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Use an essential oil in this shampoo recipe that will be helpful to your hair type. Some of the herbal essential oils used in hair care products are rosemary, lavender, sage and parsley. Rosemary gives shine and body to hair. Lavender is said to stimulate hair growth for thinning hair but results are not guaranteed. It is a good degreaser. Sage is used for its conditioning properties and to darken hair. Parsley is thought to enrich color and add sheen to hair.
Bring 1 qt. distilled water to a boil and remove from the heat. Stir in 4 oz. of grated castile soap mixing until the soap dissolves. Cool and add 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Use this to shampoo as you would normally. - Make an infusion from fresh or dried herbs as a basis for a natural herbal shampoo. Select an herb based on your needs. Use nettle, comfrey, birch bark, or peppermint in the infusion to treat dandruff. Use nettle, basil and St. John's wort to promote growth of thinning hair. (Hair growth results will vary and are not guaranteed.) Dandelion and clover are good for normal hair while comfrey root is good for oily hair. Place 1/4 cup of fresh herbs into a glass container with a lid. If using dried herbs substitute 2 tbsp. of the herbs. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and pour over the herbs. Let the infusion sit for 20 minutes. Strain into another container and discard the herbs. Mix in 2 tbsp. of liquid castile soap, 1 tsp. of jojoba oil and a few drops of an essential oil for fragrance. Store in a tightly covered container and shake before use.
- Use soapwort root powder produces suds like soap when water is added. Bring 2 cups of distilled water to a boil and add 1-1/2 tsp. of soapwort root. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Stir in 30 drops of the herbal essential oil of your choice.
