As the title suggests, I have not “kicked” my DIY habit. I love experimenting with new recipes for things like shampoo, body wash, hair masks … I especially love anything to do with my hair. I don’t know why. You would think I’d want to be more cautious since it’s my hair and it could fall out, but no. On the other hand I am skeptical on my body washes and with good reason: the last batch I made made me break out in hives.* For three weeks. The amount of fun not had need not be stated.

Either way it hasn’t deterred me because the results of making these things myself have been for the most part absolutely fantastic. My hair is in much better shape these days and I find that my skin isn’t as dry and prone to breakouts. I also find that people tend to be super interested in what and why exactly I do this …

The biggest reason is obviously one of health. I am not completely against chemicals; just because our ancestors “didn’t do it” or “didn’t use it” doesn’t automatically make it bad. I am not a “hippie” or any other variation of. David likes to call me an informed consumer, and I am inclined to agree. I like to understand, as much as I can, the benefits and/or risks of things I put into and on my body. It should be everyone’s number one concern, in my opinion.

Another reason is based on money. Or the lack thereof in my bank account. A lot of the things I make include ingredients I already have somewhere around my apartment. Considering I freelance, I am all about saving money. I could go on with this list, but everyone has their reasons.

Pictured to the left is my homemade shampoo, which has worked wonderfully. As I am asked quite a bit for the recipes for that and my hair mask, I figured I’d share here! And if you think what I put in my hair is “weird”: try reading the label of your shampoo bottle and ask yourself why you’re ok with that.

Homemade Shampoo

• Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (I use the unscented baby mild one)
• Goat’s Milk
• Coconut oil (recommend: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
• Jojoba oil (recommend: NOW Foods Jojoba Oil Pure)
• Vitamin E oil
• Nettle leaf tea

Hair Mask (pre-poo treatment)

• Greek yogurt (the kind with fat; without will do you no good)
• Honey
• Coconut oil
• Bananas (or banana baby food, if you don’t want to pull out your processor)

*I should note that my boyfriend has been using my homemade body washes for months now and has had no problems of the sort. I’m just weird and overly sensitive.

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