How to Make a Base for Shampoo Without Lye for Kids

Protect your children with a customizable shampoo base.

For parents, the safety of their children is paramount. But some parents don’t realize that creating a homemade lye-based shampoo is potentially dangerous. According to the University of Florida Extension, lye is a caustic ingredient that is also used in oven cleaners. Create a safe, natural base for a child’s shampoo that is customizable and won’t irritate his sensitive scalp and hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup castile soap
• Cheese grater
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave oven
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 tbsp. organic vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. vegetable glycerin oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped herbs
• Empty shampoo bottle or airtight container

Instructions

1. Grate one-half cup of castile soap with a cheese grater. Pour the grated soap into a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Melt the castile soap in the microwave oven on high heat for 30 seconds. Stir the soap and continue to heat it on high for 15-second increments until it is completely melted.

3. Allow the castile soap to cool slightly and add one-half cup distilled water, 1 tbsp. organic vegetable oil and 1 tbsp. vegetable glycerin oil.

4. Stir the ingredients until they are well-incorporated. Add one-half cup finely chopped herbs, including lavender, lemon grass, orange peel or patchouli.

5. Stir the homemade shampoo and store in a clean, empty shampoo bottle or airtight container.

References

• The Herb Companion: An Herbal Guide to Healthy Hair: Shampoo Base
• Long Locks: The LongLocks Natural & Organic Hair Care Recipe Cookbook
• University of Florida Extension: Hazardous Household Substances: Alternatives That Are Relatively Free of Toxic Effects