How to Make DIY Shampoo Bars

You know, every time I step into the shower and reach for my DIY shampoo bar, I'm reminded of the dual benefits it brings. Not only does it cater to my personal hair care needs, but it also plays a small yet significant role in reducing our environmental footprint.

Did you know that over 552 million plastic shampoo bottles end up in landfills every year?

That's a staggering number, isn't it?

But beyond the environmental concerns, there's another pressing issue. Many commercial shampoos are laden with harmful elements that aren't just bad for our hair and scalp, but also for our planet when they wash down the drain. It's no wonder that shampoo bars, especially homemade shampoo bars, have gained such popularity in our sustainable living community.

So, diving into the key question: "Why not make a DIY shampoo bar?"

In this blog, I'll be sharing multiple recipes to help you craft the perfect shampoo bar tailored to your needs.

Let's embark on this eco-friendly journey together!

Harmful Chemicals in the Commercial Shampoo

While we're on the topic of shampoo bars, let's dive a bit deeper into why making a shampoo bar at home can be a game-changer.

Many store-bought shampoos, or as I like to call them, commercial soap for your hair, are packed with chemicals that aren't just harmful to the environment but can also wreak havoc on our hair and overall health.

1. Sulfates (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate and sodium Lauryl Sulfate):

These are very strong detergents that bind with the sebum on our scalp and with water. While they're great for removing oils and residue, they can damage the hair, making it brittle and increasing frizz.

Especially, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can compromise follicles when left on the scalp and has other toxic effects. Those with color-treated or dry hair should be particularly wary as it can fade your color and strip your strands of natural oils.

2. Parabens:

Used as a preservative, parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.

3. Sodium Chloride:

Essentially salt, it's added to shampoos to thicken their consistency. However, it can dry out an already-sensitive scalp, leading to potential hair loss.

4. Synthetic Fragrances:

These can contain thousands of hidden chemicals, some of which can disrupt the reproductive system, cause cancer, or asthma. They can also irritate the skin and scalp, leading to hair loss.

5. Other Harmful Ingredients:

From Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, to Dimethicone, which contributes to product buildup making hair feel greasy, the list is long and concerning.

It's alarming to think that these ingredients are so common in many shampoos we find on store shelves. But the good news?

By opting for homemade shampoo bars, we can control the shampoo bar ingredients, ensuring they're safe for our hair and the environment. Or, you can try going for commercial organic shampoos. 

Ingredients You'll Need To Make Homemade Shampoo Bars

Alright, my eco-warriors, if you're as excited as I am about making shampoo bars, then let's dive right into the ingredients you'll need.

Crafting your own shampoo bars is not just about sustainability; it's also about ensuring that what you put on your scalp is pure, natural, and devoid of harmful chemicals.

Before we jump into the fun add-ins and customization, there are some core ingredients you'll need for your DIY shampoo bar recipe:

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)

This is a crucial ingredient for the saponification process. It's what turns our oils into soap. Remember to handle it with care and always use it in a well-ventilated area.

Oils

The backbone of our shampoo bars. Common choices include:

• Coconut Oil: Provides a rich lather and is deeply moisturizing.
• Olive Oil: Offers gentle cleansing, perfect for all hair types.
• Castor Oil: Boosts lather and has moisturizing properties.
• Sunflower Oil and sweet Almond Oil: Both are lightweight and won't weigh your hair down.

Water

Needed to activate the lye and start the saponification process.

Soap Mold

To shape your shampoo bars. Silicone molds work great for easy removal.

Optional Add-ins for Customization

Now, for the fun part!

Depending on your hair type, whether it's dry hair, oily hair, or something in between, you can customize your homemade shampoo bar with these add-ins:

Remember, the beauty of making shampoo bars is the freedom to experiment. So, feel free to mix and match ingredients until you find the perfect blend for your hair!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your DIY Shampoo Bar

Now that we've got our ingredients sorted, it's time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the soap-making process. By the way, you can make homemade soap bars in the same way too. 

Crafting your own shampoo bars is not just a sustainable choice but also a deeply satisfying one.

So, let's get started on this DIY shampoo journey!

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before we jump into the actual making of the shampoo bars, it's crucial to get everything set up correctly:

1. Safety First: Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling lye (sodium hydroxide). Work in a well-ventilated area, and keep kids and pets away.
2. Measuring Ingredients: Using a stainless steel bowl, measure out your oils (coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, etc.), essential oils, and other add-ins. Ensure you have the right amounts as per your chosen shampoo bar recipe.
3. Lye Mixture: In a separate bowl, slowly pour the lye into water (never the other way around) to avoid a volcanic reaction. This will heat up, so let it cool slightly before using.

