I've always struggled with dandruff. I remember pleading with my mom in middle school to only buy me white or light gray t-shirts because I was worried about my classmates seeing dandruff flakes on my shoulders. So embarrassing.
Like a lot of other people with this ailment, I started using Head & Shoulders(TM) shampoo regularly. Dry scalp and dandruff is such a common problem that it is the best selling shampoo in the world. I have to admit that consistent use did keep my dandruff in check for decades. But the older I get the more I care about natural health and a clean environment. The long list of unpronounceable chemicals on the bottle began to concern me.
At first I tried more natural brands like Paul Mitchell made with Tea Tree oil, but it's expensive at around $50 for the shampoo and conditioner. Ouch, but worth it, I hoped. Only it didn't work as well as Head & Shoulders.
Eventually I decided to take matters into my own hands in the kitchen. After a few unsuccessful tries of Internet recipes, I finally found a cheaper more natural blend to get rid of my dandruff.
Over the last few years I've been experimenting with making different dandruff shampoo recipes. Working from home has allowed me a few failed attempts. I don't care about the occasional flakes on my shirt at home. I even own a few dark t-shirts now ;)
The simple recipe below has given me the best results so far.
Not only do I save a bunch of money, I feel much better about using only natural ingredients like baking soda, organic soap and essential oils. I estimate the cost to be around $1.50 per batch and that's using premium quality ingredients.
Get a printable copy of this recipe here or follow the instructions below.
DIY natural dandruff shampoo recipe ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/3 bar of Dr. Bronners Hemp Lavender castile soap
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 30-40 drops of tea tree oil
- 10 drops of peppermint oil (optional)
- 10 drops vitamin E oil (optional)
Here are the tools you'll need to make it:
- 1 quart sauce pan
- 1 cheese grater
- 1 mini whisk
- 1 large glass bowl with lid
- Funnel
- Used shampoo bottle or soda bottle
DIY Instructions for dandruff shampoo:
- Grate 1/3 bar of soap using cheese grater. Combine with water into the sauce pan.
Melt soap/water mixture on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally with the whisk until soap is fully dissolved. Do NOT let it boil!
On the side, put 3 TBS of baking soda into your glass bowl.
When soap is fully dissolved, remove from stove, slowly add hot soapy water into the baking soda in the bowl stirring with the whisk.
Whip the mixture with your whisk for about 2 minutes or until it's a cloudy milky consistency.
Cover the bowl lightly and put it somewhere to cool. Leave the whisk on top of the lid because it will begin to separate and solidify.
Whisk vigorously about every hour for 6-8 hours while cooling.
When fully cooled, add essential oils and whisk vigorously to foamy consistency like in the GIF below.
- Pour into shampoo through a funnel into your bottle.
Use Instructions: Shower daily. Shake very well before using. Use a generous handful. Gently massage entire scalp for around one minute before rinsing.
For best results, use the highest quality ingredients that you can find. It's well worth the extra cost especially since you're saving a bunch of money by making dandruff shampoo yourself.
CLICK HERE to get a one-page printable PDF of this recipe.
My name is Jeffrey Green and this is my first post to Steemit.
welcome ! your first post is just awesome :D