If you fear that some of the chemicals in your usual shampoo aren’t good for your hair, skin, or body, it may be time to turn to natural alternatives. Whether you want to mix up your traditional shampoo with vegetable-based castile soap, rely on baking soda to clean your locks, or create a nourishing honey-based wash for your hair, you can easily create a mixture that allows you to shampoo more naturally. Using one of these methods to wash your hair can take some getting used to, but you'll be left with clean, healthy, shining tresses.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (59 ml) water
- ¼ cup (59 ml) liquid castile soap
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) light vegetable oil
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part water
- 1 part raw honey
- 3 parts filtered water
- 3 to 5 drops essential oil for every 1 part of honey
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Making Homemade Basic Shampoo
-
Combine all of the ingredients. This basic oil and castile soap shampoo formula can help keep your hair glossy and moisturized. Add ¼ cup (59 ml) of water, ¼ cup (59 ml) of liquid castile soap, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of light vegetable oil to a bowl. Use a spoon to stir the mixture together until it’s fully blended. [1] X Research source
- For the best results, use filtered or distilled water.
- If you have oily hair, omit the vegetable oil or replace it with a lightweight oil, such as jojoba.
-
Transfer the mixture to a squeeze container. Once the shampoo is fully mixed, place a funnel in the top of a squeeze bottle. Pour the shampoo through the funnel to add it to the bottle for storage. [2] X Research source
- The recipe makes 4 ounces (118 ml) of shampoo. Make sure that your squeeze bottle can hold at least that much.
- If you don’t want to purchase a new squeeze bottle, use the container from an old store-bought shampoo. Just rinse it out first to remove any of the old shampoo.
Advertisement -
Wash your hair with the shampoo as usual. To wash your hair with the natural shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly with water. Squeeze a small amount of the shampoo into your hand, and massage it into your hair at the scalp to form a lather. Rinse the shampoo with cool water. [3] X Research source
- Follow up the shampoo with a conditioner to ensure that your hair is properly hydrated.
- Store any leftover shampoo in the refrigerator to keep it from spoiling between uses, especially if you don’t shampoo often.
Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Using Baking Soda to Wash Your Hair
-
Mix the baking soda and water. A simple baking soda wash can keep your hair buildup-free and combat dandruff. Add 1 part of baking soda and 1 part of water to a jar or squeeze bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined.
- Filtered or distilled water works best, but you can use tap water.
- Mix the baking soda wash in the container that you plan to store it in your shower so you don’t have to transfer the mixture.
- The baking soda and water will separate as they sit on the bathroom shelf, so be sure to shake the bottle well before each use.
- Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliator and clarifier, making this wash perfect for oil or dandruff-prone hair.
-
Apply the mixture to your scalp. When you’re ready to use the baking soda mixture to shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly. Pour the baking soda mixture onto your scalp, massaging it in with your fingers. Apply more as needed, but keep the mixture concentrated on your scalp. [4] X Research source
- You don’t need to apply the baking soda wash to the ends of your hair because the scalp is where all of the natural oils are. The mixture will also be washed through the length when you rinse your hair.
EXPERT TIPLicensed CosmetologistLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Use baking soda’s exfoliating properties for an extra clean scalp. According to Laura Martin, a Licensed Cosmetologist, “An exfoliating shampoo or shampoo alternative, such as baking soda, is great for deep cleaning your scalp. Make sure you massage it directly into the roots for the best result.”
-
Rinse your hair with water. After you’ve applied the baking soda mixture to your entire scalp, let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Wash it out with cool water as you would with regular shampoo. [5] X Research source
-
4Rinse with apple cider vinegar to condition your hair. Because baking soda is alkaline, following it up with an acidic apple cider vinegar rinse can restore the proper pH balance to your hair. It can actually replace your usual conditioner—just mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the vinegar with 1 cup (237 ml) of water in a bottle and shake well to ensure that they’re blended. Apply it to your scalp and massage it through your hair before rinsing it out with water.
- If you use a vinegar rinse, be sure to thoroughly rinse any baking soda out of your hair first.
Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Shampooing with Honey
-
Combine the honey and water. Honey can help lock in moisture and strengthen your hair. For the best results, you should mix this shampoo up fresh every time you plan to use it. Add 1 part raw honey to 3 parts filtered water in a small bowl, and mix until they are blended. [6] X Research source
- Raw honey may also be sold as unpasteurized honey.
- For 1 dose of the shampoo, use 1 tablespoon (21 g) of the honey with 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of the water.
- Because the honey is so thick, you may have a difficult time mixing it into the water. If you’re having trouble, place the mixture in a small saucepan and warm it over low heat until the honey dissolves into the water.
-
Stir in the essential oil. Mixing essential oil into the honey and water mixture can help give it a pleasant scent and provide some moisturization for your scalp. Add 3 to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil for every 1 part of honey that you’re adding, and mix until it’s fully combined. [7] X Research source
- You can use the essential oil that you think smells the best, but it’s a good idea to choose one that has benefits for the hair.
- Carrot seed oil is very nourishing for all hair types.
- Lemon, peppermint, and rosemary oils are good options for oily hair.
- Lavender, geranium, and sandalwood oils are good options for dry hair.
- Tea tree oil is a good option if you have issues with an oily or flaky scalp.
-
Wet your hair and apply the mixture to your scalp. To shampoo with the honey, wet your hair completely. Massage the honey mixture onto your scalp, making sure not to miss any spots. Use a squeeze bottle to make application easier. [8] X Research source
- It’s not necessary to apply the honey wash directly to the ends of your hair.
-
Wash the honey mixture out of your hair with water. After you’ve applied the honey wash to your scalp, rinse it out of your hair with cool water. Because the honey is moisturizing, it isn’t necessary to follow up with a conditioner. [9] X Research source
- If you feel like your hair needs some extra conditioning, try using an apple cider vinegar rinse after the honey shampoo.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat could be used instead of shampoo?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Baking soda and honey are both great natural alternatives to shampoo. You'll need to dilute them with water to avoid damaging the hair. See the article above for specific proportions.
-
QuestionIs it OK to use dish soap to wash your hair?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Dish soap is very harsh and designed to strip away oils. It is not a good choice for shampooing the hair as it will remove too much of the hair's natural moisture.
-
QuestionWhat is the no shampoo method?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.For people with curly hair, applying conditioner instead of shampoo when "washing" can help prevent dryness and enhance their natural curl pattern. You will still need to use a regular shampoo occasionally, perhaps once a month.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- When you switch to natural shampoo from a sudsing, store-bought shampoo, there can be an adjustment period for your hair. The first few weeks, your hair may appear greasy and dull. That’s because your scalp is adjusting to not having its natural oils stripped away. It usually stops after a month or so.Thanks
- Baking soda and water mixtures can be used to remove sap from your hair as well.Thanks
Advertisement
Warnings
- Shampoo made with raw honey can lighten your hair, especially if you use it frequently. It can also damage color-treated hair.Thanks
Advertisement
Things You’ll Need
Making Homemade Basic Shampoo
- A small bowl
- A spoon
- A funnel
- A squeeze bottle
Using Baking Soda to Wash Your Hair
- A jar, squeeze bottle, or other storage container
Shampooing with Honey
- A bowl
- A spoon
References
- ↑ http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-beauty/natural-shampoo-alternatives-zmez13mjzmel?pageid=3#PageContent3
- ↑ http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-beauty/natural-shampoo-alternatives-zmez13mjzmel?pageid=3#PageContent3
- ↑ http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-beauty/natural-shampoo-alternatives-zmez13mjzmel?pageid=3#PageContent3
- ↑ http://theartofsimple.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/
- ↑ http://theartofsimple.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/
- ↑ http://empoweredsustenance.com/diy-honey-shampoo/
- ↑ http://empoweredsustenance.com/diy-honey-shampoo/
- ↑ http://empoweredsustenance.com/diy-honey-shampoo/
- ↑ http://empoweredsustenance.com/diy-honey-shampoo/
About this article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 111,989 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I wasn't aware of using thistle root tincture and homemade baked dark bread as hair-cleansing alternatives. "
Advertisement
"I wasn't aware of using thistle root tincture and homemade baked dark bread as hair-cleansing alternatives. "
