DIY Moisturizing Shampoo Bars

Confession: I don’t wash my hair every day. *Gasp!*

Sometimes I don’t even wash it every other day. I’m a busy mom! And daily washing can actually be damaging to your hair which is why I love my dry shampoo recipe – I use this about 4-5 times a week!

But when I do wash my hair, I want to use a shampoo that I know doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals; and bonus points if it smells great.

Many shampoos (and other hair care products) that you can find in the stores contain sulfates and parabens. Not only can these strip natural moisture and oils from the hair but they’re also known to cause skin and hair issues or irritation and organ damage. There are even links between these chemicals and cancer. These shampoos are also often full of endocrine disruptors, which have been linked to all sorts of health issues and should be avoided.

I do my very best to avoid chemical-filled shampoos and other body care products, which is part of the reason I love making my own natural body products. By making your own products, you get to control what goes into them, avoiding any chemicals you’re not comfortable with. Plus, it’s cheaper!

These shampoo bars are easy to make and are full of healthy oils that will moisturize your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy.

Shea butter has the wonderful ability to soften frizzy hair and help to make it more manageable. It also seals the moisture into your hair without leaving it greasy. Additionally, it can help with many scalf issues, like dandruff.

The tea tree oil will help cleanse your hair without drying it out or causing damage. It can also help unclog hair follicles and encourage growth. Like the shea butter, it can also help with dandruff.

Peppermint is another oil that can invigorate hair follicles and promote hair growth. It does this by helping to improve blood flow.

Orange oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, helps add vitamins to your hair, and is a great moisturizer. Plus, it smells so good!

And, of course, olive oil and coconut oil are great moisturizers and can add shine to your hair!

DIY Moisturizing Shampoo Bars

Supplies:

• ½ pound glycerin soap base
• 1 teaspoon shea butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 oranges, zested
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Soap mold

Instructions:

Begin by cutting the soap base into squares. For these first steps, you can use the microwave or the double boiler method.

If you are using the microwave, put your soap cubes in a microwave safe bowl. Place in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until your soap base has melted. Then you can add the shea butter to the bowl and heat for an additional 30 seconds.

If you are using the double boiler method, place a pot of water on your stove over medium heat. Put your soap cubes into a large, glass mason jar and set it in your pot. Stir the soap base until it is melted and then add the shea butter to the jar. Stir to incorporate the shea butter and then remove from the heat.

Add the coconut oil and olive oil to the mixture and stir well.

Now it is time to add the essential oils. Add 10 drops each of tea tree, orange, and peppermint essential oils to your melted soap. Then, mix in the sea salt.

Add the orange zest to your bowl or jar and mix gently.

Set out your mold on a flat surface, where it won’t be disturbed as the soap is hardening. Spray the bottom of your mold with rubbing alcohol. This will help the soap to release from the mold and it’s an optional step.

Pour the soap mixture into the mold, filling them to the top.

Spray the top of the soap with the rubbing alcohol, this will help remove bubbles from your soap before it hardens. I personally don’t mind the bubbles so we don’t spray it.

Let your mold rest until the soap has a chance to harden, this will take at least an hour.

When the soap has hardened, gently pop it free from the mold and it is ready to use!

To use you can apply the wet shampoo bar directly to your hair, all over your head, working from the scalp down, and gently massage until a lather forms. Or you can rub the shampoo bar between your hands until you create a good lather and then apply to your hair from the scalp down. Work the lather into your hair and then make sure to rinse very well. Don’t forget to work the lather into the underside of your hair.

Since you probably won’t be using all the bars at once. Make sure you store them in an airtight container.