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Shampoo vs soap is always a debated topic in a lot of my soaping groups. Some swear that regular soap is perfectly fine for hair, but myself and others will disagree with this. I have gone over in depth the Difference Between Bar Soap and Shampoo Bars on another post, but it boils down to one major thing… Ph factor. Having the correct Ph level for shampoo is important for a number of reasons, one of the biggest being the hair cuticle. This Homemade Shampoo Bar is not only the correct Ph for hair, it is a simple, beginner friendly recipe that you can build off of.
Equipment:
Because we are working with powders for this recipe, you will want to have the proper PPE. A face mask or respirator is HIGHLY recommended. You do not want to inhale these ingredients, believe me. You will also need eye protection as well.
- Respirator
- Eye Protection
- Mixing Bowels
- Double Boiler
- Mold (I use This One)
Basic Shampoo Recipe:
- 40% – Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) (Gentle surfactant, provides cleansing & lather)
- 15% – Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Secondary surfactant, boosts foam & mildness)
- 10% – BTMS-50 (Conditioning agent, helps detangle & soften hair)
- 10% – Coconut Oil (Adds nourishment & slight cleansing boost)
- 2% – Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) (Strengthens & protects hair)
- 2% – Hydrolyzed Silk, Oat, or Keratin (Adds shine & smoothness)
- 1% – Essential Oil or Fragrance (Optional, for scent)
- 1% – Preservative (like Optiphen Plus) – 1% (Prevents microbial growth)
- 19% – Distilled Water or Aloe Vera Juice (Helps blend & bind ingredients)
Instructions:
- Melt BTMS-50, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Blend SCI with Cocamidopropyl Betaine until smooth.
- Combine melted ingredients with surfactants, then add water/aloe, panthenol, hydrolyzed protein, and essential oils.
- Mix thoroughly, press into molds, and let dry for 24-48 hours before using.
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