Chemicals and other artificial ingredients used in shampoos are some of the primary reasons for hair damage. Besides, the mental stress, lifestyle habits, and environmental pollutants add even more damage to the hair. In such cases, homemade shampoos can come in handy. These can be made with ingredients that suit us and avoid any allergens that may damage the hair or the scalp.
Understanding the ingredients and their benefits helps us in designing a perfect homemade shampoo with recipes. Below listed are the ingredients that are most commonly and widely used in making natural shampoos at home.
Castile soaps are made with vegetable or plant-based oils. It can get rid of sebum, germs, dirt, and grease from scalp and hair. These liquid soaps act gently without damaging the hair.
Most of us, at some, have used coconut oil for hair. Coconut milk also exhibits similar benefits when applied to hair. It can restore the dry & damaged hair & scalp, promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, and slow down hair loss.
Baking soda is one of the best sources to clean and remove the buildup of oils, soaps, chemicals, and dirt from the hair. It can help in restoring the clean, shiny, and soft hair.
It is one of the best ingredients that can help in retaining the moisture in the hair. Glycerin can condition the hair, prevent breakage, remove dandruff, repair split ends, and maintain curls.
(If you are living in a humid condition, glycerin may pull out the moisture away from the hair).
It can help in moisturizing the scalp and removing dandruff. The essential nutrients in jojoba oil can strengthen hair, prevent hair loss, promote thickness, and nourish both scalp and hair.
Peppermint oil can promote circulation, which can, in turn, support hair growth, and prevents dry scalp & hair loss. It can also exhibit antimicrobial properties, dandruff, lice, and other harmful germs that may be surfacing on the scalp or hair.
Almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce or prevent inflammation on the scalp, thus preventing hair damage. Besides, it can reduce dandruff and also help in moisturizing the scalp and promoting healthy, strong, and thick hair.
Aloe-vera contains essential compounds that help in repairing the damaged scalp and restoring the smooth & shiny hair. In addition, it can also prevent itching, reduce dandruff, and improve overall hair condition.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the very few ingredients that is loaded with essential nutrients for complete hair nourishment. It can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, remove dandruff, balance pH levels, and exfoliate the scalp. All of these can work together in promoting healthier and stronger hair growth.
Olive oil can moisturize the scalp, fight infections, and improve the blood circulation of the scalp. It can, in turn, help in promoting softer, healthier, and thicker hair growth.
It is thinner than the regular shampoo; however, it will help in clearing excess oil and grime from hair and the scalp.
Your shampoo is now ready to use. Pour it in a reusable shampoo bottle or other similar ones.
Essential oil shampoo is one of the best natural ways to refresh the scalp and give you a sense of freshness.
Note: Make sure to shake the shampoo bottles before use.
You can store the mixture in refrigerators by covering it properly. Throw or discard the mixture after 3 days.
Your baking soda shampoo is ready.
Note: Do not use this shampoo regularly. You may use it as a clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup of dirt or other harmful substances. If you are switching from commercial shampoos to natural homemade shampoo, you may use this one to remove any chemical buildup from scalp or hair.
Note: Shake well before using any of the shampoos mentioned above as the ingredients may separate themselves after storing it.
Homemade shampoos are one of the best and natural ways to cleanse, nourish, and restore the perfect hair. Besides, it does not contain any chemicals and makes it safe to use for anyone. However, since you know the ingredients, make sure to check if you are allergic to any of them before using it.