Do you ever wish that your hair was soft, silky, and ready for a hair care commercial? While we cannot promise miraculously luscious locks, we can provide an all-natural shampoo that contributes to healthier hair. The shampoo recipe in this article may help your hair get its bounce back! It only consists of three ingredients: coconut milk, liquid castile soap, and lavender essential oil.
Most store bought shampoos contain ingredients that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Harmful chemicals in name brand options may not do your hair any favors, despite the promises they advertise. Switching to homemade, natural hair care products can often bring your hair back to life. You just have to find which ingredients work for you, but the following ingredients help promote scalp and hair health.
Coconut Milk
Rich in beneficial nutrients like vitamins B12, C, and E, zinc, healthy fats, and vital proteins, coconut milk is highly beneficial for hair and skin. Vitamin E works to protect your hair from free radical damage. Several studies indicate that volatiles in canned coconut milk change over time. For this reason, hair care experts recommend homemade coconut milk (recipe here) for optimal hair care. The lauric acid in coconut milk can easily penetrate hair and strengthen the cuticle. Additionally, the high protein profile of coconut milk works to keep your hair strong and healthy.
Liquid Castile Soap
As a quick note, switching from regular shampoo to liquid castile soap can take time because it is more alkaline than your typical shampoo. This may disrupt your scalp’s pH level, but that is why you dilute it with other ingredients. Castile soap contains lye (a metal hydroxide obtained from wood ash) and produces soap molecules. It is natural, oil-based, and non-toxic, so it cleanses gently, which is highly beneficial for people with scalp issues like dermatitis or eczema. Because liquid castile soap is free of fragrances, detergents, and irritants, it works to preserve the scalp’s natural oils. That may help keep hair follicles healthy and promote a healthier growth rate for your hair.
Lavender Essential Oil
Known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, lavender has been used in medicinal practices for over 2,500 years. It has been a popular ingredient in folk medicine in various treatments for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and depression. Lavender essential oil’s antimicrobial properties may help reduce the risk of dandruff, which is caused by yeast infecting the scalp. Depending on the cause of dandruff, lavender essential oil may prevent the formation of flakes. The anti-inflammatory properties also encourage a healthier scalp, which is essential for aiding hair growth.
DIY 3-Ingredient Lavender Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 1.75 cup coconut milk (ideally homemade, but canned is acceptable)
- 1.5 cups liquid castile soap
- 30 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into some shampoo bottles and close tightly.
- Shake the bottle before each use.
