How to Make Your Own Natural Shampoo
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Even in families, like mine, who mainly eat organic food, teenagers are wearing unnatural cosmetics because the labels are confusing or because there is no choice.
My daughter couldn't find any natural cosmetics for her age group, so we ended up making our own. It's taken us three years of research and testing to find natural recipes that she likes.
Although there are more organic products available now, I would recommend parents start talking to their children about healthy living at an early age. You can make it fun by creating something simple, such as, shampoo, while explaining about ingredients or the environment at a level they can understand.
Soapwort Shampoo Recipe
The best traditional recipe we found was in a book by Josephine Fairley, which we've adapted. As the name implies, soapwort is naturally soapy. (Only recommended for seriously back-to-nature families as the results are disappointing for anyone who wants normal shampoo.)
- 2 teaspoons fresh soapwort roots or 1 teaspoon of dried root, soaked overnight
- 2 teaspoons of rosemary
- 4 drops of rosemary essential oil
- ½ litre of water
Put the rosemary and soapwort in a stainless steel pan with the water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Cool and strain through a piece of muslin, or a paper towel in a sieve. Add the essential oil.
Use a cupful each time you wash your hair. Keep the rest in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer if you want it to last longer.
Magical Marigold Shampoo
The marigolds in this recipe are the Calendula variety, not Tagetes (Mexican marigold, African marigold or French marigold). If they are unavailable you could make a different shampoo using an equivalent amount of other herbs, such as rosemary or chamomile instead.
- 12 Marigold flowers
- 100ml Alpha Detergent
- 20ml Sugar Detergent
- 270ml Water
- 5ml Omega
- 2.5g Guar Gum
- 8ml Preservative K
- 4ml Lactic Acid (approx. depending on litmus test)
- 20 drops Essential Oil (approx.)
- Litmus Paper to test pH balance
Pick off the Marigold petals and boil in a pan with approx. 1/2 litre of water for 5 mins. Leave to infuse for 20 mins.
Strain the liquid into a stainless steel pan and compost the petals. Bring the marigold liquid to the boil.
Mix the Alpha Detergent and Sugar Detergent in a measuring jug. Pour 270ml of the marigold liquid into the Alpha/Sugar Detergent mixture and stir.
Mix the Omega and Guar Gum in a double boiler or egg poaching pan. Heat until melted together.
Gradually pour the melted Omega and Guar Gum into the Alpha/Sugar Detergent mixture whilst stirring.
Add the Preservative K. Dip a sheet of litmus paper into the mixture to test the pH balance. Add Lactic Acid until it reaches 5.5pH or slightly less.
Add the Essential Oils using a dropper. Take care not to get any on your skin or in your eyes as most essential oils can burn when they are undiluted. Lavender is generally considered to be the safest. If you are making shampoo with young childen, reduce the concentration of the essential oils by mixing with 10 ml of jojoba or almond oil and pour into a small bottle in advance. Then the child can pour it all into the mixture and the jojoba or almond oil acts as a conditioner in the shampoo.
Pour into bottles. Makes approx. 400ml of shampoo.
Tip
Don't use lemon essential oil in shampoo because it can have a bleaching effect. Even if you want to bleach your hair, I wouldn't recommend it as the results can be unpredictable.
Poppy now has her own website which has more information about how to make natural cosmetics.
CommentsLoading...
Hi David
Thanks for my first ever comment.
You don't need any special equipment for these recipes, just a spoon, measuring jug, saucepan, sieve and if you don't have a double boiler, a heat proof bowl over a pan of hot water. Double boiling is a common method used in cooking, such as for melting chocolate, but take care because the steam can burn.
Calendula flowers are quick and easy to grow. Where we live, in Devon, they flower all year round. We got our soapwort seeds from a local seed exchange, but you can buy seeds, roots or plants from some garden suppliers.
Apart from the herbs, the ingredients are available from www.aromantic.co.uk
I hope you and your son enjoy making shampoo. It would be great to hear how you get on.
Jan
This is very cool. I actually just attended a workshop about identifying "bad" ingredients in your beauty supplies. Very eye opening.
Hi Stacie
Thanks.
It isn't always easy to find out the facts, so it's great to do a workshop and learn from experts.
When I helped run a natural food store, 15 years ago, people thought Sodium Laurel Sulphate caused cataracts and cancer. But it turned out the research papers had been misquoted and exaggerated. I still wouldn't use it, but it doesn't seem to be as bad as it was made out to be.
Maybe you could write a hub about which ingredients to avoid and share what you learned at the workshop.
Jan
Hi Jan,
Thank you for taking the trouble to tell me what equipment we need and where to get it.
You instructionare very clear and it sound simple. I really like the idea of knowing what goes into to the products we us and this sounds like it will be fun to make.
We will definitely have a go at this and will let you know how we get on.
Thanks again for your help.
David
Hi David and Descrecendo,
Thanks for your comments.
I look forward to hearing how you get on David.
Jan
Jan - this is great. Do you also have recipes for conditioner?
Hi Kat
We have been given conditioner recipes, but they are not ours and we don't have permission to share them online. Sorry.
