How to Make Natural Aloe Vera Shampoo
Growing your own aloe vera plant is easy and rewarding, and so is making your own natural aloe vera shampoo. The gel from the aloe plant is naturally moisturizing and good for all types of hair, although it's especially beneficial to dry, damaged or colored hair. Aloe vera shampoo will nourish your hair, reduce itching, and bring the pH of the scalp into balance. You can make this simple shampoo at home and store it right in your shower. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera plant
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Castile soap
- Glycerin
- Vegetable oil
- Jojoba oil (optional)
- Container
Instructions
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1
Harvest the thickest leaf on your aloe plant. This will give you the most gel. Cut the leaf with a sharp knife at the base. Take care not to harm the remainder of the plant.
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2
Hold the leaf straight up with the cut side down until the dark, red resin drains out.
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3
Use a serrated knife to cut away the skin from the leaf. Place the leaf on a cutting board; hold the knife parallel to the board and carefully cut away the top layer of skin on the leaf, starting at the thick end. Avoid cutting into the gel.
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4
The aloe gel is inside the leaf. Cut away the sides of the leaf. The gel will be exposed. Use the knife to scrape the gel off the leaf. The gel will be transparent.
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5
Mix 1/4 cup of the gel with 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap, 1/4 tsp. of vegetable oil, and 1 tsp. of glycerin. Two drops of jojoba oil can be added for extra conditioning if desired. Place the ingredients in an airtight container and mix well.
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6
Apply a small amount of the shampoo to your hair, work into a lather then rinse with cool water. Repeat the process.
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7
Store the shampoo in the container at room temperature. Shake it well before each use.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
