By Matt Jabs
Homemade shampoo can be made with just two natural ingredients, which you likely already have. It’s also cheaper than store-bought and works just as well.
Note: this homemade shampoo tutorial also includes answers to frequently asked questions.
If you’ve been around DIY Natural long then you’re aware of our mission to help you make more of your own natural products. It’s often easy and beneficial on many levels, which is why we’re dedicated to doing it and to teaching others to do the same. Today we’ll learn how to make a natural homemade shampoo that works, is inexpensive, and so easy you won’t believe it! (Don’t want to make your own? Check out a hair care line we trust here.)
Why Homemade Shampoo?
Do shampoo manufacturers have your best interest at heart? Perhaps you believe they do, but since you’re here reading this article we’ll assume you’re at least becoming skeptical.
It’s simple. No one cares more about your pocketbook or your hair than you. That’s why you’re here. That’s why you want to make your own homemade shampoo. And that’s why you want to make more of your own products. So do we!
Homemade Shampoo
Yield 1 cup
To make this shampoo, commonly referred to as "no-poo," you will only need 2 ingredients. Never mistake simplicity for ineffectiveness. I double dog dare you to make, use, and compare this shampoo. After you're convinced I want you to share the information with everyone you know.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp baking soda - We buy baking soda in bulk because we use a ton and it.
- 1 cup water - As I said, one of the ingredients is free. Use whatever kind of water you wish; we use tap water.
Instructions
Mix ingredients together.
We mix ours in double batches into a clean, repurposed shampoo bottle. Feel free to use whatever container you like, doubling up on ingredients until it's full.
How to Use Your Homemade Shampoo
Simply shake the bottle before each use and squirt directly onto scalp and hair. Gently massage into the scalp hair for a minute or two and rinse well.
For best results, follow with a homemade conditioning rinse. The homemade conditioning rinse is imperative for restoring the pH of your hair and smoothing the hair cuticle. It will also keep your hair from feeling greasy/sticky after using homemade shampoos.
Notes
This shampoo is not intended for daily use, as the baking soda can potentially be drying to hair and scalp. We recommend using it as a clarifying shampoo. It's perfect for those times when you got a little carried away with hair products and need to remove some buildup, or when you're first switching over to homemade shampoos and need to remove some of the buildup commercial shampoos can leave behind.
This homemade shampoo will give best results when used with soft water.
Homemade Shampoo Video
Safe for All Hair Types
This homemade shampoo is completely safe for all hair types and will not strip your hair of its natural oils, unlike most commercial shampoo.
Be sure to question the safety of store-bought shampoos, along with any other products you buy – and always understand the ingredients of the products you use. (If you don’t want to make your own homemade shampoo, here is a brand we absolutely love – made with VERY pure, natural ingredients.)
If you have questions read the comments below or ask anew… and share this recipe with everyone you know!
Tips for Controlling Static
Especially if you’re heat styling, you may notice some static when using this homemade shampoo in the colder months. You can troubleshoot the static by trying some of the following tips:
- Be sure you’re trimming your ends every 6-8 weeks, less split ends = less static.
- Try shampooing less often (every other day or 3x/week).
- Use less heating elements (blow dryers, flat/curling irons, etc.).
- Try massaging in a Tbsp of olive oil once a week then rinsing.
- Melt a small amount of coconut oil in your hands and rub through the ends of your hair, avoiding your scalp.
- Another treatment to try is avocado w/lemon juice – mix, smash into hair, let sit 30 mins and rinse.
Tips for Controlling Oily Hair
- Do occasionally – mix 2 egg yolks with 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar. Work it into hair and let set a few minutes while showering. The egg binds with oils in the hair. Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Add 6-8 drops of citrus essential oil to your shampoo. Try lemon, lime, or sweet orange for controlling oil. (Find 100% pure essential oils here.)
- Be sure to shake your homemade shampoo vigorously to ensure the baking soda is completely dissolved into the water.
- Massage baking soda shampoo into your scalp for at least 2 minutes.
- Give your hair a few weeks to adjust to the change (could take 2-3 weeks or more).
Tips for Thickening Homemade Shampoo
- Blend up some whole oats in a good blender (like a Vitamix) then mix with baking soda and water. Different people prefer different consistencies so add oat flour slowly until desired thickness is reached.
- Mix cornstarch or arrowroot powder with the baking soda and water (add enough for desired thickness).
- Use both oats and cornstarch. Try this mixture: 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and equal parts cornstarch and oatmeal flour to thicken (approx. ¾ tablespoon of each).
How Much Does it Cost?
I’m glad you asked, this is one of my favorite parts of this homemade shampoo recipe.
- Cost = approximately $0.06/ounce depending on how much you pay for your baking soda.
If an average bottle of shampoo is a 16-ounce bottle this shampoo will cost you less than a dollar. Not too shabby.
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Sources
- Proper Names for Baking Soda. U.S. Department of Energy’s, Ask A Scientist.
I use to use this to clean my hair and loved it. I also used the vinegar rinse. But I have become allergic to vinegar. Is there another rinse that can be used with the no poo method?
I love this. I have very dry frizzy hair. Its a little more tangled when i first come out of the shower but as soon as it dries what a difference. Seriously everytime i use it he frizz level gets lower. Next time i try making my own coconut milk too.
