Most hair products contain many harmful chemicals and toxins that are not great for our bodies. They can be irritants, carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Making your own DIY all natural shampoo can eliminate exposure to these toxins. So let’s first go over some common toxins that you can find in hair products.
Common Toxins in Hair Products
Sulfates
These compounds are used as surfactants. They’re used to clean the dirt and excess oil from your scalp. Some examples are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. These sulfates are harmful to the environment and aquatic life. They can also cause hormone disruption with prolonged use. It can possibly an allergic reaction to your scalp as well.
Parabens
To extend the shelf life of hair products, companies add parabens. They are a preservative that helps bacteria from growing in shampoo. Parabens are known to mimic the functions of estrogen. It can increase the risks of breast cancer.
Phthalates
To increase the spreadability of a hair product and to retain the scent more, companies add in phthalates. They are endocrine disruptors and are harmful to the environment as well. They can cause early puberty in girls and low sperm count in men.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
PEGs come from petroleum and are used in hair products as a thickening agent. Depending on the manufacturing processes, these PEGs can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Ethylene oxide is considered a human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane is considered a possible carcinogen.
Triclosan
Triclosan is used as an anti-bacterial in hair products. It is a known hormone disruptor and is believed to be stored in fat cells.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a type of silicone that’s added to hair products. It acts like a protective layer on the hair shaft. It can build up on your scalp preventing proper absorption of moisture.
Fragrances & Colours
Most fragrances and dyes in hair products are synthetic and made from chemicals. Synthetic fragrances can cause asthma attacks, cancer and reproductive issues. Colouring in hair products are made from petroleum and coal tar. You can spot synthetic dyes on the label by ‘FD&C’ or ‘D&C’.
Why Make Your Own Shampoo
I enjoy making my own DIY all natural shampoo because I like knowing exactly what is going into my products. Especially when I’m applying those products to my skin or body. I have been using this conditioning shampoo recipe for over a year now and my hair has never felt better. I have also cut my hair routine in half because I don’t need to condition my hair anymore. My shampoo recipe is simple with only 4 ingredients. So let’s go over the ingredients and why they are beneficial to your hair and scalp.
Castile Soap
Castile soap is a natural surfactant that is made from plant-based oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, avacado oil, etc. I use the liquid form of castile soap, but it comes in solid form as well. It cleans your scalp and hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
Coconut Milk (Lite)
Coconut milk is used as the moisturizing agent of the shampoo. It deeply nourishes hair and contains many vitamins such as B1, B3, B5, B6, C, and E. The natural fatty acids are what make it so moisturizing. It also contains keratin which keeps hair strong.
Vegetable Glycerin
This is the ingredient that helps with the lather we’re all used to with shampoo. But, it does so much more than that. It is a humectant, which means it locks in moisture. Since it retains moisture, it can reduce frizz. Who doesn’t want less frizz!
Essential Oils
This one is optional but you can add in benefits for your hair with essential oils. You can use about 15-25 drops depending on how strong you want the scent to be. I get mine at Well.ca. Here are some essential oils that are good to add and what they can do.
Rosemary – helps with hair growth
Lavender – soothes scalp and helps with dry hair
Lemongrass – helps with oil control
Cedarwood – can help with dry hair and hair loss
Chamomile – helps with scalp acne and inflammation
Tea tree – use for oily hair and dandruff
Rose – gives hair extra shine and fragrance
DIY All Natural Moisturizing Shampoo Recipe
This recipe is for 500ml, but can be modified with the percentages to fit any container size.
What you’ll need:
- 225ml Castile soap
- 225ml Coconut milk (lite)
- 50ml Vegetable glycerin
- 15-25 drops essential oils of your choice
Percentages of Each Ingredient for Any Sized Container
- 45% Castile soap
- 45% Coconut milk
- 10% Vegetable glycerin
- Drops of essential oils
Combine ingredients into a container of your choice using a funnel. Once they’re all added, you can mix the ingredients to fully combine. Make sure to mix it before each use as well.
To Use:
Simply add some to your hand and then work it into your hair. For longer hair, you may have to do this a few times too fully cover your scalp. You can massage your scalp gently to lather and then rinse.
