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From the lens Make Your Own Shampoo.

Got questions or comments about making your own shampoo?

  • ninjamonkey Feb 16, 2012 @ 8:50 pm | delete
    If you are going to make 'shampoo' from scratch (which this recipe is really just cold process soap making at its basics) you MUST test the ph. Cold process soap can sometimes have active lye for a couple of days. You must test for this.

    Also, using lye is very dangerous if you're not experienced with it. You need safety glasses, gloves, and minimal exposed skin. It BURNS. Like acid. Keep lots of water nearby in case you get any on you. It is not pleasant.

    And, sodium hydroxide is for making solid soap, bars of soap. You can make liquid soap using potassium hydroxide and a different process which is more time consuming. Most people will agree that using CP soap and adding more liquid creates a snot-like substance, and the ph value is far too alkaline for your hair. You need to adjust the ph of any homemade liquid soap so that you don't leave your hair feeling like straw.
  • earthybirthymama Feb 3, 2012 @ 7:57 pm | delete
    My Favourite book on this subject is The Fragrant Pharmacy, by Valerie Ann Woodward. Great Lense.
  • Karen Peterson Dec 9, 2011 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I Travel for my job 6 months out of the year. I do not have access to a store for months at a time. I can not take enough liquid shampoo with me to last the entire period. What I would like to do is find a recipe for a powdered shampoo that I can make that will rehydrate with water. I am not looking for a dry shampoo to use between shampoo's but a true shampoo powder that I can reconstitute. Do you have a recipe for something like that?
  • SilmarwenLinwelin Nov 11, 2011 @ 3:56 am | delete
    I tried to make shampoo once but I think I put too much glycerine. My hair was too oily after I used it, but I think I'll try your recipes.
  • AshFarmsHerbalProducts Sep 11, 2011 @ 9:25 am | delete
    How much water do you add to the recipe for liquid soap? Any idea how much liquid soap it makes?
  • Clipperguy Sep 10, 2011 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Good stuff. I just might try it. I sell my one brand of hair care product, but it is made for me by a lab.
  • RetroMom May 2, 2011 @ 7:32 pm | delete
    Very practical. Great lens.
  • EllieM Mar 17, 2011 @ 5:42 pm | delete
    How much does the from scratch make if you put into bottles? This is the recipe I have been looking for. I need to make large batches and this will be cheaper than buying liquid castle soap! Thanks = )
  • Elizabeth Sep 11, 2011 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    Did you figure out how much extra water to put so it can be bottled?
  • Armekka Mar 9, 2011 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    Why are you adding lye to shampoo?
  • StephenC Jan 5, 2011 @ 8:46 am | delete
    I may try this someday. Nice lens.
  • TWOnline2 Dec 15, 2010 @ 11:14 am | delete
    interesting
  • TWOnline2 Dec 15, 2010 @ 11:14 am | delete
    interesting
  • Tiffany Oct 26, 2010 @ 8:53 am | delete
    Great lens! I use a shampoo bar but I would love to make my own shampoo.
  • April Aug 26, 2009 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    I just finished making this shampoo base with the glycerin and essential oil (Lavender). I grated my own handmade 100% olive oil soap bar for this recipe. I have just used the shampoo and rinsed off with apple cider vinegar and water. My hair is still wet so I have no feedback yet. However, I know there is a transition period. I find it difficult to find a shampoo without SLS or detergents (or a gazillion ingredients). I really hope that it works out. I have psoriasis and I believe that the commercial shampoo is either a contributor or, at best, not contributing to healing.

    I know that my husband will use this shampoo because he refuses to use any commerial shampoo that I have ever purchased. He seemed quite interested when I showed it to him. He also liked the gentle Lavender scent.

    I'll check back after a few shampoos to let you know how well I have transitioned or whether my hair has adapted.

    Thank you for the recipe.

    April

    P.S. Wow, and what a difference in price!
  • Azareal May 14, 2009 @ 10:34 pm | delete
    I would think if you refrigerate it, it should be good for a couple of weeks.

    [in reply to Aurora]
  • Aurora May 14, 2009 @ 10:31 pm | delete
    I have been testing out different versions of the castille based shampoo, but I don't like how squeaky clean it leaves my hair. Like literally, when it's wet and I run my fingers through it, it squeaks. So I'm trying to find a conditioning shampoo. I like the recipe with the egg but I'm wondering how long that lasts, or is it like a one time thing? Thanks!
  • Tim Mar 31, 2009 @ 12:40 pm | delete
    Thanks for the recipes. I am going to try the Herbal Shampoo for Dry Hair. Just need to figure out where to get comfrey root...

    Cheers,

    Tim
    Homemade Shampoo Blog

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Azareal

Hi. I'm Dr. Anne Helmenstine, scientist, author, and mom. I write and edit About.com's Chemistry Website, which covers general chemistry, science proj... more »

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