How to Make Organic Shampoo

Switching to natural, eco-friendly products is one of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental impact. Whether you want to avoid harsh chemicals or reduce plastic waste, creating your own organic shampoo allows you to know exactly what’s going on your scalp (while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle!) In this guide, we’ll show you how to make organic shampoo and outline the benefits of natural hair care. We’ll also suggest a few organic shampoo brands for those who prefer to purchase eco-friendly products, rather than DIY.

Why Make Organic Shampoo at Home?

Commercial shampoos often contain synthetic chemicals, sulfates, and parabens that strip your hair of its natural oils. They may also cause irritation or harm with long term use. On the other hand, organic shampoo is free from harmful ingredients and uses plant-based and natural components to clean and nourish your hair. Here’s why switching to natural organic shampoo could be a great idea for you:

Benefits of Organic Shampoo

  1. Organic shampoos use natural cleansers like castile soap or soapnuts (also called soap berries) that are gentle on your scalp, preserving your hair’s natural moisture and oils.
  2. By making shampoo at home with natural ingredients, you avoid the chemicals and artificial fragrances commonly found in commercial products, reducing your exposure to toxins.
  3. Organic shampoo reduces your environmental footprint by using biodegradable ingredients and cutting down on plastic packaging waste.
  4. When you learn how to prepare natural shampoo, you can tailor it to your hair type and add essential oils or nourishing ingredients for specific benefits, like promoting hair growth or reducing dandruff.
hands holding a small bottle labeled essential oils for making organic shampoo

How to Make Organic Shampoo: A Simple Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to show you how to make natural organic shampoo at home. The ingredients are all-natural, easy to find, and customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  1. Liquid Castile Soap (1/2 cup)
    Castile soap is a natural, vegetable-based soap that acts as a gentle cleanser without stripping away your scalp’s natural oils.
  2. Distilled Water (1/2 cup)
    Distilled water dilutes the shampoo, making it easier to rinse out and preventing buildup on your hair.
  3. Aloe Vera Gel (1/4 cup)
    Aloe vera is packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish the scalp and promote hair growth.
  4. Vegetable Glycerin (1 tablespoon)
    Glycerin acts as a humectant, locking moisture into your hair and preventing dryness.
  5. Essential Oils (10-20 drops)
    Choose your favorite essential oils to add gentle fragrance and additional benefits. Lavender is soothing, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help combat dandruff.
  6. Optional: Vitamin E Oil (1 teaspoon)
    Vitamin E is a great antioxidant that helps protect your scalp and hair from damage caused by free radicals.
aloe vera leaves used in the making of organic shampoo

Instructions for Making Organic Shampoo

  1. Combine the Ingredients:
    In a clean bowl, mix together the castile soap, distilled water, aloe vera gel, and vegetable glycerin until well blended.
  2. Add Essential Oils:
    Add 10-20 drops of essential oils to the mixture. Lavender oil helps relax the scalp, while peppermint oil stimulates hair growth.
  3. Store Your Shampoo:
    Transfer your homemade shampoo into a clean, reusable bottle (preferably glass to reduce plastic waste). Store it in a cool, dark place and shake well before each use.
  4. Use as Needed:
    Wet your hair and apply a small amount of the shampoo to your scalp. Massage gently and rinse thoroughly. This shampoo is gentle enough to use daily or a few times a week, depending on your hair type.

How to Prepare Natural Shampoo for Different Hair Types

Now that you know how to make organic shampoo, it’s important to tailor the ingredients to your specific hair type to achieve the best results.

For Dry Hair:

Add 1 tablespoon of argan oil or jojoba oil to the base recipe. These oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which hydrate dry hair and prevent breakage.

For Oily Hair:

If you have oily hair, add a few drops of lemon essential oil or rosemary essential oil to help balance sebum production and cleanse the scalp without causing it to become greasy.

For Sensitive Scalps:

If you have a sensitive scalp, try using chamomile essential oil or calendula oil to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.

bundles of dried lavender used to make essential oil for organic shampo

The Benefits of Using Organic Shampoo Brands

Not really into DIY? No problem! You can still support eco-friendly, chemical-free hair care. There are plenty of organic shampoo brands that are just as effective as homemade options. These brands are dedicated to using sustainable, cruelty-free ingredients and packaging.

Best Organic Shampoo Brands

Acure is known for using natural ingredients like argan oil and peppermint in their shampoos. Their products are free from sulfates, parabens, and harmful chemicals, making them a favorite for those who want to support sustainable brands.

100% Vegan
Acure Argan Oil & Pumpkin Shampoo

Organic argan oil and pumpkin deeply nourish and replenish dry, damaged hair. Certified cruelty-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free. Provides lasting moisture for soft and manageable hair!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Rahua shampoos are made from rainforest-grown ingredients and are designed to fortify and nourish hair naturally. They also practice fair trade and support indigenous communities.

100% Pure is an all-natural makeup and beauty brand that offers a wide range of shampoos made with organic, plant-based ingredients. Their shampoos are also cruelty-free and eco-friendly.

Make Shampoo at Home with Natural Ingredients

Making your own shampoo is a simple, eco-friendly way to take control of what goes into your hair care products. Once you learn how to make organic shampoo, the customization options are endless. Try different combinations to create your ideal shampoo—no synthetic ingredients or excessive plastic packaging required!

For those who prefer to shop rather than DIY, choosing from the best organic shampoo brands offers a great way to invest in sustainable beauty products that are kind to both your hair and the planet. Whether you decide to go the homemade route or support sustainable brands, you’ll be contributing to a healthier, more eco-conscious lifestyle.

We all live here, so let’s take care of this place.