Have you ever looked at the list of ingredients on bottles of commercial shampoos? It’s usually a mile long and half of the ingredients sound like they’re created in a science lab….because they are! One of the toxic stars of most commercial shampoo ingredients is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is put in the mix solely to create a rich lather.
SLS provides no benefit to your hair whatsoever…it’s simply used to create the perception of “clean” by producing loads of suds. SLS does, however, have a link to multiple health issues like skin irritation, disruption to reproductive organs and cancer. Yikes!
Many manufacturers of personal care products have now jumped on the “SLS-free” bandwagon and make a point to plaster that fact all over their labels and advertisements. That’s great, but it doesn’t mean their products don’t have other toxic ingredients…
Unless you love doing research and sifting through conflicting viewpoints, the best way to ensure you aren’t putting toxins into your bloodstream with “dirty” shampoos is by making your own. Good news! I found an awesome DIY recipe that is SUPER simple and will save you loads of money in the long run, especially if you’re currently paying salon prices. Plus, you’ll help reduce waste by reusing the same shampoo container again and again. SCORE!
THE RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 Cups (12 ounces) of Canned Coconut Milk
- 1 1/2 Cups (12 ounces) of Unscented Liquid Castile Soap
- 20 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 20 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
- Refillable Shampoo Bottles or Glass Jars (I prefer using wide-mouth glass jars, so I can scrape out every last drop of the shampoo with my fingers. I invest in plastic caps like these for my glass jars, because I don’t care for the metal ones that come with them unless I’m using them for canning food.)
TIME-SAVING TIP: Keep a set of stainless steel measuring cups and spoons in your bathroom to make measuring your personal care recipes a snap!
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. (I recommend keeping a glass mixing bowl like this in your bathroom for ease in mixing your personal care recipes.)
- Pour the mixture into the refillable shampoo bottles or glass jars. (Stainless steel funnels like these make it easy to transfer the mixture into the bottles or jars without a mess.)
- Shake the bottle or stir the mixture in the jar well before each use.
Why use lavender and rosemary essential oils for shampoo?
If you’re familiar with essential oils, you probably know there are many different kinds. (If not, click here to learn more about them.) So why, out of all of them, should you use lavender and rosemary in your shampoo? Here’s the scoop:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil helps balance natural scalp oils, making it valuable for all hair types. It has strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties making it soothing and nourishing for dry, flaky, inflammatory scalp conditions. Plus, lavender oil has been shown to reduce hair loss and make hair soft and shiny.
As an added bonus, lavender oil has a mild antidepressant and sedative effect which helps ease stress and nervous tension. I love having my shampoo with a side of chillax!
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is known for enhancing hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. It is packed with antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals which are linked to greying and thinning of hair. It is also effective for treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp irritation and oily skin.
As an added bonus, rosemary oil has been shown to increase alertness and improve memory.
PREFR TO BUY OVER DIY?
If DIY just isn’t your thing, that’s okay! I’ve created an Amazon store loaded with non-toxic hair products for you to explore. Click here to check it out.
Cheers to nourishing your hair and detoxifying your personal care routine with this natural DIY shampoo!
With love and gratitude,
Kandi
P.S. If you’re a fan of using essential oils for your beauty and personal care routine, or if you just want to learn more about them, I’ve got you covered! Click here to check out the Essential Oils Paradise store I’ve created on amazon.com, which is full of everything you need (books, blending tools, oils, necklaces, diffusers etc.).
DISCLOSURE: Any of the links above may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission – at no additional cost to you – if you purchase a product through them. (Click here to view my full Disclaimer & Disclosure statement.) This helps me continue providing FREE information to help you live a fit and fabulous life without busting your bank account. Thanks for your support!