Creating your own DIY bar shampoo is not only a sustainable choice but also a fantastic way to ensure that your hair care products are free from harsh chemicals often found in commercial shampoos. DIY shampoos allow you to control exactly what goes into your hair, making it an eco-friendly and personalized approach to hair care. Here's a guide to making your own bar shampoo with just five simple ingredients.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following natural ingredients to craft your DIY bar shampoo:
- 1 cup Liquid Castile Soap - This is the base for your shampoo. It’s gentle, naturally-derived, and biodegradable.
- 1⁄2 cup Coconut Oil - Coconut oil provides conditioning and moisture to your hair.
- 20 drops of Essential Oils - Choose oils like lavender, rosemary, or tea tree for fragrance and benefits like promoting hair growth or reducing dandruff.
- 1⁄4 cup Aloe Vera Gel - Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera also conditions hair without weighing it down.
- 2 tsp Bentonite Clay - This helps in cleansing by drawing out impurities from the hair and scalp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making DIY Bar Shampoo
Follow these steps to create your homemade bar shampoo:
- Prepare Your Molds: Line a mold with parchment paper or use silicone molds to ease the removal of your bar shampoo later.
- Melt Coconut Oil: In a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid. Do not let it get too hot.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Slowly add the liquid Castile soap to the melted coconut oil.
- Whisk in the aloe vera gel to combine smoothly.
- Add your chosen essential oils for scent and hair health benefits.
- Mix in the bentonite clay to thicken and add cleansing properties. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared molds. Tap the mold gently on your countertop to remove air bubbles.
- Set: Allow the mixture to set for at least 24 hours. You can speed up this process by placing it in the fridge.
- Cure: Once set, remove the bar from the mold and leave it to cure for a few days in a well-ventilated area. This helps the bar harden and reduces excess moisture.
- Store: Store your bar shampoo in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight or in a container to prolong its shelf life.
📌 Note: Bentonite clay can clump when mixed with liquid. For easier mixing, you might want to sift it or mix it with a small amount of water first before adding it to the shampoo mixture.
Here is a simple table to give you an idea about the shelf life of each ingredient when stored properly:
| Ingredient | Estimated Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Liquid Castile Soap | 2-3 years |
| Coconut Oil | Up to 5 years |
| Essential Oils | 1-3 years |
| Aloe Vera Gel | 6 months |
| Bentonite Clay | Indefinite if kept dry |
Using your DIY bar shampoo is straightforward. Wet your hair, lather the bar between your hands or directly onto your hair, and massage gently into your scalp. Rinse thoroughly. A benefit of using a bar shampoo is that it usually lasts longer than liquid shampoos due to its concentrated form.
With the right ingredients and method, DIY bar shampoo can be an easy, economical, and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought products. Not only do you have control over what goes into your shampoo, but you're also contributing to reducing plastic waste, which is a significant concern with traditional shampoo bottles.
What type of essential oils are best for different hair types?
+
For oily hair, consider tea tree or lavender oils. Dry hair benefits from oils like argan or avocado oil, while rosemary or peppermint can stimulate growth and circulation on the scalp for those looking to encourage hair growth.
Can I add other ingredients to customize my shampoo?
+
Yes, you can personalize your bar shampoo by adding ingredients like shea butter for extra moisturizing, vitamin E for additional hair repair, or even coffee for brunettes to deepen color.
How long does homemade bar shampoo last?
+
Depending on usage and storage conditions, a bar shampoo can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, offering significant savings compared to buying liquid shampoo regularly.
Related Terms:
- recipe to make bar shampoo
- Lye free shampoo bar recipe
- Shampoo bar recipe calculator
- Beeswax shampoo bar recipe
- Conditioning shampoo bar recipe
- Cold process shampoo bar recipe
