How to Make Your Own Eco-Shampoo

By Morgan McFall-Johnsen I’ve been making my own shampoo for over a year. I never wash my hair with anything else and I never use conditioner. It’s better for the environment (there are almost no regulations for what gets put into cosmetic and hygiene products) and I get the assurance of knowing it hasn’t been tested on animals. The ingredients I use are typically ethically sourced and made - Dr. Bronner’s, for example, is fair trade, made with organic oils, and comes in a 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottle. And my hair has never been healthier. It takes two minutes for me to make it every few weeks and it’s really convenient to not have to go to the store all the time. The oils in this recipe last forever - I’m still using the same bottles I bought a year ago, even accounting for the other things I use them for (lavender oil, particularly, is great for all kinds of things).

All of these things can be purchased on Amazon, but Trader Joe’s carries a good jojoba oil. Dr. Bronner’s can be found at any drugstore like CVS or Walgreens. Essential oils are sold at Whole Foods, but I usually just order them from Amazon.

In the long term, the ingredients for this shampoo work out to be around the same price as using commercial shampoo and conditioner, if not a few dollars cheaper. It’s just been an overall good experience. 10/10 would recommend. Here’s how to make it if you want to give it a try:

Ingredients:

½ cup water

¼ cup liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s - I like to use their lavender-scented soap)

¼ tsp jojoba oil

20-40 drops of essential oil (I like to use lavender)

empty bottle or container for your shampoo (I’ll just use an old Dr. Bronner’s bottle. Keep in mind, the shampoo will be liquid.)

Step 1: Pour castile soap into water

Step 2: Add jojoba oil

Step 3: Add essential oil

Step 4: Stir

Step 5: Pour into chosen container

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