DIY Homemade Conditioner Recipes

While people with all types of hair should condition on a regular basis, it’s even more important for us curlies. Curly hair has a tendency to be on the dry side, and conditioners can restore our hair’s natural softness! Good conditioners can be pricey, however, since manufacturers tend to use “all natural” ingredients, including organic fruits, vegetables and oils. If buying conditioner on a regular basis isn’t agreeing with your bank account, consider making your own homemade conditioner instead!

Persimmon and Rosemary

This recipe is super easy to make. You’ll need a ripe persimmon and a sprig of rosemary to start. Chop up the persimmon and pulse it in the food processor to make it even finer. Add the sprig of rosemary, along with 1/4 cup almond oil, 1/2 cup honey and a few drops of peppermint oil (you can use a different oil, but the peppermint really complements the rosemary). Continue to blend in the processor until it’s a smooth and creamy mixture, and then transfer to a plastic container with a lid. It’s that easy!

Tangy Rinse

If you thought the previous recipe was simple, wait until you try the recipe by Jeanne Haegele at Life Less Plastic. She uses — wait for it —vinegar. That’s pretty much it, unless you want to add essential oils to counter the aroma of the vinegar. Jeanne swears that this rinse is just as good as the most costly conditioners! To make her rinse, she mixes about 4 cups hot water, 3/4 cup vinegar, a sprig of rosemary and a bag of apple tea (the latter two ingredients are for fragrance). Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 30 minutes, then it’s ready! After shampooing, she works this mixture into her hair, then rinses.

This may sound like a typical hair rinse, but it’s not. The difference is that hair rinses are usually used after conditioning or prior to shampooing and conditioning. This rinse is meant to be used in place of a conditioner.

Go Tropical!

If you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen mixing up elaborate concoctions, then this recipe from LongLocks is for you! All you need is one ripe avocado and some coconut milk (organic is preferable). Peel and pit the avocado, then mash it up well. Slowly pour in enough coconut milk until the mixture has the consistency of conditioner. Put in a container with a lid and use as needed! LongLocks recommends working it into the hair and letting it set for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

Final Thoughts

What made you consider using homemade hair conditioners? Are you tired of paying for good conditioners, or do you just like to know exactly what you’re putting in your hair?

How have homemade conditioners worked for your hair?