Print Recipe
There are a lot of options when it comes to hair conditioner, even natural conditioners. While I like using this deep conditioning molasses hair mask, it’s nice to have something simple for everyday use on hand. This homemade conditioner is simple, convenient, and moisturizes dry hair naturally.
Before we start making our own conditioner it helps to understand what’s happening here. Our hair follicles make sebum which is moisturizing and repairing to damaged hair and split ends. Too much sebum though and we get that greasy hair look.
Some people are able to get by with water washing their hair or baking soda, but the majority of us rely on shampoo. While shampoo is necessary to keep the hair and scalp clean, it also strips it of necessary oils. Conditioner helps add these back in.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your natural conditioner:
Anyone who has ever walked into the shampoo aisle at the local big box store knows just how many conditioner options there are. And that’s not even counting all of the ones sold online or in specialty stores. Even the homemade conditioner options can be overwhelming.
Typical store bought conditioner has a thick, lotiony consistency. Homemade conditioners can range from apple cider vinegar to coconut oil, to smearing mashed avocado on your tresses. While none of these DIY options are bad, they’re not as easy or shelf stable. Avocados don’t last a week on my counter before going brown, they’re sure not going to last as a conditioner in my bathroom.
Certain ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter are good for hair, but they’re hard to incorporate into a homemade hair conditioner recipe. Some homemade options can cause buildup on the hair cuticles, making hair feel greasy. While I use coconut milk in my homemade shampoo, its short shelf life and fickleness are why it isn’t in this natural hair conditioner.
I wanted to create a recipe that didn’t need replacing every few days or made up on the spot. I wanted something that would stick to hair for a bit and work on the strands, so not an herbal hair rinse. Most importantly, I wanted something that was simple yet still worked.
We obviously don’t all have the same hair. Thin hair needs different treatment than thick or textured hair. This recipe can be customized so it meets your specific hair needs. It may take a little tweaking to find your perfect recipe, but the template is the same. First let’s get into the ingredients used, who they work for, and possible substitutions.
Since shampoo strips the hair’s oil we need to add some back in. Just rubbing some oil into hair though can quickly get messy though… and then we’re back to overly greasy. While I like using straight up oil for a deep conditioning treatment, it’s too intense for everyday use.
This homemade conditioner uses oils in the recipe, but not too much. Which oils we choose are just as important though. Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite hair healthy oil options to use in DIY conditioner.
Castor oil is one of the best ways to grow stronger, longer, healthier hair. It’s great for the scalp and helps with hair loss, breakage, and dandruff, among other benefits. Castor oil has antioxidants that help hair to be smoother with less frizz. I use diluted castor oil as an overnight hair treatment, but it’s also an easy addition in a DIY conditioner.
This oil is thought to balance scalp pH and can help restore hair and scalp health after using harsh hair care products. Many people have seen impressive hair growth with this one.
Avocado oil makes a mean mayo, but it’s also great for hair and skin health. Saturated and monounsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil and avocado oil, sink deeper into damaged hair.
Argan oil has become a bit of a trend lately, but it has a long history of use in certain cultures. Argan oil is a rare oil that isn’t as cheap as some other options, but well worth it. I like mixing some into my hair care products because a little goes a long way here.
While conventional conditioners also have other ingredients I want to avoid, it’s easy to add argan to a homemade conditioner. Argan helps repair dry, damaged hair and reduces frizzy hair. It works by smoothing the hair shafts and adds shine.