How to Make Your Own Shampoo

In an era where sustainability and personal wellness are paramount, more people are turning towards homemade, eco-friendly alternatives for daily use products. Among these, homemade shampoo and conditioner bars stand out as a practical, environmentally friendly, and nourishing option for hair care. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create your own shampoo and conditioner bars, delving into their benefits, ingredients, and a step-by-step guide to making them at home.

Why Choose Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner Bars?

Before we dive into the ‘how-to’, let’s understand why these bars are a superior choice:

1. Environmentally Friendly: These bars significantly reduce plastic waste. Traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles contribute to the alarming amount of plastic in our landfills and oceans. Bars, on the other hand, can be stored in reusable containers.
2. Natural Ingredients: Commercial hair care products often contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Homemade bars allow you to use natural, nourishing ingredients that are better for your hair and scalp.
3. Customizable: You have the freedom to tailor ingredients based on your hair type and needs, whether it’s for moisture, dandruff control, or volume.
4. Cost-Effective: Making your own bars can be more economical in the long run compared to purchasing high-end, natural hair care products.

Essential Ingredients

Before starting, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a basic list:

• For Shampoo Bars:
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) – a gentle surfactant derived from coconut.
  • BTMS-50 – a conditioning emulsifier.
  • Cetyl Alcohol – for hardness and conditioning.
  • Distilled Water or Herbal Tea.
  • Essential Oils – for fragrance and specific hair benefits.
  • Additives like honey, aloe vera, or clays for specific hair needs.
• For Conditioner Bars:
  • BTMS-25 or BTMS-50 – for detangling and conditioning.
  • Cetearyl Alcohol – for thickness and conditioning.
  • Butters (like shea or cocoa) – for moisture.
  • Oils (like argan or jojoba) – for nourishment.
  • Essential Oils – for fragrance and scalp health.

Find out BTMS 50 from Aliexpress. Please click here.

Find out Cetyl Alcohol product from Aliexpress. Please click here.

Find out Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) product from Aliexpress. Please click here.

Step-by-Step Guide

Making Shampoo Bars

1. Melt the Solids: Gently melt the SCI, BTMS-50, and cetyl alcohol in a double boiler. Ensure everything is completely melted.
2. Add Liquids: Once melted, remove from heat and add in your water or herbal tea. Stir well.
3. Incorporate Additives: Add your chosen essential oils and any other additives. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4. Mold and Set: Pour the mixture into molds (silicone molds work well). Let them set until completely cool and hard, which might take a few hours.

Making Conditioner Bars

1. Melt the Butters and Oils: Using a double boiler, melt the butters and oils together with the BTMS-25 or 50 and cetearyl alcohol.
2. Cool and Add Essential Oils: Once melted, take off the heat and let it cool slightly before adding in your chosen essential oils.
3. Pour and Set: Pour into molds and allow to set completely, which could take several hours to overnight.

Tips for Use and Storage

• Drying Between Uses: Let your bars dry out between uses to ensure they last longer.
• Storage: Store them in a cool, dry place. A soap dish that drains or a reusable tin works great.
• Application: Rub the bar between your hands to lather, then apply to your hair, or slide the bar directly on your hair.

Conclusion

Making your own shampoo and conditioner bars is a rewarding endeavor that benefits both your hair and the environment. By choosing natural ingredients and foregoing plastic packaging, you contribute to a healthier planet and take a step towards sustainable living. Plus, the customization options ensure that your hair is receiving the specific care it needs.

Embrace the art of creating your own hair care products, and you’ll find a satisfying blend of science, sustainability, and self-care. Your hair, and the earth, will thank you for it!