Kat, over at Whisper Wind Farm shares this recipe:
Chamomile Tea Shampoo
- 1-2 Chamomile tea bags
- 1 Tbsp. soap flakes
- 1 tsp. borax
- 3 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 pint hot water
Bring water to a boil, then turn off heat and let tea seep approx. 5 min. Next, mix in the soap flakes and borax, until soap dissolves. Let cool slightly, then stir in vinegar. Can be stored in a glass jar and refrigerated for about one week.
Kat reminds us that this recipe does not lather like store bought shampoo, so don’t use too much, but she says that it cleans wonderfully!
It’s also runnier than normal shampoo, so just use a quarter size amount. You may want to put it in a spray bottle.
Thanks Kat!
Another variation of this:
4 bags chamomile tea, 4 tablespoons soap flakes, 1-1/2 tablespoons glycerin. Mix tea and soap as directed above (in 1 1/2 c. boiling water). Stir glycerin into mixture once it has cooled. Store in bottle and shake before use.
*This one seems a little healthier. I’m not sure about Borax in my shampoo, isn’t Borax a chemical?
Note: I have not tried this yet, but as soon as I do I’ll give my opinion. It seems like this is a pretty popular recipe to use though! I’ve seen tons of variations of this recipe online.
Does anybody know what kind of soap flakes to use for this?? I read somewhere else to use grated Castile soap.
If you have a favorite homemade shampoo recipe, I’d love to try it!!
A city girl learning to homestead on an acre of land in the country. Wife and homeschooling mother of four. Enjoying life, and everything that has to do with self sufficient living.
What kind of soap flakes do you use?
Just looking for an update on this. How has the shampoo been working out? I am starting to research making our own soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, etc. and would love to hear how this recipe worked. TIA!
Borax is not a chemical, it is a mineral produced by the repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes. The only reason I would be leery about using it in shampoo is the reason that in warm water Borax gets partially converted to hydrogen peroxide and therefore might have a lightening effect on color treated hair.
Stacey-
Thanks!! That’s interesting. I really need to try it. I could use some highlights 🙂
Where do buy your soap flakes? In the UK they seem to be a rare commodity.
I visit a blog called “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch” (she used to be called “Ship Full of Pirates” but recently changed the name) and she has been doing a series of posts on what she calls “No-Poo”. You might find it interesting and helpful.