QUICK SUMMARY
Homemade shampoo with essential oils is one of the easiest swaps you can make when you’re ready to reduce the toxic burden in your bathroom. Haircare products are often loaded with harsh surfactants, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and mystery ingredients that touch your scalp again and again.
These DIY shampoo and conditioner recipes use simple, nourishing ingredients like unscented liquid castile soap, coconut milk, aloe vera gel, carrier oil, guar gum, and hair-loving essential oils. You get soft, clean, shiny hair without the unnecessary chemicals found in many conventional products.
The best part? You can customize your essential oils for your hair type: rosemary and sage for everyday support, lemon or tea tree for oily hair, lavender or geranium for dry hair and dandruff-prone scalps, and peppermint or rosemary when you want to support healthy hair growth.
Haircare is one of the sneakiest categories of toxic body care products. Reality check: shampoo and conditioner are supposed to wash the yuck out, not add more of it back in!
That’s why I love making homemade shampoo and conditioner with essential oils. When you make your own, you control what goes on your scalp, what touches your skin, and what your family breathes in while showering. No mystery fragrance. No unnecessary harsh chemicals. No wondering what’s hiding behind a pretty label.
My cupboard has definitely been taken over by DIY hair products, and my hair is loving it. These recipes are simple, affordable, and make a generous amount of product. They’ll help your hair feel soft, shiny, clean, and strong — the natural way.
Table of Contents
3 Toxins in Storebought Shampoo and Conditioner
Store-bought shampoos and conditioners can contain ingredients that affect much more than your hair. Your scalp is skin, and what you rub into it matters. If you’re pursuing a healthier home and reducing your toxic load, your shower routine is a great place to start.
Here are a few of the biggest offenders to watch for when reading labels.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate, often called SLS, is commonly added to shampoo because it creates that foamy, bubbly lather people associate with “clean.” But more bubbles don’t always mean a better product.
SLS can be irritating to the eyes, and in some cases, exposure has been associated with serious eye irritation. (1) Most of us know the sting of getting shampoo in our eyes, but that irritation is your body telling you something!
SLS can also be harsh on the scalp and skin. For some people, that means dryness, itching, irritation, and hair that feels stripped instead of nourished. If you’ve noticed more hair going down the drain, a harsh shampoo may be one of the first things worth replacing.
2. Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances are what make many store-bought shampoos and conditioners smell like fruit, flowers, candy, or a salon. But “fragrance” on a label can refer to an undisclosed blend of chemicals.
This is important: companies are often allowed to keep fragrance ingredients secret as trade-secret formulas. (2) That means you may never know exactly what you’re applying to your scalp, breathing in through steam, or rinsing over your skin.
For sensitive people, synthetic fragrance can be a trigger for headaches, rashes, sneezing, skin irritation, and other symptoms. Essential oils give you a better option: real plant-based aroma plus practical benefits when used correctly.
3. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to help extend the shelf life of body care products. The problem is that some parabens can act like estrogen in the body, which raises concerns about hormone balance and endocrine disruption.
Here’s the thing: preservatives are not automatically “bad.” Any water-based product needs protection from microbial growth. But when you’re making fresh DIY products at home, you can use small batches, clean containers, and simple ingredients so you’re not relying on questionable preservatives every day.
This is one of the reasons homemade shampoo and conditioner are such a powerful natural beauty swap. You get to simplify what your body is exposed to and make products that fit your family’s needs.
Don’t Have Time to DIY?
Let’s be honest: even the most committed DIY mama has busy seasons. There are weeks when homemade everything just isn’t realistic, and that’s okay. Biblical health is about wisdom, stewardship, and sustainable habits — not perfection.
When I don’t have time to make a full batch, I keep a backup plan ready. I purchase unscented organic shampoo or unscented conditioner from Desert Essence and add my favorite essential oils. A good starting point is 8 drops of essential oil per ounce of product.
For babies and small children, try a unscented baby-mild pure castile soap. You can use it plain or add a few drops of gentle essential oils like lavender or Roman chamomile. These ready-made options may cost a little more than DIY, but sometimes the time saved is worth the trade-off.
Application: Keep one unscented shampoo and conditioner on hand as your “busy week” backup. Add essential oils only after checking that the product is truly unscented and compatible with your family’s needs.
Non-Toxic Shampoo and Conditioner Ingredients
So what goes into homemade shampoo and conditioner that actually work? These recipes use simple, effective ingredients that cleanse, moisturize, and support healthy-looking hair without the harsh chemicals.
Organic Unscented Liquid Castile Soap: This is one of my favorite ingredients for soapy DIY recipes. Castile soap is vegetable oil-based, simple, and effective. It helps cleanse the scalp and hair without synthetic fragrance or harsh detergent ingredients.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk gives this shampoo a creamy texture and adds natural nourishment. It contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that has an affinity for hair proteins and can help support stronger-feeling hair. (3) Stronger hair means less breakage, and that’s always a win! Coconut milk also adds a light tropical scent, but if that’s not your favorite, essential oils can easily help balance the aroma.
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is soothing and moisturizing, but it can also help freshen the scalp and hair by supporting a cleaner feel. Hair can hold onto excess oil, product buildup, sweat, and environmental grime, so aloe is a beautiful addition to natural haircare. Choose a pure aloe vera gel without unnecessary fillers.