We'd like to be able to give you a recipe, so I'll get in touch when we've worked out how.
Jan
Very interesting. I had'nt thought about making my own shampoo!
Hi Dorsi
Thanks for your comment. It's really easy to make your own shampoo and it's better for the environment because you can re-use the same bottles each time.
That's Great !! We have here in California what my mom used to call Indian Soap Plant (But I am not sure what the real name is, but it grows wild all over the place here. It has a soap like substance in it. Saponin or something like that. Can you tell me how to make marigold tinture?
Hi Eileen
The plants growing wild in California are probably soap lilies, which have small white flowers. They are not the same as the soapwort we get in England, but both plants contain saponins which help make soap and shampoo foamy.
To make shampoo you don't need a marigold tincture (which involves soaking the flowers in alcohol for about 2 weeks), you just infuse them in hot water, the same way you would to make herbal tea.
Thanks
Jan
hi,it was nice to read.but i stay in India.My air is dry.can u suggest the shampoo for me?AND THE INGRIDIENTS FOR IT which i can get in INDIA.
Thank U
Hi Priya
Adding 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil to the basic shampoo recipe helps if you have dry hair.
Although I visited India for nine months, I didn't get to know any suppliers of haircare ingredients, so I'm sorry I can't create a recipe because I don't know what's available.
If you can find a supplier they may have recipes.
Jan
Your pics look very professional, do you sell these products?
Hi Gadzooks
Thanks for your kind comment about my photo's. I took them using a little digital camera.
We don't sell the products, but my 15 year old daughter, Poppy, runs workshops to teach people how to make them. It's her interest rather than mine, I just help her. People keep asking to buy them and a shop in London wants to stock her lipbalm, shampoo and conditioner, so we probably will sell them soon.
Poppy is more interested in showing people how to make their own cosmetics so they can have a fun way of learning which ingredients are natural and which to avoid.
Best wishes
Jan
Hi Decrescendo
I don't understand why it's a serious health issue, but thanks again for your comment.
Jan
That s a wonderful hub, I am much interested in natural things and like go back to nature, by the way if you could tell me the botanical name s of the flowers and seeds i think i can go for a search in my place.
thanks for the valuable information, Jan.
Hi Eswar
Soapwort is sapoaria officinalis, marigold is calendula officinalis and rosemary is rosmarinus officinalis. I hope this is the information you need.
Thanks for your comment and good luck with your search.
Jan
I recently purchased a Natural shampoo from the health food store. I have not been able to use it as it makes my scalp itchy, there must be something in it that I am sensitive to.
It was rather expensive so making my own shampoo sounds like a good alternative. I will try the "Soapwort Shampoo Recipe" it seems very simple to make.
Thumbs up on another great hub.
Hi Ms Fit
I'm sorry you're sensitive to something in the shampoo you bought. Even natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions, so it must be difficult to know what to use.
I hope you get on better with the soapwort shampoo. I made it because I wanted to use plants that grow in our herb garden, but I can't imagine doing it all the time. I prefer the other recipe, although it may not be right for you.
Thanks
Jan
I am so excited to have found your website not only will i do my bit for the environment by making my own shampoo. but this way i personalise my beauty regime. Please tell me to make the shampoo residue free what must i do as i have dread locks.
You are a star !
Hi Suzanne
I know that shampoo residues might cause mildew in dreadlocks, so I'm sorry, I can't recommend these recipes to you. It's a very interesting question and I'll look into ways of testing for residues, but even if you missed out the essential oils there might still be residues left by the other ingredients.
I'd be happy to test some shampoo I've made if you (or anyone else who reads this) know how. Some people recommend washing your hands with shampoo and seeing if there is any smell on your hands when they're dry, but that would only detect scents. I'd like to find a more scientific test.
Thanks for bringing this important issue to my attention and I'm sorry I can't help at the moment.
Jan
Hi Jan,
I am about to make marigold tincture--my first attempt at anything natural from herbs/flowers! I have some beautiful marigolds in my garden, both yellow and orange. Does it make any difference what color flower I use? I am looking to make something to help a chronic itchy skin condition.
Thanks!!
Hi
As long as your marigolds are Calendula it won't matter if they are orange or yellow.
I hope your tincture soothes your skin.
Best wishes
Jan
My daughter and I want to begin making our own things such as this.
Hi
That's great. I hope you have as much fun as Poppy and I have.
Best wishes
Jan
I never thought about making my own shampoo but after reading this i think i might actually try it sometime. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Roastedpinebark
Thanks for your comment.
Have fun
Jan
Jan, Thanks for a Hub encouraging readers to look at natural cosmetic options that are just better and healthier
My daughter has recently shown an avid interest in making her own formulations for personal beauty products. We haven't worked on a shampoo formula yet but would like to.
Question re the Soapwort Shampoo - Why do you consider the results disappointing for anyone who wants normal shampoo? Does the shampoo lather well? Does it get the hair clean if the scalp tends to be oily? What ingredients would you recommend for oily hair - for active 'tween girl?
Hi Staci-Barbo
The soapwort shampoo doesn't lather well and although it got my hair clean I found I needed to wash it again after 4 days. I normally wash it once a week.
