Have you thought about trying DIY hair shampoo recipes to add shine and bring back lost luster? Shiny locks aren’t too much to ask. Crowning glory as our hair is called is more than just an accessory. It reflects on our confidence and is more than merely looking good.
Well-groomed hair is not a dream, it is a necessity. The good news is that you can get it without much ado. There are many ways to increase shine and add life to hair, but here we’re going to look at an easy diy hair shampoo recipe using easily available ingredients to flaunt shiny mane.
Rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, nutrients including potassium and calcium, coconut milk enhances blood circulation to the scalp and adds life to your hair. Your hair will not only be shiny but also soft and nourished. It is one of the easiest ways to get lustrous hair. We are going to use this wonderful ingredient for our diy hair shampoo today. So, let’s learn how.
Ingredients
Coconut Milk – 4 Tbsps.
Basil Essential Oil – 7 Drops.
Avocado Oil – 1 Tsp.
Liquid Castile Soap – 4 Tbsps.
Aloe Vera Gel – 2 Tbsps.
Preparation Instructions
Remove the flesh from the coconut shell and chop into bite sized pieces. Grind it with enough water in your mixer and filter the milk. This is the first milk and is thicker and more concentrated. Repeat the process with less water and filter the milk once or twice more. You can use these for other purposes. We’re going to use the first milk for our shampoo.
Cut a thin strip of the aloe leaf (the skin) from underside or the root side portion of the leaf and place it in a bowl or glass in a slanting position to let the resin drip. It takes a few minutes till you get it all out – the resin is greenish in color. The resin that drips is called aloe vera latex and can irritate your skin. After it stops dripping, you can cut open the leaf to get the gel out. Scoop out the flesh from aloe vera leaf after letting the resin drip and discard the resin (you can use the aloe gel for shampoo without discarding the resin, it’s a personal choice). Run it in your blender with a pinch of vitamin C powder and a couple of drops of vitamin E oil and set aside. Your aloe vera gel is ready.
Now, measure out the ingredients listed in a measuring bowl – coconut milk, avocado oil, aloe vera gel, liquid castile soap and basil essential oil.
Whisk to combine the ingredients and transfer to a shampoo dispenser.
How to Use the Shampoo?
Use like you would any normal shampoo.
Shake well before every use.
Make sure to dilute the shampoo before applying to make it more pliable and easier to apply.
This doesn’t foam too much like commercial shampoos, but that’s ok. It still cleanses your scalp and hair gently but thoroughly.
Keep the shampoo refrigerated and prepare smaller batches for best results.
Usage Frequency
Use this twice or thrice a week. It is a mild shampoo that can be used as frequently as you need it – depending on your requirements and hair or scalp type.
Give your hair and scalp time to adjust to the change from your normal commercial shampoos to a milder and gentler but nourishing shampoo that’s natural. Once accustomed, your hair and scalp will begin to flourish, and you’ll see the drastic change it can bring to your hair’s health. You’ll not regret going DIY for hair care once you persist during the initial adjusting phase, the efforts will surely pay off.
Your hair will look shiny, lustrous, and most importantly will be nourished from within. Eventually, your scalp’s natural sebum levels will thrive, and you will have swoon worthy mane. Isn’t that what we all want? To have lustrous and shiny locks? Well, with this shampoo and some perseverance you’ll get it and it won’t dent a hole in your pocket! What’s not to live right?
Shelf Life
Keep any remaining shampoo refrigerated or prepare fresh batches for every shower. It lasts for a few weeks when refrigerated.
Why Use These Ingredients?
We’ve probably used these ingredients already, as they’re quite common. It is readily available in our homes and quite easy to whip up anytime, maybe with the need to buy an ingredient or two at most. These ingredients are easy to find too, making it a great recipe to start your DIY journey with.
While that’s a great reason, that can’t be the only one right? Let’s take a look at the ingredients in detail and how they help or contribute towards our hair health.
