Commercial shampoos often contain synthetic chemicals. In fact, these chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, and even some of them have the potential to damage the environment. Therefore, many people have started to switch to using home ingredients to clean their hair naturally. Aloe vera, a succulent plant known to benefit skin health, is a basic ingredient in many home shampoos. Besides being able to gently clean the hair and scalp, aloe vera can also moisturize dry and damaged hair as well as stimulate its growth.
Ingredients
Aloe Vera Natural Shampoo
- 2 cups (475 ml) distilled water
- 180 ml liquid castile soap
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) aloe vera gel
- teaspoon (2.5 ml) jojoba oil
- 40-50 drops of essential oil (optional)
- 60 grams of dry herbs (optional)
Makes about 3 cups (700 ml) of shampoo
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Materials
Step 1. Purchase aloe vera gel from a natural medicine store
Commercial aloe vera gel is sold in bottles of different purity levels. However, many of these products contain additives and chemicals. Since this shampoo will be applied directly to the hair and scalp, it's best to look for the purest aloe vera gel. Check the label and ingredients in the product before you buy. Make sure the product you buy is certified organic and labeled "pure".
- If a product's ingredient list contains the name of a chemical or alcohol, look for a different brand of product.
- You can buy aloe vera gel at most convenience stores. However, the level of product purity available in convenience stores is usually low. The best place to get pure aloe vera gel that is certified organic is a natural medicine store.
Step 2. Harvest aloe vera gel directly from the plant
Harvesting fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant will give the best results. If you haven't grown one yet, consider buying an aloe vera plant. To harvest aloe vera gel, start by cutting one of the leaves from the plant. Cut this leaf the same length and separate the two halves. Remove the thick transparent gel from the aloe vera leaf using a spoon.
- Put fresh aloe vera gel in a clean bowl.
- You only need 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of fresh aloe vera gel, which can be harvested quickly and easily. To get 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, you only need a few aloe vera leaves.
Step 3. Use dried herbs to add to the efficacy of the shampoo (optional)
Aloe vera is a great moisturizer and can promote hair growth. In addition, aloe vera is also useful as a carrier of nutritious herbal ingredients. You may use the following combinations of dry herbs as needed, as long as the total amount does not exceed 55 grams.
- For dry hair, use nettle, burdock, rosemary or calendula.
- For oily hair, use yarrow, lavender, lemon balm or mint.
- If you have blonde hair, try using calendula or chamomile.
- If you have dark hair, try using sage or comfrey.
- To treat dandruff, try using rosemary, thyme, or other herbal ingredients for dry hair.
Step 4. Use essential oils for additional aroma and properties (optional)
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of plants. Many essential oils have a pleasant aroma, while others have health benefits. There are several essential oils that are beneficial for healthy hair and scalp. You can add the following combinations of oils to your shampoo. However, do not add more than 50 drops overall.
- For normal hair, use lavender, clary sage, or chamomile.
- For oily hair, use lemon, tea tree, or ylang-ylang.
- For dry hair, use rosemary, myrrh, or peppermint.
- To treat dandruff, use tea tree, patchouli, or lavender.
- Do not pour essential oils directly on the scalp because of their very high levels and very strong effects. In this case, the other ingredients in the shampoo will help dilute the oil making it safe to use.
Part 2 of 3: Making Shampoo
Step 1. Bring distilled water to a boil
Prepare 2 cups (475 ml) of distilled water. Pour into the pan. Place the pot on the stove, heat it over high heat. Allow the water to boil completely.
If you don't use dry herbs, you don't need to boil distilled water. Just mix the other ingredients
Step 2. Add the dry herbs of your choice
If dry herbs are to be added to your shampoo, prepare them now. Do not add dry herbs more than 55 grams overall. When the distilled water starts to boil, slowly add the herbs to the pot.
Step 3. Cover the pot and reduce the heat of the stove
After adding the dry herbs, cover the pot. Use low heat. The ingredients contained in dried herbs will seep into the water. Boil the herbs in water for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4. Remove the pot from the stove and strain the herbs
Turn off the stove and open the lid of the pot. Be careful that hot steam may escape when you open the lid. Place a large bowl under the strainer.
Step 5. Pour hot water through a sieve
The herbs will stay in the strainer while the water flows into the bowl. Discard any remaining herbal ingredients after separating from the water.
Step 6. Pour castile soap into the boiling water of herbal ingredients
Prepare about 180 ml of liquid castile soap. Pour slowly into the boiling water of herbal ingredients. Mix the two slowly while pouring the soap. Boiling water may still be very hot. So, be careful that you don't get splashed.
Step 7. Add aloe vera gel, jojoba and essential oils
Take 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of aloe vera gel and teaspoon (2.5 ml) of jojoba oil. Slowly pour them into the bowl one at a time, stirring constantly. Mix all ingredients until evenly distributed.
If you use essential oils, add them now. Remember, don't add more than 40-50 drops of essential oil. Mix well
Part 3 of 3: Packing, Using and Storing Shampoo
Step 1. Put the shampoo in the bottle
Use a funnel to pour the shampoo mixture into a plastic or glass container that can hold about 3 cups (about 700 ml) of liquid. If you only use distilled water and don't add dried herbs, it's okay to keep bottles of shampoo in the bathroom.
Step 2. Store shampoo bottles in the fridge if you use dry herbs
If you add dry herbs, store the shampoo bottle in the refrigerator. Shampoos like this will spoil if left at room temperature for more than a day or two. Meanwhile, if stored in the refrigerator, shampoo can last for about 10 days. After 10 days, be sure to smell the shampoo before using it.
- If it smells sour, throw away the shampoo, and make a new one. If it smells fresh, you can still use shampoo.
- To make it easier for you to use, transfer the shampoo into a small bottle and place it in the shower so it can be used for a day or two. This way, the shampoo will be used up before it breaks.
Step 3. Use shampoo as needed
Aloe vera shampoo is gentle enough to use every time you wash your hair. Shake the shampoo pack gently before use because the ingredients will settle over time. Pour about the size of a coin into the palm of your hand, then massage it into your hair and scalp. Rinse until clean.
