Using a natural shampoo, either store-bought or homemade, can help you achieve the beautiful, shiny, bouncy hair that you’ve always wanted. Herbs and natural ingredients are gentle on the hair and don’t strip away natural oils like many commercial shampoos. The best part about making your own natural shampoos, however, is the ease of customization. You can create a formula designed specifically for your hair type, whether you have damaged, dry, oily, color-treated hair or anything in between. There are herbs and essential oils you can add to your homemade shampoos that benefit all hair colors and types.
Begin with the basic natural shampoo recipe below and use the ingredient charts to help you create a completely unique formula tailored to your specific hair type. I’ve also included suggested ingredient blends and recipes that you can try if you aren’t sure about creating your own formulas right away. As you gain more experience with using herbs and essential oils, this part will come to you more easily. However, any combination of ingredients suggested for your hair type and color should yield good results.
Basic Natural Shampoo Recipe
Making your own natural shampoo allows you to customize the formula to suit your hair type.
Start with this basic recipe and use the ingredient charts below to customize the formula for your hair type. You can purchase liquid castile soap at natural health stores, drug stores, some grocery stores and from online retailers. If castile soap is unavailable, use the same amount of natural, unscented baby shampoo.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled or spring water
- 2 tbsp. dried herbs or ¼ cup fresh herbs
- ⅓ cup liquid castile soap
- ¼ tsp. vegetable oil
- 25 drops essential oil
- 1 tbsp. additive of choice, optional (see chart below)
Directions:
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Bring the water to a rolling boil in a glass saucepan. Remove the pan from the heat, add the herbs, cover and allow the mixture to steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Strain the herbs from the liquid and discard the plant material in the compost pile or garbage bin. Allow the liquid to cool completely.
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Stir the liquid castile soap into the cooled liquid, then add the vegetable oil, essential oil and additives, if using. Transfer the shampoo to a plastic bottle with a flip-top lid.
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Store the shampoo in the shower and shake well before each use. Keep in mind that this shampoo works gently and will not produce much lather. However, it will leave your hair clean, shiny and healthy.
Herbs for Specific Hair Types and Colors
The following charts will help you choose the best herbs to use in your natural hair shampoo, depending on your specific hair type and/or color. You can use more than one herb in your personal recipe if desired, but do not exceed 2 tbsp. dried herbs or ¼ cup fresh herbs in any one batch. Some herbs may fall into more than one category. Chamomile, for example, gives golden highlights when used regularly and is also beneficial for individuals with normal hair. If you have blonde, normal hair, this may be the herb for you, but you may not want to use it if you’re a brunette. Take all of the herb’s properties into account for the best results.
| Hair Type or Color | Suggested Herbs and Properties |
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Normal Hair |
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Dry Hair |
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Oily Hair |
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Blonde Hair |
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Red Hair |
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Dark Hair |
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Gray Hair |
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Vegetable Oils for Specific Hair Types
You may omit the vegetable oil from the natural shampoo recipe completely if you have very oily hair. Otherwise, use the chart below to help you choose the best moisturizing oil to add to your formula. Adding vegetable oil helps the other ingredients penetrate the hair and adds moisture. This addition is especially helpful for individuals with dry hair. Most of these oils can be purchased from your local natural health store or drug store, or you can order them online.
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Hair Type |
Suggested Oils and Properties |
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Normal Hair |
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Dry Hair |
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Oily Hair |
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Essential Oils for Specific Hair Types and Colors
Essential oils are powerful and should be used with care. Never allow them to touch your skin without being diluted first to prevent irritation. You can use more than one essential oil in your natural shampoo recipe, but do not exceed 25 drops per batch. For example, you could use 10 drops of one essential oil and 15 drops of another to make a customized shampoo for your hair type. Use the chart below to help you choose the best oils for your hair type and color.
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Hair Type or Color |
Suggested Essential Oils and Properties |
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Normal Hair |
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Dry Hair |
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Oily Hair |
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Blonde Hair |
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Red Hair |
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Dark Hair |
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Gray Hair |
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Natural Shampoo Additives for Specific Hair Types
In addition to the basic ingredients, your all natural shampoo can also include various additives, depending on your specific hair type. These ingredients are optional, but they can add a boost to your shampoo recipe, making it even more effective and beneficial. Use the chart below to help you find the best additives for your hair.
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Hair Type |
Suggested Additives and Properties |
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Normal Hair |
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Dry Hair |
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Oily Hair |
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Suggested Natural Shampoo Blends
If you aren’t sure where to begin or if you don’t fancy creating your own custom natural shampoo, try one of the following blends. All of the recipes listed below have been formulated for a specific hair type and/or color. Feel free to customize and adapt any of these recipes to suit your hair, as necessary. I have listed the herbs, essential oils, vegetable oils and additives (where applicable) you’ll need for each blend. However, make sure to use the instructions outlined in the basic natural shampoo recipe above for the best results.
