Creating a DIY clarifying shampoo is a simple yet effective way to save your curls and strands from damage. It can be made using ingredients you probably have around your home. Baking soda, Neem oil, and Rice water are a few of them. Depending on your preference, you can even include your favorite essential oil.
Baking soda
Baking soda is often used in baking, but it has other uses as well. The abrasive texture of baking soda can exfoliate the scalp and make it cleaner. This is beneficial for those suffering from excessive buildup on the scalp, which is often the result of using hair products or just plain old sweat.
To use baking soda as a shampoo, simply mix it with about half a cup of water. Apply the mixture to wet hair and allow it to work for about one to three minutes. After you’ve applied the shampoo, rinse with warm water. You can follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse, if desired.
Using baking soda as a shampoo substitute has many benefits. It is a natural exfoliant, helps to reduce buildup, and removes color. It also removes excess oil. The pH level of baking soda is between 8-9, which is ideal for cleansing and detoxifying the hair.
Neem oil
Neem oil is a great addition to any DIY clarifying shampoo recipe. The anti-oxidants in this oil help protect the hair from free radical damage. It also helps improve hair texture by nourishing strands with fatty acids. However, it should be used sparingly, as too much oil can weigh hair down.
Organic neem oil is best, as it is cold-pressed and is full of nutrients. It will also help moisturize dry, frizzy hair, and minimize dandruff. It has a high concentration of vitamin E, which helps strengthen hair and support scalp health.
Another reason to use neem oil in DIY shampoos is its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can help reduce dandruff and minimize split ends. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can even help treat head lice.
Rice water
If you have a sensitivity to synthetic shampoos and conditioners, you can try making your own clarifying shampoo at home. Just boil some rice water and add other ingredients, such as castile soap, chamomile/shikakai tea, and lavender oil. Once soaked, the water should be rinsed out thoroughly. For best results, use it within five to six days. To make it last longer, store the water in an empty shampoo bottle or spray bottle in the refrigerator.
Although rice water is a great DIY clarifying shampoo, excessive usage can cause damage to the scalp and hair. Aim for once or twice a week to prevent damage to the scalp and hair follicles. Also, rice water has a high protein content, which can over-process the hair and dry the scalp.
