Essential oils are ideal for imparting soothing or revitalizing aromatherapy properties to a shampoo, not to mention that almost all of them have a great fragrance! It is also known that some of them have therapeutic properties that are good for the body. Some essential oils are effective for making hair shiny, others have nourishing and moisturizing properties, and still others promote hair growth and prevent dandruff. You can play with various combinations or follow predetermined recipes. It is always important to properly store the shampoo after incorporating the oils, so as to prevent it from spoiling.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Add the Oils
Step 1. Do a skin test
This is especially important if it is a new essential oil that you are using for the first time, as you need to make sure that you are not allergic to the product. Here's how to do a skin test:
- Mix 3 drops of the oil you intend to use with half a teaspoon (3 ml) of a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond, or walnut.
- Pour a couple of drops on the inside of the forearm, just below the elbow. Cover the affected area with a band-aid.
- Leave the patch and do not wash this area for 48 hours. Then remove the patch and examine your skin to see if it has any symptoms associated with an irritation, such as redness, itching, blistering or swelling. If you do not notice any symptoms, it means that you are not allergic to the oil and you can safely add it to the shampoo.
- Some essential oils should not be used on children under the age of 5. They include basil oil, cinnamon, lemongrass, thyme, bergamot, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary and sage.
- Try not to get essential oils in your eyes as they can cause irritation.
Step 2. Get everything you need
In addition to your favorite shampoo and essential oils, you will need other tools to perform the procedure. Also prepare a measuring cup, funnel, small bowl, and an airtight dark glass or plastic bottle.
- Store your shampoo and essential oil blend in a dark, airtight bottle, as light, heat, and oxygen can alter the oils' aromas and properties.
- Close the bottle tightly after each use.
- Some essential oils in concentrated form can deteriorate plastics, so oils and concentrated blends should always be stored in glass bottles.
Step 3. Measure the shampoo
In general, about 20 drops of essential oil should be used for half a cup (120 ml) of shampoo. Measure the shampoo and pour it into the bottle. Insert the funnel into the bowl before pouring the product to avoid spilling it.
- Start by using 1/2 cup (120ml) of shampoo if this is your first time doing the procedure. In fact, you should be prepared for the eventuality that you do not like the smell or the final result obtained with the selected oils.
- If you want to use a full bottle of shampoo, consider the package size to determine how many drops of oil to add. If you're going to use the same oils for the entire shampoo bottle, pour them directly into it.
Step 4. Mix the oils
In a small bowl, mix about 20 drops of various essential oils or, if you prefer, 20 drops of the same oil. Stir them with a spoon or twist the bowl, then smell the combination.
Remember to increase the amount of oil in relation to the amount of shampoo used. Many shampoo bottles contain between 350 and 500ml of the product, so if you plan on adding oils to an entire bottle, you will need 60 to 80 drops
Step 5. Add the oils and mix
Once you get a satisfactory result, pour the mixture into the shampoo bottle. Use a funnel to avoid spilling it.
- If you have a long, thin stick or spoon that fits into the bottle, use it to mix the oils with the shampoo. If not, shake the container gently.
- The shampoo should always be shaken before use, in order to redistribute the oils in the product.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Oils
Step 1. Choose the most suitable oils for normal hair
Essential oils have different fragrances and properties, so some are more effective than others for treating various hair types and related problems that can affect them. If you have normal hair that doesn't tend to dry out or get fat, here are some of the best essential oils to use:
- Rosemary.
- Lavender.
- Geranium.
- Lemon.
- Muscat grass.
- Cedar wood.
- Thyme.
- Chamomile.
Step 2. Treat oily hair
There are several essential oils suitable for treating oily hair, as they help slow down the production of sebum or are simply more effective at removing excess oil from the scalp. If you have oily hair, experiment with oils like:
- Lemongrass.
- Ylang-ylang.
- Cedar wood.
- Lemon.
- Melaleuca.
- Rosemary.
Step 3. Treat dry hair
Dry hair is characterized by knots, split ends and dullness. All this can be caused by various factors, such as absence of sebum on the scalp, carrying out too many harmful treatments, abuse of tools and products for styling. It is possible to restore an adequate hydrolipid balance by using oils such as:
- Geranium.
- Lavender.
- Rosemary.
- Sandal.
- Cedar wood.
- Peppermint.
- Melaleuca.
Step 4. Choose oils that help you fight mild dandruff
Dandruff can be caused by various factors, but there are essential oils that are effective for reducing minor symptoms of this disorder, such as flakes and itchiness that affects the scalp. They include:
- Melaleuca.
- Thyme.
- Rosemary.
- Lavender.
- Eucalyptus.
- Cedar wood.
- Ylang-ylang.
Part 3 of 3: Mix the Oils
Step 1. Make a nourishing blend for damaged hair
If you suffer from dryness, dandruff, or other types of damage, you can make a blend of essential oils to add to your shampoo to help moisturize and nourish your hair while also fighting dandruff. Here are some good recipes:
- 10 drops of each of the following essential oils: lemon, rosemary, tea tree and lavender. Mix them with 300ml of shampoo.
- 20 drops of moscatella essential oil, 15 drops of wild orange essential oil, 15 drops of lavender essential oil and 250 ml of shampoo.
- 10 drops of each of the following essential oils: Lavender, Cedarwood, Rosemary, and Peppermint. Mix them with 250ml of shampoo.
Step 2. Choose oils that allow you to perfume your hair
Almost all essential oils smell great on their own, but mixing them doesn't always give good results. Essential oils such as basil, bergamot, lavender, ylang-ylang and mint are some of the best for treating and scenting hair. If you want to make a fragrant blend rich in healing properties, try the following:
- 25 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 10 drops of lemon essential oil and 15 drops of lavender essential oil mixed with 300ml of shampoo.
- 30 drops of wild orange essential oil and 20 drops of lavender essential oil mixed with 300ml of shampoo.
- 30 drops of lavender essential oil and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with 300ml of shampoo.
Step 3. Make a blend of all-purpose essential oils
Some oils are great for taking care of hair in general and are suitable for all hair types; an example is that of rosemary or lavender. Mix the following ingredients to make a blend of essential oils that will not only perfume your hair but also make it healthier:
- 40 drops of lavender essential oil.
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil.
- 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil.
- 350 ml of shampoo.
