Several causes could be the reason for your dry hair. In some instances, the sebaceous glands in the scalp do not produce enough oil. In others, the glands produce the oil, but the oil does not make it to the ends of the hair. In the latter case, this may be due to residue from hair products or dead skin cells. A good clarifying shampoo, with tea tree and rosemary and mint, will remove excess product and skin cells that may be blocking the natural oils from coating the hair shaft. Chamomile helps calm the scalp and is a good dandruff treatment. Olive oil replaces the moisture that the soap may strip from your hair. You can find organic liquid castile soap and essential oils at online retailers or your local health food store.
Step 1
Steep 1 tbsp. chamomile flowers or one chamomile tea bag, in 2 oz. boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and set it aside to cool.
Step 2
Pour 12 oz. of liquid castile soap into the measuring cup. Heat the soap in the microwave in 1-minute increments until the soap is hot. Do not bring the soap to a boil.
Step 3
To the hot soap, add 1/2 oz. olive oil, 1/4 oz. tea tree oil, 1/8 oz. each peppermint and rosemary oils. Stir the soap, lightly, after you add each oil. If bubbles form, spray the surface of the soap with rubbing alcohol.
Step 4
Add the chamomile tea to the hot soap. Pour slowly to avoid bubbles. Stir lightly and spray the surface of the soap with alcohol if bubbles form. You now have your shampoo. Set the shampoo aside to let it cool.
Step 5
Transfer the cooled shampoo to the 16-oz. bottle. Use as you would any other shampoo. Store the shampoo in a cool, dry place, for up to 3 months.
Tips and Warnings
- Add soap-safe dyes to your shampoo for added color. Be sure the dyes are labeled "soap safe." Food and candle dyes may stain or irritate the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Chamomile tea
- Measuring cup
- Unscented organic liquid castile soap
- Olive oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
- 16-oz. bottle
References
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991.
- Making Natural Liquid Soaps; Catherine Failor; 2000.
- HairFinder.com: Let's Talk About Dry Hair
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