Creative Projects at Home

Natural hair care products can easily be made at home with a few ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Most items can be acquired from a grocery store or pharmacy, or online.

Some common ingredients used in making hair care products are:

• Essential oils
• Cooking or skincare oils: coconut, olive, almond, sunflower, jojoba, shea butter, vitamin E
• Baking soda
• Epsom or pink salt
• Sugar
• Beeswax 
• Honey
• Witch hazel
• Aloe vera gel
• Apple cider vinegar
• Glycerin

Some tools and equipment you may need include:

• Mixing bowls and spoons
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric hand mixer
• Double boiler or a large glass or metal bowl over a pot
• Access to a stove or electric burner
• Microwave
• Oven mitts or hot pads
• Containers like jars, bottles, spray bottles, and tins

Not sure which ingredients to begin with? Take a look at this list to help you choose an oil:

The links listed below provide recipes and directions for various hair care products like shampoos, sprays, and conditioners. Essential oils may be substituted to suit your needs and preferences. See the Essential Oils tab to learn more about these oils and how to use them safely.

To stay eco-friendly, you can...

• Use simpler recipes that call for fewer ingredients
• Use recipes with ingredients you already have on hand
• Add pieces of dried flowers and herbs from your garden (make sure not to add anything that may have pesticides on it!)
• Use natural coloring agents like turmeric, berries, matcha, or spirulina

• Try reusing glass jars or plastic bottles for your homemade hair products.  

Here are some links with tips on cleaning jars and bottles:

For more tips on homemade hair care products, look at these books: