A little while ago we gave you the lowdown on how to save a few coins and whip up your own home made conditioners. We thought it was only right to hook you up with shampoo recipes as well.
Protective season is truly upon us. The colder weather means that we will be wearing our extensions for longer and using heavier products to keep our natural curls hydrated. This means that apart from going longer in between wash days there will also be a lot more build up and dirt to remove from your hair.
Most commercial shampoos have some very suspect ingredients. Shampoo manufacturers are hearing our concerns by slowing removing the worst offenders but there is a way to make sure you know exactly what you are getting and how it will benefit your hair.
The recipes below are based around herbs used in the ancient practice of Ayurveda. The aim is not to treat symptoms but to provide the body with what it needs to reverse the cause. Most of the ingredients are readily available and some may already be apart of your current routine. The recipes allow for large batches to be made and you can store the leftovers in an airtight container until you are ready to use your homemade shampoo again.
For build up and scalp refreshing
When you have just taken out your protective style there will usually be thick build up on the scalp and root made up of oils and dead skin. To get a clean canvas ready for your next style you do not need to use a harsh or drying shampoo that will strip the hair but can opt for this plant that packs quite a punch. Reetha (Soapnut) is used widely across Asia as a cleaning agent for hair, skin and clothes. It contains saponins which help remove dirt while still being gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. It is easier to use the powder as the plant requires boiling and straining for extraction. It can be used alone but has more healing properties when combined with other herbs.
Hair and Scalp Heavy Lifter
1 cup Reetha powder
½ cup Amla powder
10 drops of tea tree essential oil
10 drops of lemon juice
Mix all the ingredients together and add water until you have a runny paste. Apply using a bottle with a small nozzle to apply. Begin on damp hair start at the roots and work it in with fingers (this homemade shampoo will not create a lather) then work the products down the hair shaft. Cover hair with a cap for a minimum of 20 mins. Rinse with cool water then condition.
To remove and fight oil
If you find that your hair and scalp get very oily or greasy then Bentonite clay is for you. It is made from volcanic ash and draws out toxins, metals and impurities from the body. However it soothes the scalp and can balance out oil production without being drying so the hair retains a lot of moisture, plus it will make your curls pop. It can also be used on the face and body as a rejuvenating mask.
Cleansing Curl Clay
1 cup of Bentonite clay
5 tbs of Apple Cider Vinegar (Adjust according to your needs. Use more if you have more build up and replace with water if you have less build up.)
5 drops of Jojoba oil
Mix well and add water until the clay is just past solid, if it gets runny add more clay. Use only plastic or wood to stir as metal will affect its make up. Apply to damp hair in sections so that there is even coverage. You can also detangle at this point using your fingers. Leave for 30-40 mins (less if you use a lot of ACV). Rinse until the water runs clear. Style as required.
For dandruff and other scalp ailments
Rhassoul clay is similar to Bentonite but has a higher mineral content and will leave the hair feeling softer. It is great for the scalp and it will balance the pH to prevent dandruff, psoriasis and other scalp ailments.
Moroccan Spa
1 cup of Rhassoul clay
10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
10 drops of eucalyptus
Mix with warm water in a plastic or wooden container. The consistency should be smooth and slightly runny. Apply to damp hair and cover with a cap for 15 mins. Rinse with warm water and condition.
Quick Refresh Shampoo Tips
When all else fails and you have either run out of shampoo or somehow managed to cover your hair in tons of dirt, product and oil you can use two kitchen essentials.
- water
- baking soda
- lemon juice
The combination of baking soda and lemon juice gives your hair a natural refresh that is effective. However, this combination should not be used regularly as it can be very drying and make your natural hair brittle. Simply mix the three ingredients together, apply sparsely to your hair, then rinse thoroughly. Remember to use a leave-in-conditioner to rehydrate the hair.
Which ever recipe you use, explore and have fun. It may be that you need to add or remove something to get it just right. Always research the ingredients and buy the best quality available to ensure your home made hair products give you the intended results.