Making your own shampoo can be an economical alternative to buying commercial shampoo and is ideal for people who want to know exactly what they're adding to their hair, as well as for those who like to customize the scent of their shampoo or its hair-cleaning properties. Castile soap flakes are most commonly used for homemade shampoo. Castile is a soap made from vegetable, coconut, soybean or olive oil. An alternative to castile soap are the shavings from any bar of soap that you have at home.
Step 1
Heat 1 quart of water just to boiling. Remove from the heat.
Step 2
Pour the hot water over 4 ounces of soap flakes that have been placed in a heat safe bowl. Stir the mixture until the soap flakes dissolve.
Step 3
Stir in any optional additives, if using. Add 4 to 8 drops of an essential oil such as lavender for a calming shampoo, or peppermint for an invigorating shampoo.
Step 4
Let the mixture cool completely before pouring it into an empty shampoo bottle or other container that is handy for use in the bathroom. The mixture will be denser than commercially prepared shampoo---use a container with a nozzle that will accommodate the thicker flow.
Step 5
Make a conditioning shampoo by taking 1 cup of your prepared shampoo and mixing it with 1/4 cup of olive oil or almond oil. Stir well and pour the mixture into an empty shampoo bottle or other appropriate container.
Tips and Warnings
- Make an herbal shampoo by adding 1/2 ounce of herbs to the hot water before you've added it to the soap flakes. Finely chopped rosemary, mint, and chamomile are commonly used. Let the herbs steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Pour the herb-water mixture over the soap flakes and follow the remaining steps.
Things You'll Need
- Heat safe bowl
- 4 ounces soap flakes
- 1 quart water
- Essential oils (optional)
- Olive oil or almond oil (optional)
- Empty shampoo bottle or similar
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