All-Natural Homemade Shampoo: Healthier for Your Hair and Budget

Here are two basic all-natural homemade shampoo recipes to try. Both your hair and your budget will thank you.

There are many reasons why you might like to try making your own homemade shampoo.

First, you may be appalled at the unpronounceable ingredients in your current hair products. The FDA doesn’t regulate companies making personal care products, so who knows what you are putting on your hair?

Secondly, commercial hair products strip your hair of natural oils and mess up its chemical makeup, causing you to turn to more products to fix the problem. Going the natural, homemade way will bring your hair back into balance the way nature intended.

Natural Shampoo Is Better for the Environment

The harsh chemicals in most store-bought products go directly down your drain and into the water supply. Also, shampoo residues can wreak havoc on your pipes, not to mention the buildup that can require a professional plumber to clear.

Making Your Own Shampoo Can Save Money

The most compelling reason to try homemade shampoo is cost. Making your own products takes just a fraction of the cost of constantly buying shampoo, especially with the climbing costs of everything these days.

Okay, I’ve convinced you to try it. Here are two simple recipes to try. They are safe for all hair types, but you may have to adjust the amounts slightly for better individual results.

Basic Shampoo

1/2 cup baking soda
3 cups warm water

Mix in a clean container with a lid. Shake before each use.

Rinse

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

For a lighter rinse, try:

1 TBSP vinegar
1 cup water

Now, if you’ve ever tried homemade shampoo, you may have been turned off by the smell. Here’s where the fun begins! You can add essential oils in any scent, depending on your mood. Try peppermint to wake you up, soothing chamomile, relaxing lavender, or coconut and vanilla for an exotic mix to transport your senses.

The baking soda shampoo alone can dry hair out, so the vinegar rinse is to restore the hair to its natural pH level. There is usually a two-week transitional period while your hair and scalp adjust to the new routine. If it is unusually oily, do a lemon or lime rinse instead of the vinegar three times a week. Just squeeze a half lemon on your hair, massage it in, and rinse thoroughly. If your hair dries out, add 1/4 teaspoon of light oil to the shampoo.

• Cheap and Effective Uses for Baking Soda
• 50 Uses for Vinegar That Can Save You Money

Castile Shampoo

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s, which you can find cheaply on Amazon; you can also get awesome, organic Castile soap from Mountain Rose Herbs)
1/2 teaspoon oil (like jojoba, olive oil, or grape seed)

Mix all the ingredients into a plastic or glass bottle and you’re good to go!

Related: How Much Could You Save With Castile Soap?

As with any shampoo, don’t wash your hair every day. As your hair responds to the natural shampoo, it will become shinier, healthier and more manageable.

Just as eating healthier makes our bodies feel good, using homemade shampoo makes hair healthier and prettier. So, if you want beautiful hair without spending a fortune, why not try homemade shampoo today?

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Reviewed January 2024