Carrier Oil: Carrier oil helps disperse essential oils throughout the recipe and adds moisture. Great options include fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and sweet almond oil. Choose lighter oils if your hair gets oily quickly and richer oils if your hair tends to be dry.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are the heart of this homemade shampoo and conditioner. They give your products a beautiful natural scent while letting you customize the blend for your hair and scalp goals. Here are some of my favorite options:
- For all hair types: rosemary, sage, or rose
- For oily hair: lemon, bergamot, or tea tree
- For dry hair or to treat dandruff: lavender, sandalwood, or geranium
- To stimulate growth: peppermint or rosemary
Carrot Seed Or Raspberry Seed Oil: Carrot seed oil or red raspberry seed oil are optional, but they can be lovely additions for color-treated hair. Both are used in natural beauty routines to help protect and nourish hair that is exposed to sun, styling, and environmental stressors.
Guar-Gum: The conditioner leaves out the soap and coconut milk, but it does include a thickener. Many people like to leave conditioner on their hair for a few minutes, and guar gum helps it stay put instead of sliding right off. You’ll notice this conditioner uses several of the same ingredients as the shampoo, which creates that matching shampoo-and-conditioner feel without the store-bought chemicals.
Supplies: The best thing about DIY beauty recipes is that you usually don’t need fancy equipment. For these recipes, you’ll need a blender, regular or immersion, a glass bowl or jar for mixing, and glass pump bottles for easy storage.
How to Make Homemade Shampoo with Essential Oils
This homemade shampoo comes together in just a few minutes. You can customize the essential oils based on your hair type, your favorite aroma, and the needs of your family.
A quick note before you begin: because this recipe uses fresh, water-containing ingredients like coconut milk and aloe vera, make it in small batches, use clean tools, and store it properly. If the smell, color, or texture changes, make a fresh batch.
Homemade Shampoo
Quantity
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic unscented liquid castile soap
- ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil*
- 25 drops essential oils**
- 5 drops carrot seed oil
- 5 drops red raspberry seed oil (optional for color-treated hair)
Supplies
- Blender OR glass bowl OR glass jar
- Immersion blender (if using glass bowl)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender, glass bowl, or jar and blend or vigorously shake (if using a jar).
- Pour the shampoo into a glass pump bottle for easy dispensing and storage. Because this recipe contains coconut milk, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator.
Step One: Combine Ingredients
Place all ingredients in a blender, glass bowl, or jar. Blend well using a regular blender or immersion blender. You can also shake everything vigorously in a glass jar if that’s what you have available.
Put simply, you want the soap, aloe, coconut milk, carrier oil, and essential oils fully combined so every pump gives you a consistent product.
Step Two: Store the Shampoo
Pour the homemade shampoo with essential oils into a glass pump bottle for easy dispensing and storage. Use as you would any other shampoo.
Shake gently before each use, especially if the ingredients separate. Massage into the scalp, rinse well, and follow with the natural conditioner below. Enjoy your lovely hair!
Natural Hair Conditioner with Essential Oils
Homemade conditioner is a beautiful way to soften hair without coating it in synthetic fragrance, silicones, or ingredients you don’t want on your body. This recipe is creamy, customizable, and easy to make.
The guar gum helps thicken the blend so it clings to your hair long enough to do its job. Leave it on for a few minutes while you finish your shower, then rinse well.
Homemade Conditioner
Quantity
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil of your choice*
- 1 ½ teaspoons organic corn starch
- 25 drops essential oils**
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- 5 drops carrot seed oil
- 5 drops red raspberry seed oil (optional for color-treated hair)
- 1 cup purified OR distilled water
Supplies
- Blender OR glass bowl OR glass jar
- Immersion blender (if using glass bowl)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender, glass bowl, or jar and blend or vigorously shake (if using a jar).
- Pour the conditioner into a glass pump bottle for easy dispensing and storage.
Step One: Blend Ingredients
Place all ingredients in a blender or glass bowl. Blend well using a regular blender or an immersion blender. I don’t recommend doing this one by hand because the conditioner won’t thicken properly.
The goal is a smooth, creamy conditioner with the guar gum fully incorporated. Take your time with this step so you don’t end up with clumps.
Step Two: Store the Conditioner
Pour the conditioner into a glass pump bottle for easy dispensing and storage. Use as you would any other conditioner.
Apply after shampooing, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For very fine or oily hair, start with a small amount. For thick, curly, dry, or textured hair, you may prefer a little more.
Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner FAQs
Can I use homemade shampoo every day?
Yes, many people can use homemade shampoo regularly, but your hair type matters. If your hair is dry or curly, you may prefer washing less often. If your scalp is oily, you may like using it more frequently. Pay attention to how your hair responds and adjust as needed.
Which essential oils are best for homemade shampoo?
Rosemary, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, lemon, bergamot, geranium, sage, rose, and sandalwood are all popular choices. Rosemary and peppermint are favorites for hair growth support, tea tree is helpful for oily or flaky scalps, and lavender is a gentle option for dry or sensitive scalps.
Can I make this shampoo for children?
Yes, but keep it simple and gentle. Use fewer drops of essential oil and choose kid-friendly oils like lavender or Roman chamomile. Avoid strong “hot” oils and keep shampoo away from the eyes. For babies and very young children, unscented baby-mild castile soap may be the better option.
Why does my homemade shampoo separate?
Separation is normal because this recipe does not contain synthetic stabilizers or emulsifiers. Shake the bottle gently before each use to recombine the ingredients.
How long does homemade shampoo last?
Because this recipe includes fresh ingredients like coconut milk and aloe vera, it’s best made in small batches. Store it in a clean glass bottle and watch for any change in smell, color, or texture. When in doubt, make a fresh batch.
Can I use these recipes on color-treated hair?
Many people use gentle DIY haircare on color-treated hair, but everyone’s hair is different. If your color is fresh or your hair is professionally treated, test a small section first. You can also add carrot seed oil or red raspberry seed oil as optional ingredients for extra nourishment.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/trade-secret-ingredients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
