Many of us, including myself, absolutely love the scents found in the popular Herbal Essences shampoos and conditioners. They feel luxurious, and many of the smells have relaxing or revitalizing aromatherapy effects so that we just can’t wait to shower.
But what if you could have an even better experience with your own homemade shampoo and conditioners? It’s no secret that commercial shampoo products contain many chemicals to simulate the smells they have, and who knows what those chemicals are really doing to your hair and skin? Making your own hair products is fun, easy, cheap, and actually better for you! Here is my favorite shampoo recipe.
Chamomile Peppermint Shampoo
14 ounces distilled or filtered water
8 Tablespoons [2 oz.] liquid castile soap
4 Tablespoons crushed chamomile
3 Tablespoons crushed peppermint leaves
2 Tablespoons rosemary
1 empty bottle the large enough to fit your ingredients. This recipe makes about 12 oz
Instructions:
Boil water.
Add herb to water and turn the heat as low as it will go.
Add the liquid castile soap to the bottle that you’ll be using for the finished shampoo, set aside.
Cover the water and herbs and let them steep for 20-40 minutes, depending on how strong you want the scent.
Pour the herbal water through a strainer into a bowl and let it cool.
Once cool, transfer the herbal mixture into the liquid castile soap. Shake well and you’ve got your shampoo!
Many people find that after using this shampoo instead of commercial shampoo, their hair is much healthier and softer, and they have no need for conditioner. I still like to condition my thick hair about three times a week, though, so there is a complimentary conditioner recipe I use. It is even easier to make than the shampoo.
Chamomile Peppermint Conditioner
4 Ounces virgin coconut oil
3 Tablespoons honey
2 Drops chamomile oil
1 Drop Peppermint oil
Empty bottle
Instructions:
Warm the coconut oil to melting point, which is about 76 degrees.
Measure the coconut oil into a clean empty bowl.
Stir in the honey, and add the chamomile and peppermint.
Stir for about 30 seconds and pour the mixture into the empty bottle. You now have a conditioner as well!
This conditioner may get a solid texture when it is left in cool temperatures, as coconut oil is solid when below 75 degrees. But once you begin your shower, or place the bottle back into temperatures above 76 degrees, it will regain its correct consistency. You will only need a small amount for your hair and this can also be used as a deep conditioner by wrapping a warm towel around your head and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
These also make really great gifts for friends and family, as natural herbal shampoos are considered quite a luxury. You can also use other herbs and flowers for your shampoo and conditioner, depending on your preferences, so have fun trying out new ingredients. You can impress your friends and family, but be ready to start getting asked for the recipes.
