The first thing you will notice when you use homemade shampoo is that it will not lather as much as store bought shampoo.  The following information might surprise you, but the lack of suds does not mean homemade shampoo does not clean your hair as well as commercial products.  Commercial products add sudsing agents.  These agents do not actually clean hair, they just create suds for effect.

The great thing about homemade shampoo is that you control the ingredients you put into it.  Most homemade shampoo fans use all natural and cruelty-free vegan and vegetarian ingredients.  The ingredients listed in this article are just suggestions.  You can use whatever ingredients and herbs you choose to create the scent you want.  Just be sure to add a natural preservative to make the mixture last longer.

To begin making homemade shampoo, pick up a bottle of castile soap.  There are a number of different aromas available, the choice is yours.  Next, purchase a natural preservative such as sage.  This will preserve your mixture and sage is also an antioxidant. P ick up some fresh rosemary, lavender oil, and nettles.  If you prefer, try using spring water as well and you can also add other ingredients such as flowers (how about chamomile?) or vinegar.  Vinegar helps remove buildup from commercial shampoos, it balances and restores the scalps pH and it helps prevent dandruff, thanks to vinegar’s antifungal properties.

Boil two cups of water.  While the water is boiling, mix the herbs in a container and seal.  Once the water starts boiling, remove from heat and add three to four tablespoons of herbs to the mixture.  Allow the mixture to sit for at least 45 minutes.  After 45 minutes, strain the mixture into a clean container or bowl.  Next, pour the mixture into a plastic bottle and add the castile soap. S hake well and you are ready to use your homemade shampoo.

After shampooing, you might need a conditioner.  Making homemade conditioner is easy.  All you need are avocados and mayonnaise.  Add one half ripe avocado to two cups of real mayonnaise.  Blend until smooth.  Apply the mixture to hair, beginning with the ends.  Make sure hair is thoroughly covered before covering the hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. L eave on for 25 minutes and discard any unused mixture.  Vegans can use vegan mayo instead of real mayonnaise.

If you are interested in all natural, vegan shampoos please read our article Vegan Care Shampoo and Conditioner by Bayse Natural Care.  Bayse Natural Care sells hair, bath, and shower products that are 100% biodegradable and grey water friendly.  This means, Bayse products are safe for your garden.  The products are vegetarian and vegan friendly, as well as cruelty-free.  The products do not contain parabens or SLS, and products consist of organic and ethically sourced ingredients such as rosehip oil, calendula oil, lavender and German chamomile essential oils.