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Natural Shampoo for Normal Hair Herbs: lavender, horsetail Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: lavender Additives: aloe vera gel |
Natural Shampoo for Dry Hair Herbs: comfrey, burdock root Vegetable Oils: jojoba oil Essential Oils: sandalwood Additives: vitamin E oil |
Natural Shampoo for Oily Hair Herbs: lemon balm, basil Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: lemon Additives: white vinegar |
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Natural Shampoo for Normal, Blonde Hair Herbs: chamomile, lavender Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: chamomile Additives: aloe vera gel |
Natural Shampoo for Dry, Blonde Hair Herbs: calendula, parsley Vegetable Oils: jojoba oil Essential Oils: carrot seed Additives: honey |
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Blonde Hair Herbs: yarrow, chamomile Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: ylang ylang Additives: lemon juice |
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Natural Shampoo for Normal, Red Hair Herbs: chamomile, red clover Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: chamomile Additives: aloe vera gel |
Natural Shampoo for Dry, Red Hair Herbs: comfrey, calendula Vegetable Oils: jojoba oil Essential Oils: sandalwood Additives: honey |
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Red Hair Herbs: red clover, peppermint Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: ylang ylang Additives: grapefruit juice |
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Natural Shampoo for Normal, Dark Hair Herbs: rosemary, sage Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: rosemary Additives: aloe vera gel |
Natural Shampoo for Dry, Dark Hair Herbs: parsley, marjoram Vegetable Oils: jojoba oil Essential Oils: patchouli Additives: vitamin E oil |
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Dark Hair Herbs: rosemary, basil Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: rose geranium Additives: apple cider vinegar |
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Natural Shampoo for Normal, Gray Hair Herbs: Elderberry, sage Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: sage Additives: aloe vera gel |
Natural Shampoo for Dry, Gray Hair Herbs: comfrey, nettle Vegetable Oils: jojoba Essential Oils: frankincense Additives: vitamin E oil |
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Gray Hair Herbs: rosemary, basil Vegetable Oils: almond oil Essential Oils: cypress Additives: apple cider vinegar |
References:
- Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
- Beauty by Nature
- Your Backyard Herb Garden
- Naturally Healthy Hair
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
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I’m using organic shampoo now but would love to dabble with making my own natural shampoo. Most conventional shampoos contain a lot of toxic chemicals that are so gross. There should be a complete ban on many of them like parabens.
what is the issue with lathering shampoos?
Nothing against the instructions given here, just heard it’s better to have shampoos that don’t lather, but no information on the harms of it, nor why those that don’t lather are better.
Hi Alicia,
It’s not the lathering that’s the problem, it’s the chemicals used to produce the lather. In most cases, these are harmful substances such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Here’s a link to an article on Naturalnews.com with more information about the dangers of this substance if you’re interested in a more in-depth answer: http://www.naturalnews.com/033932_sodium_lauryl_sulfate_shampoo.html.
Thanks for stopping by!
I have one question. How long does this mixture usually last with daily use? And does it go bad after awhile if you leave it out?
-Thanks
I am getting ready to make my own shampoo (so excited! ) Ive been wanting to make my own for some time now & finally found a recipie that I can make according to my hair type. My question is though, do I need to use a conditioner? It seems pretty hydrating so im guessing I wouldnt. My other question is I’ve heard of apple cider vinegar rinse? Would you recomend it?
Thank you for this article. I appreciate it! I see that at the top you mention color-treated hair once, but I do not see any specific recipes for that. I would appreciate some. Thanks!
For some reason I cannot see the suggested mixtures for oily hair. The column is cut off. What is the ingredients suggestions for natural shampoo oily hair?
this is awesome!!!! I am so going to start buying products to create my own, Are there any great ways to get amazing scents? I love the smell of herbal essence but that’s all I like about it. lol
This looks great, but there is just a square where the amount of the liquid castille soap should be, at least on my monitor. Please advise? Thanks!!
Hi, my question is where to get the recommended ingredients such as the herbs either fresh or dired and the essential oils. I would love to be able to make my own shampoo and as soon as I have the info will be getting right on it. How long does it last? Does it have a “shelf life”? Thank you for any help you can give.
What about conditioners? Do you have recipes for that. My hair is oily but if I don’t use conditioner I can’t get a comb through it.
@Leota – Depending on how often you wash your hair, the mixture can last three to four weeks. It will go bad if you leave it out for too long, since it contains essentially an herbal tea. I usually keep the main bottle in the refrigerator and keep a small bottle (with enough for three or four days) in the shower. If it goes bad, you’ll know!
@Valerie – It’s up to you if you want to use a conditioner. If you typically use one, I would suggest that you continue. I use a natural conditioner now, but I have used an apple cider vinegar rinse in the past and loved it. It really makes your hair soft and shiny, and it feels very clean.
@Felicia – For color treated hair, I would recommend using the herbs for your current hair color and texture. If you’ve dyed your hair red, use herbs recommended for red hair, etc.
@Joy:
Natural Shampoo for Oily Hair
Herbs: lemon balm, basil
Vegetable Oils: almond oil
Essential Oils: lemon
Additives: white vinegar
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Blonde Hair
Herbs: yarrow, chamomile
Vegetable Oils: almond oil
Essential Oils: ylang ylang
Additives: lemon juice
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Red Hair
Herbs: red clover, peppermint
Vegetable Oils: almond oil
Essential Oils: ylang ylang
Additives: grapefruit juice
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Dark Hair
Herbs: rosemary, basil
Vegetable Oils: almond oil
Essential Oils: rose geranium
Additives: apple cider vinegar
Natural Shampoo for Oily, Gray Hair
Herbs: rosemary, basil
Vegetable Oils: almond oil
Essential Oils: cypress
Additives: apple cider vinegar
@Jessie – Try visiting a local health food store and sampling the different essential oils. Find a few you like and use them!
@Kristi – Use 1/3 cup liquid castile soap.
@Becky – You can purchase your essential oils and herbs from local health food stores or online. I recommend using Mountain Rose Herbs (Google them). They have great prices and wonderful customer service. Plus, they have everything you need to make your own herbal shampoos. Good luck!
@Jennifer – It’s difficult to make a good herbal cream-based conditioner at home (and I’m still trying to find just the right recipe). However, rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar after washing it works just as well for most people. You can even mix it with a little essential oil to improve the smell if you want. Personally, I use a store-bought natural conditioner with my homemade shampoo, because like you, I can’t get a comb through my hair without it either.