How to Make Hair Conditioner

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Conditioner is used to balance the pH of your hair and return essential oils and shine to your hair after shampooing. Making your own conditioner at home is a great way to save money while still treating your hair with quality, natural ingredients. The best part, though, is that you probably have all of the ingredients in your house already! By mixing certain combinations of various household products, you'll be able to make a homemade conditioner that works just as well as products you'd buy at the store or a salon.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Common Ingredients

PDF download Download Article
  1. While some people are little turned-off by the idea of using a condiment for conditioner, mayonnaise is a great way to add a healthy shine to your hair. The egg whites contain proteins that help damaged hair, and the vinegar helps restore a balanced pH to your scalp. [1] This little mixture spreads easily and can be used just like normal conditioner. Simply whisk them together in a bowl and apply like normal.
    • Do not use hot water to wash your hair or you risk cooking the egg whites on your head.
    • Substitute vanilla yogurt for plain for a light vanilla scent. [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Hair Conditioner
    Stir the mixture well and apply it to your head. [3]
    • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a wonderful, spiced scent.
    • Some people believe that adding one pureed banana can also help prevent hair breakage. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Hair Conditioner
    Mix either aloe or shea butter with 2–3 tablespoons (29.6–44.4 ml) of olive oil to make it easily spreadable, then mix it over your hair after shampoo. You can also skip the olive oil for a simple and effective leave-in conditioner.
    • You won't need a lot-- simply put a little on your fingertips and focus on the ends of your hair to fight split ends. [5]
  4. Oil is essential for healthy hair, so this overnight conditioner is a great way to get your hair happy and healthy. Be sure to cover your hair with a shower cap to prevent the oil from getting on your sheets. This is particularly useful for dry, damaged hair. Repeat 2-3 times a week, or as often as you hair requires. [6]
    • Heat the oil up until it is warm, but not hot, to the touch.
    • Massage the oil into your hair, spreading it from the scalp up to the end of the hair.
    • Rinse the oil out in the morning.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Hair Conditioner
    as the base of a deep-cleansing conditioner. The following recipe combines many of the principles of homemade conditioners to make a deep cleaning, dandruff fighting conditioner. Use a blender to mix the following ingredients and reap the homemade-rewards:
    • 1 fully ripened avocado,
    • 2-3 teaspoons honey,
    • 1 tsp coconut oil,
    • 1/4 cup aloe vera juice, (available at most health stores and specialty grocers)
    • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. [7]
    • If the mixture is too thick, add more aloe vera or some water.
  6. The basics of conditioner are actually pretty simple: a base (like yogurt, avocado, honey), a pH balancer (vinegar, lemon juice), and some oil (coconut, olive, mayo). From there you have free reign to mix and match ingredients to get the right balance for you. Try adding:
    • Ground flax seeds.
    • Lavender, lemon, sage, bergamot, or rosemary extract.
    • Milk or cream to thin the mixture and make it easier to apply. [8]
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Apple Cider Vinegar

PDF download Download Article
  1. This classic liquid is the basis of many home remedies and is an all-natural way to keep your hair clean and shiny. [9] It is mixed with water, so don't fret about your hair smelling vinegary. A quick rinse will get rid of any odor. [10]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Hair Conditioner
    Simply combine the liquids and shake them until they are well mixed. Your basic conditioner is done. Shake the bottle before using it to make sure it is still well mixed.
    • This simple mixture is a good base that will help customize your conditioner.
  3. These oils will clean off your hair and return essential oils to hair follicles. This prevents your hair from overcompensating and producing a lot of oil shortly after you get out of the shower, which leads to greasy hair. Add 6-7 drops the following essential oils:
  4. Apple cider vinegar conditioner can be quickly adapted to deal with dandruff. Simply add 6-7 drops of the following oils and extracts to help fight off flakes:
    • Peppermint
    • Lavender
    • Lemon
    • Thyme
    • Rosemary
  5. Simply add the springs after mixing up the conditioner and leave them in for a few weeks. Strain out the branches when you are done for conditioner that leaves your head smelling wonderful for 1-2 hours after using it. [14]
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

