Natural Ingredients for Healthy Hair: What I Use in My Homemade Shampoo Bars

Just a reminder that I am not a licensed professional, just a self taught maker with a deep interest in what goes into skincare. Always patch test new ingredients and consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific scalp conditions or concerns. Also if you are pregnant or nursing, consult a doctor before using herbs or essential oils.

As someone dealing with thinning hair thanks to menopause and stress, I've been experimenting with natural ingredients to create my own shampoo bars. Through trial and research, I've discovered 23 powerful ingredients that have made a real difference in my hair care routine. Here's what I've learned about each one and why I include them in my formulations.

No colors. Nothing too special about how it looks, but it’s an amazing 2ozs.

Nourishing Oils

Wheat Germ Oil - Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and add moisture to dry, brittle hair while promoting healthy growth.

Cocoa Butter - Provides deep conditioning and moisturizing properties, helping to seal in hydration and create a protective barrier that reduces breakage and adds shine.

MCT Oil - Easily absorbed lightweight oil that penetrates the hair shaft to provide moisture without weighing hair down, while supporting scalp health.

Argan Oil - Contains antioxidants and vitamin E that tame frizz, add shine, protect against heat damage, and improve hair elasticity and manageability.

Castor Oil - High in ricinoleic acid which may stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, potentially promoting hair growth while providing intense moisture and strengthening properties.

Gentle Cleansers and Proteins

Cocamidopropyl Betaine - Gentle surfactant derived from coconut that cleanses without stripping natural oils, making it perfect for sensitive scalps and maintaining hair's moisture balance.

SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) - Mild surfactant that creates rich, creamy lather while gently cleansing without over-drying, ideal for color-treated or chemically processed hair.

Rice Protein - Helps repair damaged hair by filling in gaps in the hair cuticle, adds volume and strength, and improves hair's overall texture and resilience.

Natural Extracts and Powders

Aloe Extract - Soothes irritated scalp, provides moisture, and contains vitamins and minerals that can help reduce dandruff and promote healthy hair growth.

Goat Milk Powder - Contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals that nourish hair and scalp, while lactic acid gently exfoliates for softer, more manageable hair.

Rice Flour - Acts as a natural cleanser and volumizer, absorbing excess oil while providing gentle exfoliation to remove buildup from hair and scalp.

Vitamin C Powder - Antioxidant that helps protect hair from environmental damage, supports collagen production for stronger hair, and aids iron absorption for healthy growth.

Therapeutic Herbs (Infused into MCT Oil)

I infuse these herbs into MCT oil to extract their beneficial compounds, creating potent herbal-infused oils that I incorporate into my shampoo bars:

Comfrey - Contains allantoin which promotes cell regeneration and healing, helping to soothe scalp irritation and strengthen hair follicles.

Horsetail - High in silica which strengthens hair structure, improves elasticity, and adds shine while potentially reducing hair loss and breakage.

Lavender - Antimicrobial properties help maintain scalp health, may stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation, and provides calming aromatherapy.

Stinging Nettle - Rich in vitamins A, C, and iron which nourish hair follicles, may help reduce DHT (linked to hair loss), and adds natural shine and volume.

Spearmint - Contains menthol that stimulates scalp circulation, has antimicrobial properties, and provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.

Creosote Bush - Has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help treat scalp conditions like dandruff, while antioxidants protect hair from environmental damage.

Rosemary - Improves circulation to the scalp, may stimulate hair growth, helps prevent premature graying, and adds shine.

Chamomile - Gently soothes irritated scalp, has anti-inflammatory properties, naturally lightens hair over time, and adds softness and manageability.

Calendula - Anti-inflammatory and healing properties help soothe scalp conditions, promote healthy hair growth, and provide moisture to dry, damaged hair.

Essential Oils and Preservatives

Lavender Essential Oil - May help stimulate hair growth while reducing scalp inflammation, with antimicrobial properties and aromatherapeutic benefits.

Optiphen - Preservative system that prevents harmful bacteria and mold growth in hair products, ensuring safety without formaldehyde-releasing compounds.

My Experience

Through experimenting with these ingredients for my own thinning hair concerns, I've learned that combining them thoughtfully in shampoo bars creates more effective results than using them individually. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, and when properly balanced, they work together to cleanse gently while nourishing and strengthening hair.

The solid bar format means you get concentrated benefits without the water content found in liquid shampoos, making each ingredient more potent. While I'm still learning and experimenting, these natural ingredients have made a noticeable difference in my hair's health and appearance.

If you're dealing with similar hair concerns, consider trying products with these ingredients or experimenting with making your own formulations. Natural doesn't always mean gentle, so always patch test and start with small batches to see what works best for your hair type.

I am currently not selling these, but if you would like to try a bar, I can make one for you.