How to make your own shampoo, conditioning oil and hair spray from household ingredients

Valerie O’Connor goes for tried and tested treatments for her tresses.

As my bathroom clutter continues to decrease, there is no doubt that a few products are hard to replace when it comes to getting chemical-free options.

As a woman, my hair is a source of natural obsession and I now have a ‘system’ which involves the usual shampoo and conditioner, a magic €2 Boots own brand ‘Curl Creme’, and a sea salt spray which saves me driving to Lahinch and going for a walk in the wind and rain every time I want to get that ‘natural’ look.

So, in keeping with the importance of having your hair looking great and not loading up on chemicals, here are a few ways to help yourself and the earth at the same time.

Myself and fellow real-food lover and fermentalist Lizzy O’Connell from ‘With a Glowing Heart’ are pooling resources to buy all the ingredients we need to make a few face creams and bathroom treats.

As the initial outlay can be expensive, it’s a good idea to partner up with a pal and buy the basics together as essential oils and things like beeswax can be pricey.

Meanwhile, save up those nice glass jars from your usual face creams, lotions, and potions.

Lizzy generously gave me a jar of her hair conditioning oil which she made to combat the nasty hair business that happens after a swim in a chlorinated pool.

Having coloured hair myself (another chemical thing I’m not ready to let go of), I need to mask my hair from the nastiness of chlorine and find this does a fantastic job.

So here are two recipes for hair treats that you won’t want to be without.

Hair serums and hairspray — I don’t do them.

Conditioning oil:

Lizzy recommends that you use this before you put your swimming cap on to get in the pool, or as a regular hair treatment at home.

The oils will act as a mask for your hair.

Going into the steam room or sauna will give it a double whammy of nourishment and then just shampoo it our afterwards.

I also use this in small amounts to rub into the ends of my unruly locks.

This makes a quantity that will fill up a standard jam jar.

You can get good quality coconut oil in Dunnes and Aldi. I get sweet almond oil from Asian food shops.

You will need:

1cup of coconut oil ( melted )

1 tbsp sweet almond oil

2 tbsp olive oil

10 drops rosemary oil

Mix everything well, allow to set at room temperature to a creamy texture.

If you’re not happy with the consistency then melt and add a little more almond oil.

Beach Head Sea Salt Spray:

Everyone wants mad curly hair now, it’s easier to look after than ironed straight hair and this home-made spray costs very little, especially if you have Epsom salts already.

1 cup of hot water (not boiling)

2 tablespoons epsom salts

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

1/2 tsp of your regular hair conditioner

A few drops of essential oils like lavender or something sweet like bergamot

1 tsp vodka act as a preservative

1 tsp lemon juice if you have light coloured hair

A 250ml spray bottle, ideally use one from a shop-bought sea salt spray or similar product. You can adjust the quantities if your bottle is bigger or smaller.

Put the hot water in the spray bottle and add the epsom salts, sea salt , aloe vera, conditioner, scent, and lemon juice/vodka (if using).

Put the cap on the bottle and shake for 1-2 minutes or until epsom salts and sea salt are dissolved.

Store in the fridge if using lemon juice base, or at room temperature if you aren’t.

Will last 3-4 months or longer.

Dry Shampoo Recipe

1/4 cup cornflour OR

2 tablespoons arrowroot/cornflour and 2tblsps of cocoa powder

A few drops of essential oil of choice

An old make-up brush to apply

Put the drops of essential oil into the arrowroot or cornflour and mix with a spoon.

Store the mix in a small jar or old powder container.

Apply with an old make-up brush to the roots or oily parts of your hair.

As I have wild and pretty dry hair, I would only need to apply this to the roots.

Leave the ‘shampoo’ for a few minutes, during this time it will absorb excess oils and dirt, you can then brush it out or just run your fingers through your hair and shake your head like mad.