Keep preservatives out of your hair by making your own shampoo at home.
Whether your hair doesn't react well to bottled shampoos, or you simply want to know exactly what products you're putting on your hair, consider making your own shampoo at home. Your homemade shampoo won't lather up like those from the drugstore: This is because you won't be adding sudsing agents. It also won't be as thick as you're used to. It will be able to clean your hair just as well though. Sodium lauryl sulfate is the synthetic foaming agent that makes commercial shampoo lather, but it has been linked to skin allergies, dandruff and even hair loss.
Instructions
1. Make castile shampoo by mixing four ounces of castile soap flakes with one quart of water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and pour the water over the castile flakes. Stir the mixture until the flakes are dissolved. Allow to cool and store in a plastic bottle.
2. Mix one cup of your regular shampoo with a quarter cup of olive oil, avocado oil or almond oil.
3. Make a dry shampoo for when you go camping or other times when you're not able to wash your hair. Combine one tablespoon of cornmeal with one tablespoon of powdered Orris root and one tablespoon of finely ground almonds. Apply this from your scalp to the ends of your hair and rub in with your finger tips. Brush mixture out of your hair.
4. Add essential oils to your shampoos, like calming lavender or invigorating citrus. Combine four to eight drops of the essential oil with a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and stir into the shampoo.
5. Use herb-infused water in your shampoo instead of plain water. Add a half ounce of dried herbs to every quart of water, allowing the herbs to steep in the hot water for 20 minutes. Purchasing the herbs in bulk will save you money.
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