • 2 teaspoons tea tree oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essential oil
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Boil distilled water and steep rosemary and lemongrass for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Strain the herbs and let the mixture cool.
  3. Add tea tree oil and vanilla essential oil.
  4. Incorporate Castile soap and shake well.
  5. Store tightly and use as your daily shampoo for a delightful scent and scalp benefits.

8. Luxurious Coconut Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Those who love a tropical fragrance and extra moisture.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
  • 10 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 10 drops coconut fragrance oil
  • Flip-cap or foaming bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bottle.
  2. Shake well before each use.
  3. Apply to hair, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly.
  4. Enjoy the irresistible coconut aroma and silky smooth hair.

Note: This shampoo has a delightful scent that might tempt you to taste it—use responsibly!


9. DIY Dry Shampoo

Ideal for: Quick refreshes between washes or for those with limited access to water.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (for light hair) or cocoa powder (for dark hair)
  • 1 teaspoon crushed lavender or other fragrant herbs

Instructions:

  1. Mix cornstarch or cocoa powder with crushed herbs.
  2. Transfer the mixture to an old spice bottle with a sprinkle top for easy application.
  3. Sprinkle evenly over dry hair and comb through.
  4. Store in a cool, dry place for ongoing use.

Benefits: Absorbs excess oil and adds volume without the need for water.


10. No-Poo Shampoo Recipe

Ideal for: Those seeking a minimalist, chemical-free cleansing routine without traditional soap.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 4 ounces water

Instructions:

  1. In a cup, mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1/4 cup water.
  2. In another cup, combine 1 ounce apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water.
  3. During your shower:
    • Apply the baking soda solution to your roots, massaging gently to stimulate blood flow and cleanse pores.
    • Rinse thoroughly.
    • Pour the diluted apple cider vinegar over the ends of your hair, let sit for a minute, then rinse out.
  4. Note: This method may require an adjustment period of 2 weeks to 2 months.

Troubleshooting:

  • Frizziness: Reduce baking soda or application time; add honey for moisture.
  • Greasiness: Decrease apple cider vinegar, switch to lemon or lime juice, or use a comb instead of a brush.
  • Itchy Scalp: Incorporate essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or rosemary.
  • Dryness: Apply a small amount of oil (e.g., olive oil) to the ends.

Natural Hair Conditioner Options

Since this shampoo is moisturizing, you may not need a conditioner, but here are a few options if you want to experiment:

  • Chamomile Tea Rinse: Leave this in your hair after washing for smoothness and natural lightening over time.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: A 50/50 mix with water helps remove build-up and increases shine.
  • Homemade Conditioner: Use oils like coconut or almond oil, or glycerin for added moisture.

A Key Tip: Don’t Wash Your Hair Daily

Creating your own shampoo allows you to control the ingredients and tailor each batch to your specific hair needs.

Whether you seek hydration, shine, dandruff control, or a refreshing cleanse, these recipes offer natural alternatives to commercial shampoos.

Embrace the benefits of homemade hair care and enjoy healthier, more vibrant hair every day!