Homemade Alternatives: Shampoo and Conditioner

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Maintaining proper hair hygiene is extremely important for keeping hair healthy. Without proper hair hygiene hair may become too oily, frizzy, and damaged from split ends. Simply by washing hair with both shampoo and conditioner several times a week hair will stay healthier for much longer.

The role of shampoo is to help remove dirt and excess oils away from the hair so that hair may stay manageable and odor free. The role of conditioner is to help soften the hair and keep it moisturized by keeping the cuticle of the hair coated. Conditioner also works great for keeping hair detangled.

Homemade Shampoo
One of the easiest do-it-yourself alternatives for a homemade shampoo is to use a simple mixture of just baking soda and water. Begin by measuring 1 tablespoon of baking soda for every cup of water depending on how much hair needs to be washed. Place the mixture into an old shampoo bottle or another bottle that also dispenses and thoroughly shake. Preferably warm water should be used as cold water may be uncomfortable to place on the scalp.

Another great homemade shampoo is a Rosemary and Sage Herbal Shampoo. The ingredients include:
4 oz Castile Soap
½ oz Rosemary
½ oz Sage
½ oz Nettles
A few drops of Lavender Oil (optional)

Mix the herbs, soap, and lavender into a jar and seal tightly. On the stove boil 2 cups of water than stir in 3 tablespoons of the herbal ingredients from the jar. Remove the water from the heat and allow it to sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Once cooled down strain the mixture removing the herbs from the liquid and use. The Rosemary helps to prevent premature balding, the Lavender helps to reduce itchiness from the scalp, Sage acts as an antioxidant and the Nettles promote hair growth.

Homemade Conditioners
The first alternative for a homemade conditioner is extremely simple and works great as a deep conditioner. Begin by mixing 1 tablespoon of baby oil with two egg yolks and 1 cup of water. Stir the ingredients until frothy than place into a either a small cup or container to be used in the shower. Allow the Egg Yolk based conditioner to stay in the hair for 5 minutes for the best results than thoroughly rinse.

A second excellent homemade conditioner includes a bit more ingredients and will be much more popular amongst women. Begin by collecting;

2 ½ cups of water
½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ sprig of Rosemary
1 bag of any Herbal Tea to be used as a fragrance

Place the water and all of the ingredients into a pourable container such as old conditioner bottle and let it sit for 30 minutes. Prior to washing with this mixture be sure to shake thoroughly and use roughly ¾ to 1 cup. Scrub into the scalp; let sit for up to 5 minutes, then rinse.

 

Sources:

 

“Easy Homemade Shampoo.” By Aysha Schurman
http://www.life123.com/beauty/spa-treatments/beauty-tips/easy-homemade-shampoo.shtml

“5 Hair Conditioners You Can Make at Home.” By Ashley Watson
http://www.wisebread.com/5-hair-conditioners-you-can-make-at-home

Alden Morris
Proprietor at All Done Marketing
Alden Morris is a freelance writer and producer of content aimed to create interest, inspire, and educate.