Coconut Milk
Derived from the flesh of coconut, coconut milk has been used for hair care for centuries. In Ayurveda coconut milk is believed to improve hair growth and boost hair health. With a rich nutrient profile, coconut milk is considered an elixir for one’s health, hair and skin.
Rich in lauric acid, it nourishes and moisturizes the hair. Did you know coconut milk has electrolytes? They keep your scalp hydrated making the scalp conducive for healthy hair growth.
The rich vitamin profile includes VItamin C, B12 and E. Vitamin C boosts the production of collagen, while B12 prevents graying and hair loss. Vitamin E offsets damage and prevents further damage.
Coconut milk is rich in protein and an ideal hair food for strengthening and nourishing thinning hair. Want to prevent breakage or hair fall or thinning? Coconut milk is a great addition to your hair care routine.
It’s also rich in the minerals magnesium, zinc and potassium. Magnesium strengthens hair follicles, which play a key role in hair health, vitality and growth. Zinc aids in hair tissue repair and growth, while Potassium keeps your hair hydrated.
Rich in antimicrobial properties, it also keeps the scalp healthy and free from issues including dandruff.
You can add it to your masks or conditioner. You can use it as a hair mask all on its own for strengthening and nourishing your hair and scalp.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil has numerous uses in hair, health and skin care. Did you know it curbs dandruff, scalp itching and even improves scalp circulation?
Scalp health and circulation plays a key role in hair health and growth. Besides, it keeps hair follicles healthy and not only improves hair growth, but promotes regrowth too.
A mild and gentle aroma, coupled with numerous hair benefits make it a great addition to your shampoo, isn’t it?
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is extracted from the flesh of Avocado. A rich and nourishing oil, avocado oil not only promotes hair growth, it also keeps our hair hydrated and prevents breakage.
It forms a protective layer on hair follicles to prevent damage. Rich in monounsaturated oils, it penetrates readily and the preferred choice when it comes to hair treatments.
Rich in minerals, vitamins and healthy fats, it keeps hair healthy, strong and long. It also reduces and prevents dandruff and scaling of the scalp.
Did you know it works great as a detangler? Just apply a little to the ends of your strands and rub along your hands with avocado oil to slightly coat them. Now, detangle with your fingers with ease!
Did you know you can use this oil in your hair masks or even as a conditioner? Do you want to know what’s the best part? It’s the closest in profile to silicone! Yes, it’s often dubbed as natural silicone for this very reason.
Liquid Castile Soap
We’re using liquid castile soap as our base to make the process easier. Liquid castile soap is hypoallergenic and mild. It’s suitable for most and affordable too. It’s a very versatile base when you want to go the DIY route and not risk handling rye.
Aloe Vera Gel
It is considered cooling, but did you know it’s also soothing? It’s also very hydrating and light. It can be used as a leave-in too, though many find the smell off putting!
Want the most out of aloe vera gel? Use it as is, in other words, raw. You get the most benefits that way.
Did you know many just apply aloe gel to their hair and scalp to deal with dry or damaged hair? Apparently, it penetrates dry and damaged strands and conditions them. It improves hair health and hydrates it to keep breakage at bay. You can wash off an hour though it can also be left on your hair.
It is a mild cleanser and often used to regulate the scalp’s oil levels. It also keeps hair shinier, softer and healthier.
It’s rich in nutrients including Vitamins C, E and A and when used on hair, helps strengthen your strands. Combined with boosting hair growth, this can not only give you longer locks, but also make them thicker and stronger.
Now we know a jist of the benefits each ingredient offers. This combination is one that’s tailored to add shine, nourish, and nurture hair. The coconut milk, combined with the natural silica alternative avocado oil, your hair will look click-ready! Don’t discount the recipe based on the number of ingredients and simplicity, give it a shot and you’ll see why this recipe is a keeper!
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
You can use any essential oil of your choice along with or instead of Basil oil. If you’re swapping choose essential oils with similar profile or hair benefits, or add in your favorite essential oils along with Basil essential oil. Lavender and Chamomile essential oils add shine and softness to your hair. They’re great choices too!
