How to Make Homemade Shampoo

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References Tested

Shampoo can be a fun, cheap do-it-yourself experiment for you, or it might already be a way of life. Making your own shampoo gives you control over what goes on your body and down your drain, meaning homemade shampoo can be a healthy and more environmentally friendly alternative to some store-bought products. There are also endless possibilities in terms of shampoo recipes and substitute ingredients, so you can customize your suds for dry or oily hair, sensitive skin, for health and skin related ailments, or even just depending on the mood you’re in! There are many ingredients you can use to moisturize and take care of your hair and scalp, and lots of essential oils to choose from if you’re suffering from any conditions, or have hair problems you want to address.

Ingredients

Basic Shampoo

½ cup (118 ml) distilled water
¼ cup (59 ml) liquid castile soap
2 teaspoons (10 ml) avocado oil
5-10 drops peppermint essential oil
5-10 drops tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon (10 ml) vegetable glycerin
10-15 drops essential oils (optional)

Soap-Free Shampoo

6 ounces (177 ml) aloe vera gel
3 tablespoons (44 ml) olive oil
10 teaspoons (50 grams) baking soda
20 drops rosemary oil
10 drops peppermint oil

pH Balanced Shampoo

1 14-ounce (414 ml) can full fat coconut milk
2 teaspoons (10 ml) liquid raw honey
1 teaspoon (5 ml) jojoba oil
1 teaspoon (5 ml) castor oil
2 teaspoons (10 ml) apple cider vinegar
20-25 drops essential oils (optional)

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Selecting Shampoo Ingredients

1
Understand your scalp’s pH balance. Your skin and scalp have a natural pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, and your shampoo and conditioner should have a pH level that matches your body. Many homemade shampoo recipes call for products that are too alkaline (like baking soda) or too acidic (like vinegar) without balancing them out, meaning they won’t have the right pH level for your scalp. Signs that your hair care products don’t have the right pH level include:^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Eczema and psoriasis on the scalp
- Mold or fungal infections
- Dry or itchy scalp
- Dandruff or flaking
- Hair loss or breakage
2
Use moisturizing oils and ingredients. Along with traditional moisturizers like aloe, coconut oil, and olive oil, there are also many essential oils you can add to your shampoo to make it more moisturizing and nourishing. Especially if you have dry hair, try oils such as:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Cedar wood and clary sage, which are also good for thin hair
- Chamomile
- Lavender and ylang-ylang
- Rosemary and thyme
Advertisement
3
Find ingredients to treat other scalp issues. There are many hair-related problems that people suffer from, including brittle or dull hair, oily hair, hair loss, dry scalp, and dandruff. Luckily, there are also many essential oils available that are great for healthy hair, treating problems, and improving the look and feel of your hair.
- To treat a dry scalp or dandruff, use lemon, lavender, tea tree, and rosemary in your shampoo.
- To strengthen your hair or help reduce hair loss, try clary sage, lavender, wild orange, rosemary, and peppermint.
- For added luster and shine, try sweet basil, chamomile, and lavender.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- To treat oily hair, add some bergamot, cedar wood, lemon, pine, or ylang-ylang to your shampoo.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
4
Learn proper hair care techniques. While personal hygiene routines are quite personal, there are definitely some right and wrong ways of washing, drying, combing, and styling your hair that can lead to damaged and unhealthy hair.
- Always work shampoo into a lather in your hands before applying it to your scalp. Massage your scalp with the shampoo to ensure you clean it properly and remove dirt and debris.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Always use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair, or if you want to use a brush, make sure it has plastic bristles that are tipped with protective balls.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Making Basic Shampoo

1
Gather your ingredients and container. Old shampoo bottles or mason jars are great for homemade soaps, but be sure to rinse them out first. Grab your castile soap, oil, glycerine, and essential oils.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- The glycerine will help give the shampoo a little more body and make it less runny.
2
Add beer for more body and shine. Beer can actually help give your hair more bounce and luster, and you can still find this as an ingredient in many artisan shampoos today.
- Take one cup (237 ml) of beer and heat it in a pot on the stove. Reduce it to one-quarter cup (59 ml) and allow to cool.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
3
Mix your ingredients. Pour all the ingredients into your bottle. Shake well and it’s ready to use! Always shake your shampoo before use.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Making Soap-Free Shampoo

1
Determine if you need soap-free shampoo. Some medical conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, are exacerbated by soaps and shampoos. In such cases, soap-free shampoo, which is also called no-poo, can act as a suitable alternative for washing hair.
- Many people believe that shampoo causes our scalps to produce more oil, and that no-poo will reverse this process. However, the amount of oil your scalp produces is genetic, and has nothing to do with your shampoo.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
2
Gather your ingredients and bottle. Aloe is important in this recipe as a moisturizer, but it also has a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, making it perfectly matched to your skin and scalp.
- The essential oils in this recipe can be substituted for others, depending on your needs or personal preferences.
3
Mix the ingredients. Pour all the ingredients into an old shampoo bottle or mason jar and mix well. Always shake before using.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Making pH Balanced Shampoo

1
Grab your tools. Along with your shampoo ingredients and bottle, you will also need a medium bowl and a whisk.
2
Mix your ingredients. Pour all the ingredients, including any essential oils you’re using, into your bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to your bottle or mason jar.
3
Massage into hair. Shake your shampoo before each use. Massage a small amount into your scalp and let rest for two to three minutes. Rinse with clean water.

Community Q&A

Question

For how long can I keep and use homemade shampoos after they're made?

Community Answer

Any homemade shampoo that doesn't have an added preservative should be refrigerated between uses and you can probably expect a shelf life of 4-6 weeks with proper care. But, you should carefully monitor it for any changes (like color or odor) that may indicate a bacterial or mold growth.
Question

Regarding the soap-free shampoo, what is the use of baking soda?

Tamara

Top Answerer

Baking soda will clean your hair and scalp (removes oil) and because it is a bit gritty, it helps loosen any build up of hair products.
Question

Can adding essential oils and vitamin E help preserve the shampoo? Or are there any other natural alternatives for preserving a no-poo?

Community Answer

When you apply vitamin E to your scalp, it helps reduce inflammation and repair damage to the follicles, and healthy follicles encourage hair growth. If you do want to apply essential oils for some scalp benefits, hair growth, fragrance, and calming effects, add oil to hair products.