Making easy homemade shampoo and conditioner probably seems like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be.
I have found a super simple way to make easy homemade shampoo and conditioner: organic shampoo and conditioner bases scented with organic essential oils.
See, I told you it was simple, and pretty cost-effective, as well!
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Easy Homemade Shampoo & Conditioner
The Chemistry Store sells the shampoo and conditioner bases (and any fancy packaging you may want to use). I have a bunch of leftover bottles, so I have been using those up. Mason jars could easily be used, just be careful not to drop them! You could also re-purpose old shampoo and conditioner bottles. Think: reduce, reuse, recycle.
I recommend buying the Stephenson Brand organic shampoo and conditioner bases by the gallon. It is more cost-effective and cuts down on packaging. Plus, you can re-purpose the gallon jug for other (non-edible) projects.
The initial cost will be about $60 (plus any essential oils you may need), but it lasts my entire family of 4 (3 of which are girls with long hair) for an entire year!
Did I mention that I use the shampoo as a body wash, too?
The Stephenson Brand organic shampoo base they carry is about 75% organic and free of SLS, SLES, and parabens.
(You can also buy it here: Stephenson Brand Organic Shampoo Base
The Stephenson Brand organic conditioner base they carry is about 73% organic and also free of SLS, SLES, and parabens.
Danger, Danger
According to the Environmental Working Group, “Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.”
And…. “SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies.” SLS and SLES can also cause eye irritation, hair loss, and may even cause cancer.
SUPER SCARY STUFFFFF!!!
Folks, the scarier thing is that most store-bought shampoos and conditioners contain those ingredients.
I can’t stress it enough, parabens, SLS, and SLES are extremely dangerous ingredients that you need to avoid!
Steps for Making Easy Homemade Shampoo & Conditioner
Okay, enough with the scary stuff, here are the easy steps for making your own shampoo and conditioner:
Once you have your shampoo and conditioner bases, essential oils, and bottles or jars, just fill up the bottles or jars, add your own blend of organic essential oils, shake, and wah-la! Easy homemade shampoo and conditioner.
I have two favorite essential oil blends for the shampoo and conditioner bases. The first blend is patchouli, frankincense, cedar wood, and pine needle. It’s a very earthy and woodsy smell. My other favorite blend is lavender, peppermint, and vanilla.
Add as much essential oil as you see fit. Always start with a small amount and work up. Make sure to thoroughly shake your bottles so the oils get evenly distributed. I order all of my essential oils from Bulk Apothecary.
You can make just 1 bottle of shampoo and/or conditioner at a time, but I do the entire gallon all at once! It takes me a little longer, but it saves me a ton of time later on.
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Happy Homesteading! (:
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