Any oil helps hydrate or moisturize hair and combat dryness. You can use any carrier oil that adds shine and sheen like Argan Oil. Avocado is best when you’re looking at shine and sheen. However, Argan is a close second and also a great detangler. It’s also nourishing, anti-aging and repairing. Dealing with weak or thin or frizzy locks? Argan Oil is a great substitute too.
You can prepare your own base with soap nuts and use it instead of liquid castile soap. To do that, you can soak 10 grams each of soapnuts, hair fruit or shikakai and Indian gooseberry overnight and boil them till foamy the next morning. This is not only cheaper, it’s also natural and rye is NOT involved.
If you don’t prefer soap nuts for your base, you can try the roots of soapweed yucca. Do you know it combats dandruff? The roots are cleaned thoroughly and crushed or pulverised. Then the pulp is used once it is sudsy upon pulverising. The color changes to amber and that’s when it’s ready for shampooing!
Soapwort is another option and all the parts including leaves and roots are used to prepare sudsy base. Root is however the preferred choice for shampoos. It’s sudsy but a mild and gentle cleanser, suitable for all hair or scalp types. The root power or chopped root pieces are added to a bowl of distilled water and brought to a boil. Alternatively, you can also let the water infuse overnight. Filter using a cheesecloth and your base is ready.
Did you know flax seed gel has similar properties to aloe vera? Also, depending on the ratio chosen can offer mild to strong hold for your hair. It’s rich in nutrients and antioxidants making it all the more special for weak or damaged hair. You can also use chia seeds to prepare your gel and it’s very easy to make.
Do you know how to make your own flax gel? It’s really easy and takes only a few minutes. Soak the seeds in water for a few minutes. The ratio is 1:2 though you can even make it 1:1 for a stronger hold. Bring the mixture to a boil and once the water begins to thicken (a few minutes) remove from heat and filter it using a cheesecloth or juice strainer. Once it begins to cool down it becomes thicker. You can add your choice of essential oils to this gel for added aroma.
External hair care products are a step in the right direction and give good results when combined with best hair care practices. We suggest a combination of nutrients and lifestyle changes to women who visit Vitamins Revive for their hair care problems. Diet and lifestyle play a key role on our hair health and increased awareness many women have taken to more healthier practices.
Any change you incorporate can take time – especially when it involves natural ingredients. While the process can take a little time, the wait and effort will surely prove to be worth it. So, give the ingredients some settling time to work their magic on your hair.
As with all DIY hair recipes, give it your own twist and tweak the recipe to suit your requirements and preferences. The entertaining part of DIY is the experimentation and trying out different variations. Enjoy your DIY journey.
FAQs
How long does it take to see results?
The shine or sheen will be immediate, but the other benefits like hair growth can take time. Give it at least 3 – 4 weeks before seeing results.
How should I know if I am allergic or not?
Always do a patch test before using any new product or recipe. This patch test can reveal any allergies.
What to do if any symptoms worsen when using this shampoo?
If you notice any adverse reactions or aggravation of hair fall or other issues, stop using it immediately! This doesn’t have to be an allergy, just unsuitability of the chosen ingredients for any reason.
Who can use this shampoo?
All the ingredients chosen are mild and natural and anyone can use this recipe to prepare their own shampoo. As long as it doesn’t worsen or cause any new issues, you’re all good.
Can I substitute or swap ingredients in this recipe?
Of course, you can. That’s the best part of DIY, right? We can pick and chosen our favorites, or even skip what isn’t suitable and whatnot. The options are endless and you don’t have to restrict yourself to the tweaking suggestions only. Feel free to explore and try different things, so you can come up with a shampoo that works best for your needs.
Can I use Jojoba Oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can use it along with or instead of Avocado Oil in this recipe. The results can vary depending on the ingredients you choose, but you can always experiment and try out different things.
Can I use Shea Butter in this recipe?
Shea butter is undoubtedly a great ingredient for hair. It’s highly nourishing and hydrating. Depending on your hair type and your requirements it’s a great addition to this recipe. It can be dense for some, so choose your ratios accordingly.