DIY Rosemary Shampoo

Every month I receive messages and emails from fellow modern hippies asking for my homemade shampoo recipe. Sadly, I have never had a recipe to report, and simply reply, "I'm workin' on it." But today, I'm happy to finally share a DIY shampoo recipe that I actually like LOVE!The truth is, I've had a really hard time finding a homemade shampoo that actually makes my hair look half decent. I've tried the "no-poo" method, which just made my fine hair look stringy and greasy (and yes, I gave it a solid chance). I've also tried several shampoo recipes that use combinations of castile soap, herbal teas and coconut milk - no luck. I've even given aloe vera iced cubes, which are somehow supposed to work as shampoo, a shot, but nothing has made the cut. I was beginning to think that there was no such thing as homemade shampoo...It wasn't until Christmas this year, when my step-mom gave me a bottle of homemade shampoo in my stocking (the benefits of having a modern hippie family), that I realized homemade shampoo is indeed possible!And the best part... it's only 3 ingredients!Okay, there's a small catch... in order to make this DIY Rosemary Shampoo, you need to make a shampoo soap bar first. I realize that this may detour some of you who don't make soap, but if you're determined to make your own shampoo, then I suggest you give it a shot! A good shampoo bar should create a gentle lather, and ideally, contain castor oil, which will give your hair a natural, glossy shine.The recipe that I use for my shampoo bar is from the Nerdy Farm Wife - you can find the recipe HERE. Also, I have yet to try it, but Mommypotamus has recently posted a 3-ingredient shampoo bar recipe, too, which looks ideal for beginners.The essential oils that I add to the shampoo bar are rosemary, lavender and tea tree, which, aside from the physical benefits to your hair (I'll explain later), create an amazing smelling bar of soap. The shampoo bar works great, as is, on short hair, and is ideal for kids and babies. For long hair, you can melt it down to make a liquid shampoo - what you're probably used to. I'll show you how soon.And before you ask, NO, I don't recommend substituting a homemade shampoo bar for store-bought soap. They almost always contain artificial fragrances, will dry out your hair, and simply, just don't have the same effect - trust me. 

But why make your own shampoo?

Well, the answer is simple, and is the same reason I switched to making many body and beauty products from scratch: most commercial shampoos contain toxic ingredients such as sulphates, parabens, and petroleum-based ingredients, like PET, that are harmful to your body and the environment. Even the most "natural" shampoos contain artificial fragrances, which rate an 8 out of 10 of the EWG scale!Silicone is also often added to commercial shampoo which, although leaves your hair looking glossy and smooth, coats your hair and prevents it from absorbing water. In the long term, this can be drying and damaging.And an extra bonus -  making your own shampoo saves money!

Rosemary and Hair Care

I like to use a combination of rosemary essential oil as well as fresh rosemary in this DIY Rosemary Shampoo. Regular use of rosemary oil helps to stimulate follicles, making hair grow longer and stronger. Rosemary is also believed to slow down premature hair loss and prevent graying of hair.Rosemary and tea tree essential oils can also be used to naturally treat dandruff.Ready to make your own DIY Rosemary Shampoo that makes your hair look clean and smell lovely, naturally?

You'll need:

• 1 Shampoo Bar, with rosemary, tea tree and lavender essential oils
• 3 cups water
• 3-inch sprig of fresh rosemary, or a tbsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional - added for a thicker consistency)

Grate the shampoo bar and add it to a medium sauce pan along with water and fresh rosemary.On a low setting, cook the mixture until the soap is completely dissolved. Stir frequently.Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.Remove the rosemary and stir in the xanthan gum (if using).Transfer to a pump-style bottle or old shampoo container and use as you would regular shampoo!Note: your hair may go through a transition/detox period lasting about a week, in which time it may look a bit.. on the greasy side. Once you've given your hair a chance to adapt to this natural, DIY rosemary shampoo, you're hair will look glossy, clean and healthy :)

Not in to making your own shampoo?

Try Beautycounter's Daily Shampoo! This purifying daily shampoo gently breaks down buildup but never strips or dries out hair. Made with pure plant botanicals, the formula infuses strands with moisture, shine, and a light citrus scent.