I’ve created natural alternatives for body wash, dry shampoo, and other hair care products, but making homemade shampoo was definitely the hardest. After a lot of failed attempts, I finally crafted a DIY moisturizing shampoo that uses natural ingredients and makes my hair feel silky and soft.
I wanted to move away from store-bought shampoos filled with preservatives, synthetic chemicals, and artificial fragrances, since many commercial shampoos aren’t the best for your hair and scalp. I also tried the “no-poo” method, which didn’t work for me at all, and I have some less-than-flattering Christmas pictures to prove it! For those with normal to dry, coarse hair, this might be a good option. However, my baby-fine, oily hair didn’t take well to it.
If you’re not sure about the no-poo method, it usually involves using a baking soda and water mixture on your scalp as a shampoo substitute. Some people follow it with an apple cider vinegar rinse and maybe some coconut oil on the ends as a conditioner. While it works well for some, others experience an itchy scalp, hair loss, and residue build-up. Over time, it might also strip your hair’s natural oils.
When I travel or don’t have time to whip up my own shampoo, I do rely on a few organic shampoos that work great. My favorites include ones that still offer a bit of foaming—yes, I like the foam even though it’s usually from synthetic chemicals in regular shampoos.
For my first homemade shampoo attempt, I used plain liquid castile soap, but it left my hair frizzy and tangled. I tried numerous other homemade recipes without much success. Finally, inspired by a natural coconut milk-scented shampoo I love, I developed a formula that leaves my hair untangled, non-oily, and looking great. It even works on kids’ hair—although it isn’t tear-free, so be careful around the eyes! This easy-to-make, natural shampoo produces some suds like regular shampoos and can be customized to suit your hair needs.
The key ingredient to this natural shampoo is coconut milk! While other homemade shampoos might use raw honey, vitamin E, aloe vera gel, or glycerin, feel free to experiment to discover what suits your hair best. Another affordable option is to make shampoo bars, similar to bar soap for hair.
Adding a few drops of essential oils doesn’t just add a pleasant aroma—they can also enhance scalp and hair health, thickening hair, preventing breakage, and fighting dandruff. Different oils offer various benefits, and I’ve written more about them in another post.
The effectiveness of this shampoo can vary depending on your hair type and water hardness. People with hard water might find it less effective because of the extra minerals in the water. Which type of coconut milk you use also matters. Some find canned coconut milk less effective, preferring homemade coconut milk despite its shorter shelf life.
If your hair is overly greasy and hard to manage with this shampoo, try using twice the amount of castile soap, making it two parts soap to one part coconut milk.
What about conditioners? The coconut oil and any optional carrier oil in the shampoo offer plenty of moisture, so you might not need a separate conditioner. However, there are some alternatives you could try if needed.
Here’s a tip I don’t want to skip: Hair is often healthiest when you don’t wash it every day! How you wash your hair is as important as what you use to wash it. Have you ever tried making your own shampoo or gone “no-poo”? How did it turn out for you? Let me know!
