DIY Clarifying Shampoo: How to Make it Easily at Home

When your hair seems bogged down by styling products or dirt, or just won't seem to come to life like it used to, you probably need a good clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are used to clarify hair by removing buildup and excess oils, restoring the hair's natural shine and health.

Whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to remove buildup from the scalp and hair strands. They work by incorporating active ingredients that break down and strip away the residue that can accumulate from hair products, hard water, and even the natural oils our scalps secrete. Factors like stress can also contribute to scalp and hair imbalance, making clarifying treatments even more important.

Benefits of Using DIY Clarifying Shampoo

Using a clarifying shampoo periodically can have several benefits for your hair and scalp health.

• It can help to promote healthy hair growth by unclogging hair follicles and removing dead skin cells from the scalp.
• It can prevent hair loss and promote stronger hair strands.
• Clarifying shampoos can help restore the proper pH balance to your scalp, which can keep it from becoming too dry or too oily.
• Clarifying shampoos can also help reduce dandruff by removing buildup and balancing scalp pH, which supports scalp hygiene and helps prevent dandruff flare-ups.
• Clarifying shampoos are a great option for anyone looking to refresh their hair and scalp health. With natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals, they offer a safe and effective way to strip away buildup and promote healthier hair.
• DIY clarifying shampoos can also be more cost-effective than buying commercial products. With just a few simple ingredients like water, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar, you can make a batch of clarifying shampoo that will last for several washes.
• Because clarifiers strip away all the dirt and residue other shampoos, conditioners, and hair products leave behind, it can help free your hair to have body, movement, and even a brighter color again.
• One of the biggest benefits of making your own clarifying shampoo is that you can tailor the ingredients to your specific hair type and needs. For example, if you have oily hair or scalp buildup, you might choose to use a mix of warm water and baking soda, which is effective at removing excess oil and product buildup. On the other hand, if you have dry or curly hair, you might opt for a recipe that includes more moisturizing ingredients like apple cider vinegar or honey. You can also control the smell of your homemade shampoo by adding essential oils or other natural scents.

Some store-bought clarifying treatments can be expensive, not to mention harsh, sucking all the moisture out of locks, as well as stripping your hair color. In some cases, these commercial products can make your hair or scalp feel worse due to excessive dryness or irritation.

So here's a recipe for a simple, homemade clarifying shampoo that's guaranteed to leave hair soft, supple, and moisturized, without negative effects on hair color.

DIY Clarifying Shampoo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon baking soda
• 1-2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar juice or lemon juice (optional)

Spoon baking soda into a bowl, then add warm water. (Note: Water must be warm, for baking soda to fully dissolve.) Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a thicker mixture, use less water to create a paste, which is especially effective for targeted clarifying. You can also add a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar juice for extra clarifying power. Once mixed, transfer to an empty water bottle or cup and give it a gentle shake if using a bottle.

For best results, pour shampoo over wet hair and work through tresses and over scalp, focusing on the roots, for a few minutes. Use a comb to distribute the mixture evenly through your hair before rinsing. Leave in for up to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Your hair should feel softer, have more volume, and be nice and clean. This is an especially great cleanser for naturally kinky hair.

Homemade Shampoo vs. Store-Bought

When it comes to choosing between buying a clarifying shampoo or making your own DIY homemade version, there are several factors to consider.

Buying a clarifying shampoo from a reputable brand offers the convenience of a professionally formulated product designed specifically to remove product buildup, excess oil, and impurities from your hair and scalp.

These store-bought options often contain a balanced blend of cleansing agents and nourishing ingredients to maintain hair health. On the other hand, creating a homemade clarifying shampoo allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your hair's unique needs.

DIY recipes often use natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar or baking soda, which can be gentler on the hair and environmentally friendly. However, it requires research and experimentation to find the right combination for your hair type, and there's no guarantee of the same efficacy as store-bought options.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preferences, hair condition, and the level of involvement one is willing to invest in their hair care routine.

Hard Water Considerations

If you've ever noticed your hair feeling dull, heavy, or unusually dry after washing, hard water could be the culprit. Hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cling to your hair and scalp, leading to stubborn buildup, dryness, and even irritation. Over time, this mineral residue can make it harder for your favorite products to work, leaving your hair looking less vibrant and feeling less manageable.

A clarifying shampoo is a must-have in your routine if you live in a hard water area. These shampoos are specially formulated to remove product buildup and mineral deposits, helping to restore your hair's natural balance and shine. For those who prefer a homemade shampoo, natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar are especially effective. Apple cider vinegar not only helps to break down mineral buildup but also balances the pH level of your hair and scalp, making it a great addition to any DIY recipe.

If you have oily hair, a baking soda-based clarifying shampoo can be particularly helpful for removing excess oil and impurities. Just remember, baking soda has a high pH level, so it's important to use it sparingly - especially if you have color treated hair, as it can lead to fading and dryness. Always follow up with a nourishing conditioner to replenish moisture and keep your locks soft and healthy.

For those with dry hair or sensitive scalps, consider adding soothing ingredients like aloe vera or honey to your homemade shampoo. Aloe vera is known for its moisturizing and calming properties, while honey helps lock in moisture and adds a natural shine. Olive oil is another excellent option for boosting hydration and supporting overall hair health.

When it comes to essential oils, a few drops can offer wonderful health benefits and a pleasant scent, but use them with care to avoid irritation. And if you have curly or frizzy hair, opt for a gentle, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to help maintain your hair's natural moisture and bounce.

Finding the right balance between cleansing and conditioning is key. Depending on your hair type and how much buildup you experience, you might use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week. For oily hair, more frequent washes may be needed, while dry or curly hair will benefit from a gentler approach and extra moisture.

By customizing your homemade shampoo with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, baking soda, aloe vera, olive oil, and honey, you can create a routine that removes buildup, restores balance, and leaves your hair looking and feeling healthier. With a little experimentation, you'll discover the perfect recipe to keep your hair and scalp in top condition, no matter what challenges hard water throws your way.

Can You Use Baking Soda On All Hair Types and Textures?

Baking soda has been a popular ingredient in home remedies for many years, and one of its uses is as a clarifying agent in hair care. Many people are drawn to the idea of using baking soda on their hair because it is affordable and natural. However, many wonder if baking soda is suitable for all hair types and textures.

The answer is that while baking soda can work well for some people, it may not be suitable for everyone's hair. It is important to consider factors such as your hair type, texture, and current condition before using baking soda on your hair.

For oily hair and scalp, baking soda can be an effective clarifying agent. It has alkaline properties that help to remove excess oil and buildup from the scalp, leaving the hair feeling clean and refreshed. However, using too much baking soda or using it too frequently can lead to dryness and damage to the hair.

For those with dry and coarse hair, baking soda may not be the best choice. Baking soda can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. This can be damaging to already fragile hair and can cause breakage and split ends.

Those with colored or chemically-treated hair should also avoid using baking soda. It can cause the hair color to fade faster and can strip the hair of the chemicals that are needed to maintain the color and texture.

Another important consideration is the pH level of baking soda. It has a high pH level, which can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair. This can result in irritation, dryness, and even scalp infections.

Remember...

Clarifying shampoos are not meant to be used on a daily basis, as they can be harsh and strip the hair of its natural oils. Instead, it's recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month, depending on your hair type and how much product buildup you experience.

If you decide to incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine, it's also important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. This can help to restore any lost moisture and keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

Not into the DIY thing? Try our hydrating shampoo and hydrating conditioner!

Have your own homemade beauty secrets? Feel free to share them in the comments!