A book by Neal's Yard Remedies suggests herbal infusions of elderflower, lemon balm, mint or rosemary for oily hair. Where I live in England the elderflowers will be blossoming on the trees soon. Perhaps they are where you live too.
I hope your daughter enjoys making her own beauty products. My daughter has been doing it for about 3 years now and has her own website at www.locean.co.uk. She's also about to open a small shop to make it easier for people to get the ingredients.
All the best
Jan
Very interesting!! I love to go natural with products. This is helpful...thanks!!!
Thanks, Jan. I'm not sure that I've seen elderberry in our area. Mint and rosemary are two of our favorites, so we'll use those. My daughter will be so excited to make her own shampoo.
I applaud your daughter's entreprenurial spirit!
Thanks marisuewrites and Staci-Barbo7
Great lens Jan, and the L'ocean site looks really cool too. Good luck with your venture!
Thanks Tim
I checked out your blog too and I'll certainly try the recipes you recommend.
Thanks
Jan
I want more recipes and instructions!! I love it! I have Been making milk soap and have fell in love with doing this hobby!!
Dori
Hi
Yes it's a great hobby.
We are checking natural ingredients and testing recipes every day. I just don't have time to write them all up because I'm helping Poppy set up her shop which will be selling the ingredients and helping people make natural cosmetics. I'll let you know how to access the recipes we like best as soon as the shop is up and running.
Best wishes
Jan
vary itnirseting now I can make a shampoo!!!!!!!!!
Hi Ice
I hope you enjoy making shampoo. For more information check out www.locean.co.uk
Best wishes
Jan
i want to make a shampoo out of the "okra" vegetable oil for may research. i hope you will help me for working this.heheh
i LOVE It!
Hi toto
Thanks for your comment. I don't know anything about okra vegetable oil.
Good luck with your research.
Jan
Hi Ayla
Thanks for your enthusiastic comment.
All the best
Jan
What type of shelf life can you expect with the shampoo and do you know what type of perservative can give it a good shelf life and is natural and safe?
Hi Jan,
I'm really happy that you help people to create their own shampoo-it's brilliant and I love to live that way too.
I just noticed one of your comments above and didn't realy agree with what you said about Sodium Laureth Sulfate not being too bad.(Sodium Laureth(Lauryl) Sulfate:Industrial uses:garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car cleaning products-potentially the most harmful ingredients used in personal care.)
Even though it's use over a year probably wouldn't cause that much damage, over 30 years of use can cause some serious damage to the eyes, brain, heart and liver. It's basically poison just like alcohol and I believe people should know about it!
Very informative hub! I'm off to visit the one about all natural cosmetics :) Thank you for the info
WOW Jan this is amazing and I am really looking forward to make it it is just, Wow awesome.
Sonny
Hey.
Making your own shampoos and skincare is great fun and very satisfying knowing you are only using the finest natural ingredients. I got so into it that I set up my own little company and I know sell online! I won't advertise as I don't want to break the rules! But I definitely agree natural is the way forward - I've never had better skin and hair since I stopped using all the horrific chemical laden problem skin treatments...
Hi, I have been making my own shampoo for a while now out of castile soap and some essential oils along with some carrier oils. I like it but am curious to try Soapwort shampoo. My question is this, is there a way to make the shelf life of the soapwort shampoo longer than a week? I read that castile soap is to alkali for the hair, although I follow up with an ACV rinse to PH balance and moisturize my hair. What are your thoughts?
Hope to hear from you soon! Rachael
Sorry to everyone who has commented on this hub since last year. I wrote it over 3 years ago and didn't realise there would be any interest in it after all this time.
The soapwort shampoo can last a lot longer in the freezer and the marigold shampoo lasts for at least 2 years if made correctly.
I don't use castille soap in shampoo because I'm not keen on using soap on my hair.
As I said in one of my previous comments, I don't use sodium laurel sulphate.
When I looked at the arguments against SLS I dismissed any that claimed it was bad by association, such as because it is used in garage degreasers. Water is also used to clean the garage floor, but I still drink it and use water as an ingredient in cosmetics.
The more serious arguments against SLS either didn't have references that could be checked, or referred to the work of Dr. K Green.
I read the source article by Dr. K Green and felt that he had been misquoted.
My understanding is that SLS can be irritating, but I grew up using it and never suffered any adverse reactions. Now I prefer to use more natural and gentle ingredients.
Personally I'm more concerned about ingredients in most nail varnishes and nail varnish removers, parabens, azo dies and animal derived products, to mention just a few.
Thanks to everyone who left a comment
Jan
thank you,Jan for your advices,I would like to cooperate with you to make our own company,.I'm a chemical ingeneer ,so I have knowledge what are you talking about a damage,I like to create(soap),now I will try shampoo.
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David Francis 4 years ago
A really interesting and informative hubpage Jan. Very clear and detailed instuctions. My teenage son is keen to create his own shampoo. Have you got any suggestions for where we canget all the ingredients and any equipment we would need?
Thanks again for sharing this, and congratulations on such an excellent first hubpage.
David