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How to Make DIY Shampoo Bars

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Updated 07/31/19

shampoo bar with orange — Humble Bee and Me

There are a variety of reasons people opt to make natural shampoo bar recipes over buying shampoo in the store. You might not like added chemicals or you prefer using a bar over a gel.

However, if you are just getting started with shampoo bars, it can take some time to get used to the different feel when washing your hair. Despite that, the pros outweigh the cons for many people.

Shampoo bar recipes can be configured to work for your hair type, and they make great gifts too. Try out these DIY shampoo bars if you want to get rid of unnecessary chemicals in your house or if you want to try a new beauty craft. There are a variety of techniques and supplies listed, so browse through them all until you find one that makes sense for you.

01 of 09

Get Started with Three Basic Recipes

puhimec / Getty Images

Making shampoo bars is slightly different than making soap. There are some body soap ingredients that you wouldn't want to use on your hair and vice versa. This article provides three basic shampoo bar recipes to get you started and educate you about the process.

How to Make Shampoo Soap Bars from The Spruce
02 of 09

Add a Hint of Orange and Peppermint

Mama Instincts

Most people want a moisturizing shampoo bar recipe because their hair is dried out or stripped from their regular shampoo. This recipe is both moisturizing and clarifying because it includes tea tree, orange, and peppermint essential oils. Head over to the tutorial for the complete instructions.

DIY Moisturizing Shampoo Bars from Mama Instincts
03 of 09

Use Calming Ingredients Like Lavender

Turner Forte / Getty Images

This homemade shampoo bar recipe from Ela Vegan uses lavender and clay as the main components of the soap. The end result is a relaxing shampoo bar packed with organic oils that smell heavenly. The clay will keep your hair healthy and clean while the lavender soothes your senses. Check out the step-by-step guide to make your own.

Homemade Shampoo Bar from Ela Vegan
04 of 09

Layer Complementing Colors

Humble Bee and Me

Want to take your soap to the next level? You can layer a variety of colors in shampoo bars just like you would bar soap. This step adds extra interest to the bar and makes them more appealing to give as gifts or sell them. Find out which pigments this recipe used and more details by visiting the Humble Bee and Me page.

Mermaid Silk Shampoo Bars from Humble Bee and Me

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05 of 09

Mix Chamomile and Honey for a Calming Shampoo Bar

The Nerdy Farm Wife

Some ingredients just seem meant to be together. Honey is the perfect complement to chamomile because it is nourishing and the smells work well together. If you have some chamomile in your garden that you want to harvest and use in a beauty recipe, check out this shampoo bar from The Nerdy Farm Wife.

Chamomile Tea and Honey Shampoo Bar Recipe from The Nerdy Farm Wife
06 of 09

Infuse a Shampoo Bar with Dandelions

The Homesteading Hippy

Think outside the box when it comes to herbs and flower additions. This shampoo bar recipe from The Homesteading Hippy is ideal for any type of hair and uses an ingredient that is often found readily available in your yard: dandelions. Find out all the recipe details by checking out the tutorial.

Dandelion Infused Shampoo Bar from The Homesteading Hippy
07 of 09

Use Rosemary and Mint for an Energizing Shampoo Bar

Grow Forage Cook Ferment

If you shower in the morning, chances are you want a shampoo that is invigorating. Two uplifting ingredients that many people have in their herb gardens are rosemary and mint. Gather some dried herbs and essential oils, then head over to Grow Forage Cook Ferment for this revitalizing shampoo bar recipe.

Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bars from Grow Forage Cook Ferment
08 of 09

Condition Your Hair with Orange

Humble Bee and Me

If you're actively making shampoo bars, chances are you also want to make some conditioner bars, too. This recipe from Humble Bee and Me shows you how to make a solid conditioner bar using orange wax. Before you attempt this process, make sure you perfect some basic soap making skills first because this recipe is not geared towards beginners.

Orange Blast Solid Conditioner Bar from Humble Bee and Me

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09 of 09

Make This Shampoo Bar Without Lye

Karl Tapales / Getty Images

Lye can be a difficult and dangerous chemical to work with, so many beginner soap makers opt for recipes that can be made without it. To make this shampoo bar, this crafter used a pre-made melt and pour base, which makes the entire process a lot simpler. Check out the tutorial for instructions on how to make your own and where you can purchase all the ingredients.

DIY Shampoo Bar No Lye to Handle from So Green So Good