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Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner

posted by Megan, selected from Planet Green Oct 28, 2009 7:19 am
Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner
60 comments

By Elizabeth Seward, Planet Green

Oh, shampoo and conditioner. They keep our hair clean and smelling great. While we all love being clean, shampoos and conditioners aren’t totally innocent products. Most of them are filled with chemicals that aren’t any good for our planet. Since they get washed down our drains, these are important things to think about! On top of that, the containers they come in are typically plastic. Sure, we can always recycle plastic, but isn’t it better to reduce the production of plastic in the areas that we can? I think so.

The answer? Try making your own shampoo and conditioner! You’ll save money and use more natural ingredients. And isn’t it better to know exactly what you’re using on your body?

Here’s a basic recipe for shampoo. Feel free to alter the recipe to make it work the best for your hair type.

You need:
1 empty bottle
3 cups of soap flakes (which you can get almost anywhere)
Water
Essential Oil of Lavender
Essential Oil of Rosemary

Directions:
Mix the soap flakes with the water and then add 4 drops of each oil.

For conditioner, the ingredients are probably already in your house.

You need:
1 empty bottle
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon of baby oil
Water

Directions:
Mix the above ingredients together and you’re good to go!

This post was inspired by Hollywood Green.

Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment and dedicated to helping people understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Its two robust websites, planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer original, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.

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60 comments

60 comments

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60 comments add your comment
Paula P.

I absolutely love the Made from Earth Peppermint conditioner. So far its my favorite one from all the organic lines I have tried. Made from Earth is completely natural - unlike other brands who may claim to be natural and/or organic (but somehow still manage to sneak the icky chemicals in) - so that alone makes this an awesome product for someone who's concerned about what their beauty products are made from.

After a few days of consistent use, my hair is softer and silkier than with any other product I've tried. The smell is a little strong, but fades to a nice subdued floral scent after the hair dries. I've gotten many compliments on my hair since I've gone back to using the Made from Earth conditioner. I've spent a few years trying out all the "natural" brands to find the perfect line for my hip length hair...again, of all those supposedly natural brands – Made from Earth seems to be the only one that really is purely natural, and on top of that, has been the best for my hair.

Dannielle S.

that's cool

Victoria P.

thanks:)

Katrina T.

sounds like it will smell beautifully!

Erin R.
  • Erin R. says
  • Jan 28, 2010 5:11 PM

Thanks!!! :-)

Ananda Dickman

egg yolk smells terrible and i find the smell of beer washes out quicker. use a bottle of beer mixed with an edible oil and some warm water for an awesome shine... or if you dont like the smell of beer try with just the oil and water.

Carlotta F.

I think I am going to try Dr. Bronners next time.

Claudia L.

good to try thanks

Tonya B.

I'll give it a try.

Tania J.

Time to throw out the Pantene!

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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