When you are pregnant, your body goes through tons of hormonal changes. This can take a toll on your skin and hair, and you might find yourself struggling with woes that you usually never bothered about.
For instance, one day you may notice voluminous and fuller hair, and the next day you are shedding hair at an abnormal rate. You may also discover that the shampoo you used before pregnancy has started to react adversely to your already dull strands. This is because most shampoos are loaded with chemicals and cause hair fall and thinning during pregnancy. Plus, the ingredients in certain commercial shampoos can be unsafe to use during pregnancy. A simple solution? Homemade shampoos.
DIY homemade shampoos are natural, chemical-free, easy to make, and cost-effective. You can even customise them according to your hair requirement and reap maximum benefits from them. Take a look as we have listed some of the best DIY shampoos to make at home, based on your hair concerns.
Benefits Of Using Homemade Shampoo During Pregnancy
First, let’s look at why you should consider switching to DIY shampoos during pregnancy. Here are some of the benefits that homemade shampoos offer over commercially available products:
- Customisable: You can easily tweak the ingredients in the DIY shampoo to suit your hair’s unique needs. Customising the ingredients will help address your hair concerns better than generic store-bought shampoos.
- All-natural ingredients: Homemade shampoos contain ingredients straight from your kitchen. These are organic, preservative-free, and free from chemicals and toxins. This means zero side effects. Moreover, homemade shampoos do not contain artificial fragrances or parabens that often cause allergic reactions.
- Pocket-friendly: The ingredients used to make DIY shampoos are cheaper and easily made as most ingredients are available at home.
- Eco-friendly: These shampoos are made using natural sources and that helps cut down on environmental pollution. You can even cut down on plastic waste by switching to recyclable containers.
7 DIY Shampoo Recipes
Now let’s check out the recipes for the seven organic and safest homemade shampoos.
Avocado Shampoo Recipe For Dry And Brittle Hair
Avocados contain essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Their natural oils provide deep nourishment and hydration to your hair. Thus, it can be a great conditioner for dull, dry, and brittle hair. Plus, adding baking soda to the recipe can remove grime from your scalp. Studies indicate that baking soda has antifungal and neutralising effects and acts as a great cleanser.
You need:
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup of water
Process:
- Blend the avocado, baking soda, and water into a fine paste.
- Pour it into a pump bottle.
- Apply a generous amount of DIY shampoo to your hair.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Egg Yolk Shampoo Recipe For Oily Hair
Egg yolk contains lecithin, an emulsifier that cleanses oil and grease from the scalp. They are also rich in nutrients and proteins, making them a good hair conditioner.
You need:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil 9keeps your hair smooth and shiny)
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Process:
- Whip up the egg yolks until they are foamy.
- Add baking soda, olive oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to the mixture.
- Mix well and then store it in a bottle.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp through the ends and then rinse with water as usual.
DIY Shampoo Recipe For Sensitive Scalp
You can use Castile soap to treat your sensitive scalp. It helps get rid of excess oil, dirt, and grime from the scalp without drying it. It also prevents infections and keeps the scalp nourished and fresh.
You need:
- ½ cup of Castile soap
- ½ teaspoon of glycerine
- 1/ cup of water
Process:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store it in a bottle and shake it well to mix.
- Massage your hair and scalp with shampoo.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Oats Shampoo Recipe For Damaged And Lifeless Hair
Oats contain hair-loving nutrients such as zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, and iron that stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. Add cornstarch to that and it’ll help enliven your damaged and lifeless hair.
You need:
- ½ cup of whole oats
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- ¼ cup of water
Process:
- Blend the oats, cornstarch, baking soda, and water to a fine paste.
- Store it in a recyclable container.
- Apply generously to your hair and scalp, and massage thoroughly.
- Rinse with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo For Itchy Scalp
Apple cider vinegar has a pH range similar to the scalp. It helps break down oil, and remove dirt buildup from the scalp. It has antimicrobial properties and can also soothe scalp infections. Adding tea tree oil to this mix can keep the scalp free of irritation and itchiness.
You need:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup of castile soap
- 10-12 drops of tea tree essential oil
- ¼ cup of water
Process:
- Mix all the ingredients together and store it in a pump bottle.
- Apply the shampoo to your hair and massage your scalp well.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Chickpea Shampoo For Shiny And Strong Hair
Chickpea is a traditional ingredient used to cleanse the scalp. In this shampoo, you can add aloe vera gel to provide hydration to your hair, and honey to lock in moisture and keep your hair healthy and shiny.
You need:
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- ¼ cup of water
Process:
- Mix the ingredients to make a paste.
- Apply it generously to your hair and scalp, and massage well.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Coconut Milk Shampoo For Voluminous Hair
Coconut milk is a natural and ultra-hydrating cleanser that cleans the scalp and makes the hair strands stronger and bouncier.
You need:
- ¼ cup of coconut milk (canned or homemade)
- 15-20 drops of essential oils (rosemary, lavender, peppermint)
- ¼ cup of castile soap
- ½ teaspoon of olive oil
Process:
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Store the paste in a pump bottle.
- Apply to your scalp and hair and rinse as usual.
Bonus: Dry shampoo recipe
If you have a greasy scalp and rely on dry shampoos instead of washing your hair every day, we have the perfect DIY recipe for you.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
Process:
- Mix both the ingredients well.
- Use a makeup brush to distribute the mixture on your scalp.
- Brush your hair to remove any residue.
DIY shampoos are effective, natural, cost-efficient, and safe for the environment, and customising them can help address your hair concerns and promote healthy hair growth during this delicate period.