How do you work the baking soda/water mixture through your hair? I have short (chin length) hair and I squirt the mixture all over my scalp, but I can’t move it through or really do anything with it. Doesn’t feel like my hair is getting clean or even close.
Thank you so much! I just tried this and it actually worked! My hair is oil free and nice and bouncy without the harsh chemicals!!!
Glad to hear it’s working for you Cara, blessings!
I love diy natural and I love making everything naturally at home. Sadly I am allergic to baking soda, corn(cornstarch), coconut oil, to name a few. I would love to make homemade shampoo and conditioner, any ideas?
Sorry to hear that Abby. At this time we do not have any shampoo recipes free of all the ingredients you listed, but let us know if you find anything! Blessings.
Here is a recipe I found. I haven’t tried it yet, but it might work for you!
http://www.happynews.com/living/haircare/make-shampoo.htm
I tried the baking soda and it dried my hair out to the point of not being able to get a brush through it. I have extremely dry hair and I think it was just too harsh on my hair, although it worked for my husband. I think this one might work for me with the added olive oil.
I have tried different measurments of the baking soda/water and vinegar rinse. no matter what I try, my scalp and any part of skin my hair touches (after using this mix) burns like hell. I usually end up jumping back in the shower and standing there letting the water fall over my hair for 30-45 minutes. and pray when I get out and dry my hair that the burning will not come back. I guess I have sensitive skin. 🙁
Hello. I just found your site and I am loving it 🙂 I have a question about the shampoo…Is it ok for people with dandruff? (sorry if I spelled it wrong)
Thank you for all the great information. Have a great day.
Alexa
Yes, it is perfectly fine for people with dandruff, it actually helps with dandruff. It soaks up all the extra oil in your roots and dries up the dandruff. But it just depends on the person.
-bye
Thank you for the info. Have a great day.
That looks like a great simple recipe for shampoo. I was wondering if it’s possible to add essential oils/herbs to this formula? Rosemary for example?
Many thanks
Rinee
found this site from the awesome book I checked out at the library. I wanted to add to the possible problems/causes…traveling between Wyoming and Michigan regularly i noticed that the water used washing your hair in makes an EXTREME difference! it has taken some time but I know for me hard water, soft water, even harder water determines which method i can use when. It IS WORTH IT! considering the alternatives I will experiment every day if i needed to.
Is there any other homemade shampoos recipes? This one just makes my hair feel gritty and impossible to manage.
Hi,read all the reviews and I think I’m thankful and confused as well.My daughter is 10 and has hair issues.I’m mostly concerned of the Sodium laurate sulphate in commercial shampoos.She had a shine in her hair,which suddenly has disappeared.The ends of her hair is simply thin .I would really love to know of a Home made shampoo n conditioner that can really boost up the lost shine n energy in her hair.I do oil her hair once a week.Pls. Help ASAP.Would appreciate it.
Hi, thank you for sharing with this great recipe for a natural shampoo. I am really happy with it, but I got lately little problem. After washing hairs with the shampoo I have some dundfruff. Maybe you have an idea why this is happening ?
Greetings.
Im a hairstylist carrying and using only natural and organic products! now im really enjoying using different cold pressed oils, raw ingredients, and essential oils to bring the hair to complete health! loving being a kitchen chemist!!! I would reccomend for those women who have dry hair to focus on cleansing the scalp only!! (using a bottle with a nozzle) And commiting to one night a week where you can make and apply an intensly deep conditioning treatment!, like avo, honey, and coldpressed oils. switch it up every week for variety! Good Luck and Thank you Matt
Great deep conditioner if your hair feels a little dry after. Take avacado, aloe, egg white, dry milk, and alittle olive oil. I always eye ball it. Play with ingridiants and make it yours. I put it on on dry hair for couple of hours. Rinse well. It’s the best. I do it once a week.
I’ve been washing my hair in this baking soda mix and rinsing with ACV water for at least 3 months now. I noticed it leaves a thick white layer all over my scalp causing it to be very itchy. Anything I can do to combat this? I really don’t want to go back to buying commercial shampoos.
I recommend rinsing more thoroughly and shampooing less often, like once every three days.
I am now home schooling my daughter and have tried many of your recipes. Because of your expertise and simple basic instructions, my little girl has come to love science and saving $ 🙂 Thx!
Wow Tonia, that’s awesome – your comment made our day! Blessings.
I remember learning the basics from my parents, this is so great, Tonia.
I did a mixture of 1 c. tea, 1 tbs baking soda, 1 tbs olive oil, and enough oat flour to thicken it. My problem is, try as I will, I cannot blend the oats enough to not leave chunks in my hair after the shower. They fall out once my hair is dry, but I’d like no chunks as I’m trying to sell and spread the word. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
The roots of a yucca plant will lather and make a nice shampoo.
I love the thought of this shampoo I tried it for 3 months but alas my hair is very dry and coarse to start with. I even did the vinegar rinse , nothing help relieve the dryness , even less baking soda. I will be experimenting to find something for very dry hair. When I come up with something I will let you know “)
Do you have city water? If so the chlorine is a major source of the dryness.