Sulfate Free Shampoo Recipe

We put out a special earth-day issue of our college paper and I contributed this shampoo recipe. I thought you might enjoy it as well-- it gets my hair very clean without drying it out. I personally use Calendula as my herbal steep base.

3 oz. Herbal steep
1 tsp. Baking Soda
½ tsp. Vegetable Glycerin
¼ tsp. Jojoba Oil (optional)
6 drops Essential Oil (optional)


Pour boiling water over three teaspoons of herbs of your choosing. Chamomile is best for blondes, Calendula flowers help bring out red tones, Rosemary for dry scalps. Green tea is also an excellent choice for a general clarifying wash, and Lavender can benefit damaged hair. After the water has mostly cooled, strain out three ounces into a glass measuring cup. Dissolve your baking soda before adding glycerin (available at craft and health food stores).
Put your creation into a bottle or container with a secure lid. For dry hair or scalps, you can add jojoba oil or a few (very few) drops of olive oil. Various essential oils can also be added for various benefits and also their potent fragrance. However, essential oils may be too strongly concentrated for women who are nursing or pregnant.
Afterwards you can rinse with remaining herbal steep combined with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.