How to Use Your Conditioner

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hot water damages your hair by opening up pores on the hair shaft, allowing moisture and oil to escape.
    • If you love hot showers, try dosing your hair with cold water for 30 seconds right before getting out to mitigate some of the effects.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Hair Conditioner
    Your hair is already soaking with water, making it harder to get the conditioner into the hair strand. After rinsing, dry out your hair a bit by lightly squeezing it. You can even lightly blot your hair with a towel to get rid of surface water. [15]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Hair Conditioner
    You don't want to massage the conditioner into your scalp where it won't do you any good. Spread the conditioner along your palms and then, starting in the middle of your hair, work it out towards the tips.
  4. This gives your hair time to absorb the conditioner and leaves it clean and happy.
  5. Most people naturally shampoo their hair and then apply conditioner, but a recent "reverse wash" trend promises shiny, high-volume hair. Simply apply conditioner, leave it in for several minutes, and then rinse it out before applying shampoo. [17]
    • Don't worry if your hair feels greasy after the conditioner -- the shampoo will deal with this.
    • Try out the reverse routine for a week and see how it feels. It is easy to go back if you aren't satisfied with the results.
  6. Shampoo strips essential oils from your hair, and should really only be used every 2-3 days. But you should always use conditioner, as it restores your hair's pH balance and lends it a gorgeous sheen.
    • People with greasier hair may need to shampoo more often.
    • You can use a small amount of conditioner without showering too. Just use your fingertips to massage it into the tips of your hair -- it will soak it up.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you make a good homemade conditioner?
    Lorena Barcal
    Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
    Lorena Barcal is a Clinical Herbalist, Clean Beauty Specialist, and Writer for IslandBeauty.co, a blog dedicated to sharing the benefits of using all-natural beauty products and recipes created by herbalists. Lorena specializes in studying and developing natural alternatives for beauty products. After finishing her herbal studies, Lorena managed an herbal lab in Barcelona developing natural beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge and insights to promote the natural beauty industry.
    Lorena Barcal
    Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Add in some rosemary essential oil! This ingredient is very anti-inflammatory and may help your scalp heal.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Does it matter what kind of vinegar I use?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Apple cider vinegar, with "the mother", has all the nutrients needed and balances the pH in your hair.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 20
  • Question
    Can I blend coffee, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil to make a hair darkening conditioner?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can, but it will make your hair smell like caffeine. It should also be noted that it will likely come out in one wash.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Your Hair Silky and Shiny with Vinegar
      How to
      Make and Use Rosemary Water in Your Hair
      How to
      Remove Dandruff Using Vinegar
      How to
      Make Flaxseed Hair Gel
      How to
      Make a Hot Oil Treatment for Hair
      How to
      Make Hair Oil
      How to
      Make Herbal Indian Shampoo
      How to
      Add Essential Oils to Shampoo
      How to
      Lighten Hair Naturally With Honey
      How to
      Use Mayonnaise as a Hair Conditioner for Beautiful Tresses
      How to
      Use Glycerin for Hair
      How to
      Make Hair Gel Using Aloe Vera Pulp
      How to
      Make Aloe Vera Shampoo
      How to
      Make Homemade Hair Spray: 7 Simple Recipes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.boldsky.com/beauty/body-care/2016/beauty-benefits-of-mayonnaise-for-skin-and-hair-104387.html
      2. ↑ http://hair.allwomenstalk.com/fantastic-homemade-hair-conditioners-to-try
      3. ↑ https://hair.allwomenstalk.com/fantastic-homemade-hair-conditioners-to-try/
      4. ↑ http://www.thefitindian.com/6-best-indian-homemade-natural-conditioners-for-healthy-hair/
      5. ↑ http://www.thefitindian.com/6-best-indian-homemade-natural-conditioners-for-healthy-hair/
      6. ↑ https://michellephan.com/3-easy-diy-natural-hair-masks-treatments-for-dry-damaged-hair/
      7. ↑ http://www.homeremedyshop.com/diy-homemade-avocado-deep-hair-conditioner/
      8. ↑ http://www.today.com/style/diy-hair-care-recipes-make-your-own-shampoo-conditioner-1D80018502
      9. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
      1. ↑ http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2015/02/diy-homemade-conditioner/
      2. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
      3. ↑ Lorena Barcal. Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2020.
      4. ↑ http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-conditioner/
      5. ↑ http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-conditioner/
      6. ↑ http://www.slideshare.net/ArganEsque/salon-secretshowtoproperlyuseconditioner
      7. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
      8. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2595519/The-secret-perfect-hair-Use-conditioner-BEFORE-shampoo.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make hair conditioner, try mixing together plain yogurt, mayonnaise, and one egg white for a protein-rich conditioner that will restore shine to your hair. You can also mix honey, whole milk, and olive oil to make a moisturizing conditioner. If you're trying to get rid of split ends, mix some aloe vera or shea butter with olive oil and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Or, you can make a leave-in conditioner by applying warm coconut oil or olive oil to your hair and leaving it in overnight. To learn how to make conditioner using apple cider vinegar, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 237,421 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Brea Witt

        Aug 24, 2017

        "Very informational, provided different varieties to my search."
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement