Is there a way to make shampoo and conditioner?

[Adamsmama]

I use shampoo and conditioner but am trying to cut down on harmful ingredients. I want something that is scent free and very few ingredients. Is there a recipe out there to make this myself?

[loon13]

If you google "homemade shampoo and conditioner", you'll find a slew of links. Lots of conditioners can be made from food stuff: eggs, vinegar, mayo.
Sounds like a salad doesn't it? Those would have strong odors though...

Lots of MDCers recommend no-pooing for shampoo (a search of this forum will turn up the info for you.)

Here's one shampoo recipe I found on the web from this page:

Everyday shampoo:
Castille bar soap
Water
¼ cup olive oil, almond oil or avocado oil
½ cup distilled water
Grate castille bar soap and mix it with water in a blender or food processor.
Blend 1 cup of castille liquid with olive oil, avocado or almond oil and distilled water.

Good luck! Let us know what you come up with.

[loon13]

I wanted to add that I think there's just a trial and error process with homemade types of hair products just as there is with storebrand products.

I tried no-pooing, but didn't like it. I have other homemade things I do use though such as the occasional OCM (oil cleansing method) for my face. I use the crystal stick for my deodorant, but will sometimes use baking soda/cornstarch mixture.

I haven't yet tried the homemade shampoo I listed above, but I would like to. I really like Aubrey Organics conditioners for my hair, but I feel I offset the cost with all my other more frugal beauty choices.

[mamathellama]

If you have short hair, Dr Bronner's liquid soaps may work well for you. My husband loves it, we get the Baby-Mild which just means it's unscented (the other ones are scented with essential oils). We dilute it about 1:4 with water and put it in a foaming pump bottle. I have a hard time getting it to lather enough on my long hair. Another similar product is Dr Wood's soap, also a liquid which I ordered from iHerb. It is a little thicker and I have used it as shampoo straight out of the bottle. They don't have an unscented one, the one I have has almond oil for scent. Both of these are just plain castile soap with oils, no chemicals. Most grocery stores carry Dr Bronner's, but I find it cheaper to buy online. Also Burt's Bees has a shampoo bar soap that my husband likes.
I personally usually use Jason or Kiss My Face brand shampoos, they work great and I don't use much so I am willing to pay a little more. Also I usually wahs my hair only every other day unless I work out.