Make nourishing lavender shampoo bars with essential oils at home! Enjoy a luxurious hair care experience with this easy, DIY recipe.
Introduction: Luxurious and Nourishing Homemade Shampoo Bars with Lavender and Essential Oils
Looking for a luxurious way to care for your hair without harsh chemicals? DIY lavender shampoo bars are the perfect solution! These handmade bars are packed with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, and essential oils, making them perfect for soothing your scalp and adding a natural shine to your hair. Not only will your hair smell divine, but it will also be left feeling soft, healthy, and hydrated. Plus, with essential oils like lavender and tea tree, this recipe has added benefits for your hair and scalp!
Benefits of These DIY Lavender Shampoo Bars
- Soothes the Scalp – Lavender and tea tree oils have calming properties that help relieve scalp irritation.
- Promotes Healthy Hair – Argan oil and vitamin E help nourish and hydrate hair, promoting growth and strength.
- Natural Ingredients – Free from harsh chemicals, these shampoo bars are made with wholesome, skin-friendly ingredients.
- Eco-Friendly – These solid shampoo bars are a sustainable alternative to bottled liquid shampoos, reducing plastic waste.
- Aromatherapy Benefits – The combination of lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Ingredients Overview
- Cocoa Butter: Rich in fatty acids, helps to moisturize and nourish dry hair.
- Cetyl Alcohol: A natural emulsifier that helps the shampoo bars hold together and provide smooth texture.
- Coconut Oil: Adds moisture and shine while nourishing your hair and scalp.
- Goat’s Milk Soap Base: Creates a creamy lather while providing essential vitamins to the hair.
- Vitamin E Oil: An antioxidant that promotes hair health and prevents damage.
- Argan Oil: Known for its hydrating properties, helps to restore softness and shine.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances pH and helps cleanse the scalp.
- Baking Soda: Helps to clarify and remove buildup.
- Sea Salt: Adds texture and exfoliates the scalp.
- Essential Oils (Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint): Each provides various benefits such as soothing, promoting hair growth, and providing antimicrobial properties.
- Dried Lavender: Adds texture and a fragrant touch to the bars.
Instructions
- Melt the base: In a double boiler, combine 3 teaspoons of cocoa butter, 2 teaspoons of cetyl alcohol, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Add the soap base: Once the butter and oils are melted, add the ½ pound of goat’s milk melt and pour soap base (cut into cubes). Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Mix in liquid ingredients: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sea salt, baking soda, vitamin E oil, and argan oil. Continue stirring until fully combined.
- Essential oils & color: Add 10 drops each of lavender, tea tree, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils. If using, add soap colorant for a pop of color. Stir to combine.
- Add crushed lavender: Gently fold in the crushed dried lavender, saving about 2 tablespoons for later use.
- Prepare the mold: Sprinkle the remaining crushed lavender into each cavity of the soap mold.
- Pour the mixture: Carefully pour the shampoo bar mixture into the silicone mold, filling each cavity evenly.
- Set & cool: Lightly spritz the top of the mold with rubbing alcohol to remove any air bubbles. Let the shampoo bars harden at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster cooling.
- Remove the bars: Once the bars are firm and cool, carefully remove them from the mold. Store in an airtight container or use immediately.
How to Use It
- Frequency: Use these shampoo bars as you would any regular shampoo, approximately 2–3 times a week, depending on your hair type.
- Amount: Rub the bar between your hands to create lather, or directly onto wet hair, massaging gently into your scalp and through the lengths of your hair.
- Best for: These bars work well for most hair types, especially for dry or damaged hair that needs extra nourishment.
- Patch test tips: Before using the shampoo bars on your scalp, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Storage tips: Store your shampoo bars in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. An airtight container or soap dish works best.
- Shelf life: These bars should last for about 3-4 months, thanks to the preservative properties of the oils. If they begin to feel too soft or sticky, it’s time to replace them.
Customization Tips
- For dry or damaged hair: Add extra argan oil or a few drops of rosehip oil for added hydration and nourishment.
- For oily hair: Consider reducing the amount of coconut oil and adding a few drops of tea tree oil to help balance oil production.
- For sensitive skin: Use a lighter essential oil blend, such as just lavender and chamomile, to soothe sensitive scalps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not allowing enough cooling time: Ensure the bars have completely hardened before removing them from the mold to prevent them from breaking.
- Overusing essential oils: Stick to the recommended amount of essential oils to avoid irritation or overwhelming scents.
- Not storing properly: Shampoo bars can soften if exposed to water constantly. Always store them in a dry place when not in use.
- Skipping the rubbing alcohol spritz: This step helps remove air bubbles, giving your shampoo bars a smoother finish.
- Using too much colorant: If you add soap colorant, use sparingly, as it can stain your skin or clothing if overused.
FAQs
1. Can I use this on color-treated hair?
Yes, this shampoo bar is safe for color-treated hair. The natural ingredients are gentle and help maintain the vibrancy of your color.
2. How do I store the shampoo bars?
Store your shampoo bars in a cool, dry place away from moisture. An airtight container or soap dish will help preserve their quality.
3. Will these shampoo bars lather well?
Yes, thanks to the melt and pour soap base, these bars create a rich lather that cleanses effectively while moisturizing your hair.
4. Can I use this shampoo bar every day?
While these bars are gentle, it’s best to use them 2–3 times a week to avoid stripping your hair of natural oils.
5. Do the shampoo bars have a strong fragrance?
The scent is soothing and light, thanks to the blend of lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint essential oils. It’s not overpowering, but leaves your hair smelling fresh.
Conclusion
These DIY lavender shampoo bars are a luxurious and eco-friendly way to care for your hair. With nourishing ingredients and a soothing scent, they’ll leave your hair soft, shiny, and smelling amazing! Try making your own batch, and share your results with friends or pin this recipe for later. Happy crafting!