DIY Leave-In Conditioner

Making your own DIY leave-in conditioner is simple to make and will leave your hair feeling well moisturized. Learn how to make a leave-in conditioner with coconut milk or aloe vera, as well as a DIY  leave-in conditioner for hair growth. Each recipe is made with natural ingredients that are very cost-friendly.

DIY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER 

Most conventional hair products will be full of harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients that are best to stay away from.  Making your own leave-in conditioner will take you less than 5 minutes and will cost you next to nothing. Plus, it can be made with natural ingredients! 

I am going to share 3 different leave-in conditioner recipes that can help with strengthing the hair, moisturize the scalp, and promote healthy hair growth. Depending on your hair type, will determine which leave-in conditioner you will want to try.

A lot of the ingredients that you will find in these recipes can also be used in making your own shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray. One product at a time and you can revamp your entire daily routine! 

PIN IT FOR LATER

WHAT IS LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER? 

Leave-in conditioner is a product that is applied to the hair after you showered and is meant to stay in. It can be especially beneficial for curly hair and dry hair. 

Leave-in conditioners will moisturize the hair leaving it softer, smoother, and shinier. It can also be used as a hair detangler or a hair styling product. 

DIY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER WITH COCONUT MILK

Coconut milk for hair? Say what?! Yup, you read it right. I have used coconut milk in shampoo before, and it works perfectly with a leave-in conditioner.

Coconut milk has so many great benefits for your hair and can even help to promote hair growth when massaged into the scalp. 

The best coconut milk to use for your hair is canned coconut milk that is full fat and unsweetened. Coconut milk found in the refrigerator section can contain lots of extra ingredients that you won’t want in your hair. 

INGREDIENTS

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.

• 1/4 cup filtered water ( I use the Berkey filter system.) 
• 1 tbsp coconut milk 
• 1/4 tsp jojoba oil 
• 10 drops essential oil (Check out my favorite essential oils for hair below.) 
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl. 
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. 
3. Using a funnel, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. 
4. Shake well before each use. 

DIY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER WITH ALOE VERA

Aloe vera can be used to help moisturize dry hair and reduce breakage. I use it in my homemade conditioner because it leaves your hair soft, smooth, and shiny.

Aloe vera promotes hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, can prevent dry scalp, and reduce dandruff.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup coconut water 
• 1 tbsp aloe vera 
• 1/4 tsp vegetable glycerin 
• 10 drops essential oil (Check out my favorite essential oils for hair below.) 
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl. 
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. 
3. Using a funnel, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. 
4. Shake well before each use. 

DIY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER FOR HAIR GROWTH 

As said earlier, coconut milk can promote hair growth. Jojoba oil and shea butter also have excellent benefits for strengthening and lengthening the hair.

I added in rosemary and lavender essential oil because studies have shown these essential oils to be the best for hair growth and thickening. 

• 1/8 cup coconut milk
• 1/8 cup filtered water (I use the Berkey water system.) 
• 2 tsp melted shea butter 
• 1 tsp jojoba oil 
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl. 
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. 
3. Using a funnel, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. 
4. Shake well before each use. 

NOTE: If shea butter rehardens, you may need to warm before spraying.

WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS ARE BEST FOR HAIR? 

1. Lavender– Studies have shown that lavender produces more hair follicles to help thicken and strengthen hair.  Lavender has a beautiful floral smell that can promote calmness and reduce stress; stress can be the biggest reason for hair loss.
2. Rosemary– Rosemary essential oil is the top oil for hair growth and thickness. It helps to treat dry hair as well as overly oily hair and can help prevent split ends.
3. Tea tree– Tea tree promotes a healthy, clean-looking scalp. It can be used to help with a dry, itchy scalp and protect against lice.
4. Cedarwood– This woodsy oil is excellent when you are making products for men because it has a very masculine smell.  In fact, I use cedarwood in the DIY products I make for my husband, and he approves.  It stimulates hair follicles and increases circulation to the scalp making it a top oil for hair loss.
5. Peppermint– Peppermint oil is known for the cooling effect it has on the skin when used topically and for its refreshing minty scent.  Peppermint is also great for the hair as it promotes hair growth and thickness.

HOW TO USE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER? 

Typically, you will want to apply a leave-in conditioner to the hair after it has been washed and conditioned. You can apply it to wet or dry hair. However, it is best if your hair is slightly damp. 

Spray conditioner generously over the hair and then style like normal. Avoid roots if you are prone to greasy or oily hair. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER? 

You shouldn’t use a leave-in conditioner on your hair daily. In fact, you should only conditioner your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type. 

Over conditioning the hair can cause build up and make the hair look greasy. If you have super fine hair that is oil-prone, then you may need to consider less conditioner. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER? 

Moisturizing and nourishing a dry, itchy scalp can enable hair to grow stronger and thicker.  Using a DIY leave-in conditioner can do just this to the scalp! 

If you are experiencing hair loss or a lot of hair breakage, try using a leave-in conditioner a few times a week. 

DIY Leave-In Conditioner

Print

Prep Time 2 minutes

Additional Time 8 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Materials

• 1/4 cup filtered water
• 1 tbsp coconut milk 
• 1/4 tsp jojoba oil 
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil 

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl. 
   
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. 
   
3. Using a funnel, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. 
   
4. Shake well before each use.