Making your own homemade shampoo for kids is a great way to cut out unnecessary toxins, while also creating a custom DIY shampoo that you’ll feel totally safe lathering your child’s scalp with.
Benefits of Homemade Shampoo
I know making your own DIY shampoo may seem like a ton of extra work, but I promise you it isn’t. Not only is this a super easy recipe to put together, but the benefits are well-worth any extra effort. Here are just a few of the benefits you can get with homemade shampoo for kids.
Customizable Formula
The shampoo recipe below is a basic one, but the benefit of making your own is you can customize it and add to it as needed. I opted to use lavender in this recipe as it is gentle (and smells great!), but you can swap it out for something else if your child has different needs.
All-Natural
Before I had kids, I could have never imagined actually making a DIY shampoo for them. But once I started learning about all the ingredients within those shampoo bottles on the shelves, I vowed that I would make my own instead. I love that I can rub this directly into my child’s scalp without worrying about harmful, irritating ingredients.
Simple DIY Shampoo
Equally as important as the two benefits above is that this shampoo is easy to make! You only need 3 ingredients (1 of which is optional but recommended), and about 2 minutes of time to whip up a batch. Trust me, this DIY is easy!
Economical Solution
Last but not least, homemade shampoo is insanely affordable. The cost of kids’ items can add up quickly, so it’s nice to have a win here and there. This DIY shampoo costs pennies on the dollar when comparing to big brand organic shampoos.
Pin the image above to save the shampoo recipe for later!
How to Make Homemade Shampoo
Okay, now that you know why it’s worth your time to make DIY shampoo, let’s chat about how to actually do it. As I promised, this DIY is simple and quick—two things every mom needs!
Supplies for DIY Kids’ Shampoo
- Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap
, unscented - Lavender Essential Oil
- Vegetable Glycerin, optional but highly recommended (read more below)
- Empty bottle – You can just re-use an old shampoo or bubble bath bottle you may have at home. It doesn’t have to be fancy!
, unscented
, optional but highly recommended (read more below)
– You can just re-use an old shampoo or bubble bath bottle you may have at home. It doesn’t have to be fancy!
How to Make Homemade Shampoo for Kids
For this homemade shampoo, you will want to dilute Dr. Bronner’s castile soap to a 1:1 ratio. You can add one cup of water to your empty shampoo bottle and add one cup of the liquid castile soap to your bottle.
Then add 1 tsp. of glycerin. The glycerin is important because this is what makes the shampoo sudsy. The castile soap is a great cleanser, but it doesn’t get very sudsy on its own. If your kids like to play with bubbles in the tub, that’s where the glycerin comes in. Plus, somehow it doesn’t feel like shampoo without the fun suds!
Then add 10-15 drops lavender essential oil (or your favorite essential oil) to your shampoo. Swirl around a bit to mix together, and your shampoo is ready to use.
That’s it – your homemade shampoo for kids is done! Easy like I promised, right?
Other Natural Solutions to Try
By the way, you can make your own homemade body wash with the same exact ingredients as above (just at a different ratio). Here’s my recipe for an all-natural homemade body wash. If you are making one, you might as well double up and make the other. 🙂
I’d love to hear what you use for natural health and beauty products. I am a big fan of this Easy Lavender Goat Milk Soap recipe – another natural way to keep yourself clean!
If your child happens to have a flaky scalp like one of my kids do, this Natural Flaky Scalp Treatment has been a total game-changer for our family.
I’d love to hear what other natural solutions you’ve implemented as a family—I’m always open to learning from other moms!
diane says
Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap is some amazing stuff. I almost always have some in the house but have never tried making my own shampoo!
Brittany W says
I’m having a kid in the spring, so I will definitely be bookmarking this. I love lavender essential oil but I have never thought of using it in soap or shampoo. I bet that is very relaxing!
Shauna says
Wow, I would have never thought of making shampoo for my kids, myself. I am sure with the lavender, it smells amazing. Thanks for the idea 🙂 Much safer than buying shampoo with chemicals and such
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I’ve never tried making my own shampoo or deodorant or anything like that. I bet the shampoo is great for those that like the scent of that particular essential oil.
Erika says
You don’t have to use lavender if you don’t like it. There are many options with this shampoo! 🙂
Maureen says
I love this idea! This is so easy and perfect so you know exactly what you are using on your child.
Maura says
I want to use peppermint essential oil and make my own shampoo – that tingly feeling on my scalp would feel awesome! 🙂
Suzey says
Would you recommend this for adults as well?
Maura says
Absolutely! You can experiment with more essential oils if you use it for yourself. Lavender is a nice gentle scent for everyone – but maybe you could throw in some peppermint for your own!
Erika says
It depends on your hair. I wouldn’t hesitate to give this shampoo to my husband, but I wouldn’t use it on my own very thick hair.
Great question, Suzey. Thanks!
Yelena says
I tried homemade shampoo and it left my hair limp and sticky. I even tried the vinegar rinse but nothing helps! Do you know why?
Wendy says
Hi there! So I’ve been using this DIY shampoo for a couple months now, but I’ve been experiencing so much more dandruff than I ever have before. I don’t understand why! I use lavender and rosemary oil, and a little tea tree. I’ve also noticed that my hair will retain more oil. I have very thick hair. Do you know what I should do?
Maura White says
Sounds like its drying you out too much. You could try adding a little bit of coconut oil – and take out the tea tree. Your hair is probably retaining more oil to compensate for this combo drying your scalp too much.
Meghan Stone says
Hi Wendy! Castile soap can dry out your hair leaving it feel almost stripped. If you add in coconut milk it will help dilute it and help retain moisture in your hair. I use 1 1/4 c coconut milk to 3/4 c Castile soap. No water, and plenty of essential oils. Typically rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint, and 5 drops of tea tree for its healing properties. I would think the tea tree should be helping with itchy scalp. Try adjusting your measurements until you find a good balance for your specific-type hair. I don’t have thick hair, but I do hope this helps!
Erika says
Thanks for the tip, Meghan!
Maura White says
I’ve never tried a cider rinse before. This is a light shampoo that works well on kids hair since theirs is less greasy.
Angie Plummer says
Hi, I make my husband’s deodorant anc he really likes it – “love” is too strong a word for him, but if I get orders for more, it works.
Coconut oil
Shea butter
Cocoa butter
Beeswax
Baking soda
Vitamin-E
Bentonite clay (crushed kitty litter)
I found the recipe on frugallysustainable.com
It works and it’s pretty simple.
Erika says
That sounds great, Angie! I love those ingredients!
Claudette says
I tried this recipe for my toddler – works great as both shampoo and bubble bath wash. I tried using it as shampoo for myself but resulted in me having oily hair. Any suggestions how I can modify it for my use?
Maura says
I have not made an adult version of shampoo or oily hair or tried it. But upon some quick research, green clay, green tea, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and/or honey could be added to the castile soap to help with oily hair. If you try any of these, come back and let us know how it works!
Heather says
Hi! I just came across your site and am thinking about trying out this kids’ shampoo. I’ve found in the past that castile soap leaves hair greasy, but I may not have diluted it enough. Anyway, I don’t know if you’ve found the perfect deodorant yet, but Milk of Magnesia is magic! I made my own sticks with those ingredients that we love, and I was totally disappointed that it didn’t work for my armpits. I still make myself the sticks to use them on days when I’m staying home and in old clothes (the oils stain the clothes). But I digress . . . if you have an old roll-on bottle (or you can buy a new one) just fill it half-way with (well-shaken) Milk of Magnesia and add your favorite blend of essential oils. Give it a shake and then fill the rest of the bottle with Milk of Magnesia. Works like a charm (for me anyway) and I can often get through day #2 without re-applying.
Jaclyn richmond says
Your hair will have a period of adjustment from what it is used to. Combing with a small comb will help pull out the natural oils, like our ancestors did. I started washing my hair every 3 days and at first it was greasy but after awhile it adjusted and didn’t need washed until around day 3 or 4.
Ysonde Gonzales says
I have made my own deodorant, but end up feeling like it just doesnt cut it. However, I did find an all natural one at the store with charcoal in it. Beat thing I have ever used. A little goes a long way too. So if u want to make your own, try adding charcoal. It is such a great stink getter!
Kara says
I have used CRYSTAL deodorant for years.( I buy it at the Vitamin Shoppe, (they’re like $6.99 & last at least a year each, unless you drop on the tile floor, but you can get it on amazon also). It’s really a crystal rock, but comes in a deodorant shaped container. You put it on after you get out of the shower while you’re still damp. If it feels like it’s too dry, run it under the faucet. I try to cover as much area as possible (doesn’t hurt 🤷🏼♀️). I still sweat, but it doesn’t smell at all!! I have found in the summer, because I live in Florida, that if I wear tank tops, I’m more likely to smell. Something about the skin rubbing skin. But if I have a T-shirt that covers my armpits, even if I sweat it doesn’t smell. Just my observations, thought I should share 😊
Erika says
That sounds amazing! I had to switch to a different natural deodorant a few months back because the old brand started irritating my armpits. I found out they had changed ingredients and many people were complaining. I don’t love my new one – it’s good but not great, so I will check out your tip. Thank you!
Bonnie says
1cup means 250ml? Thank you!
Kerry says
My hair is soo oily with this shampoo..but I really want to use natural shampoo..Ive heard you can wash your hair in bicarbonate of soda – could this be added to this shampoo…or should I dilute it more….add lemon oil….? Some ingredients seem to only use 1-2 tablespoons of the castile soap any advice welcomed – Im yet to try it on my kids hair though…
Kim says
Shelf life ?
Danielle says
I’m using this for my kids now (5 and 2), and it’s great! I do have a question about using water though. What is preserving the water and keeping it from growing bacteria over time? Could you add something natural to preserve it and keep it from getting funky?
Erika says
Hi Danielle! I’m glad you like this homemade shampoo. The base is water and Dr Bronner’s castile soap – here is what they say – “Use Bronner’s body care products within three years of the manufacture date. Soaps are self-preserving, but because our products are biodegradable, it’s best to not leave them on the shelf for too long. Also, the soaps are good for 24 months after opening the product, within that 3 year window.” Based on that, I think it’s safe to say this shampoo should be fine for at least a few months without going bad.
kiwi aryan says
great information. thanks.