Mixing and Molding

Now, onto the fun part of making shampoo bars:

1. Combining Ingredients: Once the lye mixture has cooled, slowly pour it into the oil mixture while stirring. This will initiate the saponification process.
2. Blending: Use a stick blender to mix until you achieve a pudding-like consistency, known as 'trace' in the soap making world.
3. Adding Essential Oils and Add-ins: Now's the time to add your chosen essential oils, like rosemary essential oil, and other ingredients for customization.
4. Molding: Pour the soap mixture into your soap mold. Silicone molds are great as they make it easy to pop out the finished shampoo bars.

Curing and Storing

Patience is key here, my friends:

1. Curing: Let your shampoo bars sit in the mold for 24-48 hours. After that, remove them and let them cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks. This allows the saponification process to complete and ensures a milder, longer-lasting bar.
2. Storing: Store your homemade shampoo bars in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Remember, the longer they cure, the better they'll be. However, keep in mind the shelf life of the ingredients you've used. Some essential oils or other oils might have a shorter shelf life.
3. Usage Tips: For those with dry hair, you can follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse to balance the pH and add shine. For oily hair types, these bars can help regulate excess oil production over time.

Customizing Your Shampoo Bars for Different Hair Types

One of the most exciting aspects of making shampoo bars is the ability to tailor them to your specific hair type.

Just like we all have unique personalities, our hair has its quirks and needs.

By understanding the properties of various ingredients, you can craft a homemade shampoo bar that's just perfect for you. Let's delve into how you can customize your shampoo bar recipes for different hair types.

For Dry Hair

Dry hair craves moisture, and the right ingredients can provide that much-needed hydration:

For Oily Hair

If your scalp tends to produce excess oil, you'll want ingredients that help balance oil production without stripping your hair:

For Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive scalps, it's essential to use gentle, soothing ingredients:

For Thinning Hair

If you're concerned about thinning hair, certain ingredients can promote hair health and strength:

Remember, the beauty of DIY is experimentation.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients, adjust quantities, and find what works best for your unique hair type.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

While making shampoo bars can be a delightful and rewarding experience, there are a few common pitfalls that many, including myself, have stumbled upon in our early soap-making days.

But fear not!

I'm here to share these mistakes with you, so you can sidestep them and craft the perfect shampoo bar right from the get-go.

Overcomplicating the Recipe

I get it; with so many wonderful ingredients at our disposal, it's tempting to throw in a bit of this and a dash of that.

But here's the thing:

Too Many Ingredients

When we add too many ingredients, not only does it become challenging to determine the right proportions, but it can also lead to a bar that doesn't hold together well or doesn't lather as desired. Plus, if any issues arise, it's harder to pinpoint the culprit.

Simplicity is Key

Some of the best shampoo bars I've made (and loved by many of you!) have been the ones with fewer, high-quality ingredients. Remember, each ingredient should have a purpose, whether it's for lather, moisturizing, or scent.

Not Allowing Proper Curing Time

Patience is a virtue, especially in soap making:

Risks of Uncured Bars

Using a shampoo bar that hasn't been adequately cured can result in a bar that's too soft and melts away quickly. Moreover, uncured bars might still have active lye, which can be harsh on the hair and scalp.

Signs of a Fully Cured Bar

A well-cured bar will feel hard to the touch and will have a somewhat matte appearance. If you're unsure, you can always do a pH test. A fully cured shampoo bar should have a pH between 6 and 8.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

As we wrap up our deep dive into the world of DIY shampoo bars, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked on together.

Crafting your own shampoo bars is not just an act of sustainability; it's a declaration of self-care, ensuring that what graces our scalp is pure, natural, and lovingly made.

The joys of making shampoo bars extend beyond the eco-friendly aspect. It's about the empowerment of creating something tailored just for you, understanding each ingredient, and the satisfaction of using a product crafted by your own hands.

I encourage you to embrace the art of experimentation.

Maybe your first bar won't be perfect, or perhaps it'll be the best thing you've ever made. But with each batch, you'll learn, adapt, and inch closer to crafting that perfect shampoo bar suited just for you.

So, here's to sustainable living, healthier hair, and the endless possibilities that await in every homemade shampoo bar.

Happy crafting, my friends!