DIY Aromatherapy Shampoo Recipes

Why not make your own shampoo?  By starting with fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner base, you can design hair products specifically designed for your hair type. Even better, by using essential oils to scent your hair products, you can avoid synthetic perfumes and create an aroma that YOU love.

Essential oils not only make your hair products smell fabulous, they are gentle and very effective at balancing and enhancing the natural beauty of your hair.  Once you get the hang of it, designing your own shampoo and conditioner blends is great fun.  Make your own labels   (warning: extremely addicting!) and your creations can be wonderfully personal gifts for friends and family.

Here are some favorite essential oils which offer targeted healing properties for different hair types and issues:

• For Dry Hair: Chamomile, Ho wood, Palmarosa, Frankincense essential oil.

• For Oily Hair: Clary sage, Cedarwood, Cypress, Lemon, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Sage oil.

• For Thinning Hair: Basil, Cedarwood, Peppermint, Rosemary Spikenard, Ylang-ylang oil.

• For Normal Hair: Carrot seed, Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary essential oil.

You can use a ready-to-go shampoo base or if you’re really adventurous, why not make your own?  Here’s an easy recipe:

DIY Shampoo

2 oz. liquid castile soap

2 oz. herbal tea, steeped until strong, strained and cooled.

15-20 drops essential oil

½ oz. apple cider vinegar

Mix the castile and the cooled tea. Add the essential oil and vinegar. Mix well and store in a plastic bottle with a good, tight lid. Vinegar adjusts the pH balance of the castile soap and the result is shiny, healthy hair.  This recipe yields a small amount intentionally so it will stay fresh. If you want to make a larger batch, make sure you refrigerate your homemade shampoo for freshness.  Because homemade shampoo is thinner than what you might be used to, we suggest using a squeeze-type bottle when using so you don’t end up pouring out more than you need.

Here are some Essential oil blend suggestions for you to try:

Note: these blends are formulated for 4 oz. of shampoo base.

For dry hair:

10 drops geranium

10 drops lavender

5 drops frankincense

For oily hair:

5 drops bergamot

5 drops cypress

5 drops clary sage

5 drops orange or lemon

To strengthen thinning hair:

5 drops cedarwood

8 drops rosemary

5 drops clary sage

5 drops thyme

Gentle formula for children or sensitive folks:

10 drops lavender

5 drops chamomile