There are tons of options when it comes to hair conditioners, including natural ones. While I enjoy using a deep conditioning molasses hair mask, it’s helpful to have a simple everyday option ready. This homemade conditioner is straightforward, easy to use, and naturally moisturizes dry hair.
Before making our own conditioner, it’s good to understand how it works. Our hair follicles produce sebum, which helps repair split ends and moisturizes, but too much can make hair look greasy. Although some people can get away with just rinsing their hair with water or using baking soda, most of us depend on shampoo. However, shampoo removes essential oils from our hair, so conditioner helps replenish them.
Walking down the shampoo aisle in a store shows just how many conditioner choices exist, not to mention all the ones you find online or in specialty shops. Even homemade conditioner options can be overwhelming.
Store-bought conditioners usually have a thick, creamy texture. Homemade ones vary, from apple cider vinegar to coconut oil to mashed avocado. While DIY options aren’t bad, they generally aren’t easy to store. Avocados, for example, don’t last long on the counter, let alone in a bathroom.
Ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter are beneficial for hair but hard to incorporate into a homemade conditioner. Some DIY options can cause buildup on the hair, leaving it feeling greasy. If you encounter product buildup on the scalp, try a DIY scalp scrub.
I use coconut milk in my homemade shampoo, but its short shelf life means it’s not suitable for this conditioner. I aimed to create a recipe that doesn’t need constant replacement and sticks to hair to work effectively—not just an herbal rinse. Most importantly, I wanted something simple that still does the job.
Not everyone has the same hair type. Thin hair needs different care than thick or textured hair. This recipe can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. It might take a bit of experimenting to find what works best for you, but the basic template remains the same. Let’s talk about the ingredients used, who they benefit, and possible substitutions.
Since shampoo strips oils from our hair, we need to replenish some of it. Applying oil directly can get messy, leading to greasy hair. While I enjoy using oil for deep conditioning, it’s too intense for daily use.
This homemade conditioner includes oils, but not in excess. Picking the right oils is crucial. Here are some of my favorite oils for healthy hair you can use in a DIY conditioner.
Castor oil is excellent for promoting stronger, longer, healthier hair. It’s great for the scalp and helps with hair loss, breakage, and dandruff. Castor oil contains antioxidants that smooth hair and reduce frizz. I use diluted castor oil as an overnight treatment, but it also works well in a DIY conditioner.
Avocado oil is not only great in recipes like mayonnaise, but it’s also fantastic for hair and skin, thanks to the fats it contains which penetrate deeply into damaged hair. Argan oil has been trending, but it has a long tradition in certain cultures. It may be pricier, but it’s effective. Argan oil helps repair dry, damaged hair, reduces frizz, smooths hair shafts, and adds shine.
Jojoba is technically a wax, not an oil, but it mimics our natural sebum, moisturizing without greasiness. It reduces frizz and is full of nutrients essential for healthy hair and scalp.
Coconut oil is popular but isn’t everyone’s favorite for hair. While it helps retain hair protein, it can make some people’s hair dry and brittle. Its temperature-sensitive nature means it becomes solid or liquid, depending on the season. If you have fine hair and want to use a bit of coconut oil, it can be incorporated without affecting the conditioner’s consistency much.
My hair is on the thin and greasy side, so I don’t need much oil. Those with thicker or dry hair might need more. Jojoba is recommended for all hair types since it mimics our natural oils. Other oils can be adjusted based on what’s available or preferred.
Water is a breeding ground for bacteria, so minimal moisture is used in homemade skincare recipes. This recipe requires water that’s clean and free from microbes. Bottled, distilled water is ideal, but boiled filtered water works too. Hydrosols are another option with a longer shelf life and can be used entirely or partially in place of water.
For a longer-lasting conditioner, a natural broad-spectrum preservative can be added. This prevents microbes from growing, especially when regularly opening the container in the shower. Using a pump or squeeze bottle helps minimize direct contact. Leucidal Complete is a recommended preservative with natural ingredients.
While you might not test your DIY concoction in a lab, using a preservative and maintaining hygiene can keep it stable for several months.
Emulsifying wax is often used in DIY recipes to blend oil and water, creating a creamy texture and thickening the product. Different types are available, so check labels for the more natural options.
Essential oils add fragrance and beneficial properties. Tea tree, rosemary, and lavender are nourishing for the hair and scalp, but there are many options to choose from.
How will you customize your DIY conditioner? Let us know!
