Say Goodbye To Chemicals In Your Shampoo

The kitchen is not the only place in your house where you can reduce unnecessary chemicals and eliminate wasteful packaging. One place that often gets overlooked is the bathroom. There are all sorts of organic bath products available now that don’t test on animals, don’t use harmful chemicals, and use recycled packaging.  However, the best way to be sure of what is in your toiletries while using the least amount of packaging material, is to simply make them yourself! You’ll find they are surprisingly easy to make, and very simple to customize to your specific needs. (They also make wonderful gifts!)

To make your own all-natural shampoo you need: 4-6 oz of liquid castile soap, which can be found at any health food store. Castile soap is a cleansing agent made from olive oil, which is gentle, all natural, contains no animal ingredients, and is inexpensive. Next, choose 2-4 different types of herbs to add to the shampoo.  Both dry and fresh herbs are fine, but if you use fresh herbs you need to use about three times as much. Lastly, choose an essential oil to add. Some good starting combinations of herbs and oils are:  chamomile and tea tree oil for dandruff prone hair, lavender oil and sage for oily hair, Aloe Vera (fresh or gel form) and almond oil for dry hair. So, to put it all together: boil 2 cups of distilled water. Then add about a ¼ cup of each herb chosen to the hot water, let it sit for 30-40 minutes, strain, and mix with the castile soap and ½ teaspoon of your essential oil. Pour it into a clean, recycled bottle or jar with a top. You now have your own, chemical-free, all natural customizable shampoo! Since there are no preservatives, it should be used within 30 days.