How to Make Homemade Conditioner

A homemade conditioner is so much more than a hair softener for more manageable hair. A natural hair conditioner is necessary to hydrate, strengthen, thicken and support healthy hair.

As a beauty care enthusiast and recipe developer, some of my favorite DIYs involve body care; soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.

Hair conditioner is for everyone, although not every hair conditioner is suitable for every person. For me, my hair is pin straight and extremely fine; the conditioner my hair needs is going to be different than, say, my husband, who has quite the opposite hair.

His hair is thick, coarse, and curly. And out of all our children, not one got his hair. I was really hoping for at least one head of curls, but apparently, straight hair is dominant.

We may find ourselves skipping the hair conditioning step for those of us in the “fine, smooth hair” department. I mean, do we really need to condition our hair every day? Do we even need to condition our hair at all?

Is hair conditioner necessary

You probably already know the answer to this question, but I think understanding what conditioner is will help us better understand why conditioner is necessary: yes, the answer is we all need conditioner; my fellow sleek-haired friends, frizzy, curly, coarse, and everything in between.

Hair conditioner replenishes the hair with the necessary oils that have been stripped from the strands during the washing process. In addition, the conditioner provides a protective layer to each strand as well as softens the hair.

Is it ok to just use conditioner

NO.-Ok, I admit, I’m trying to answer some of the questions I already receive about hair conditioner. So while conditioner may provide minimal cleaning to the hair and scalp, it is not a substitute for washing the hair with a shampoo.

Both shampoo and conditioner are necessary for clean, strong, healthy hair.

Homemade hair conditioner

This simple homemade hair conditioner will leave the hair soft, more manageable, and less prone to breakage or split ends. Oh yeah, and the best part, it is made up of entirely natural and sustainable ingredients.

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INGREDIENTS 

• Cocoa butter
• Coconut oil 
• Jojoba oil 
• Aloe Vera 
• Essential oil (See blends below) 

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below!

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CONDITIONER

We’ll need to start by melting the cocoa butter and coconut oil. This can be done using a double boiler.

If you don’t have a double boiler, no worries! Make your own by placing a glass bowl partially submerged over a pot of water. Then, bring the water to a boil. Voilà! Your very own makeshift double boiler.

Now that the butter and oil are melted, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool for several minutes before adding in the remainder of the ingredients.

Stir everything well, then transfer to the conditioner bottle. Any container will work for storing the homemade conditioner. For example, an old conditioner or shampoo bottle, soap dispenser, or there are a variety of empty conditioner bottles that can be found online.

I store my conditioner in an old bottle to help reduce waste and save money. On that note, I don’t recommend using an open-top jar such as a mason jar that water can easily enter.

Any water that becomes trapped in the jar becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, significantly reducing the shelf life.

How often should I condition my hair

Ideally, the hair should be conditioned after every wash to replenish the hair with the necessary nutrients. How often really varies from person to person.

If you have very coarse or dry hair, conditioning the hair more frequently may be required. For me, with very fine hair, I can get away with twice-a-week conditionings.

Use this conditioner with a natural shampoo or dry shampoo, depending on hair type.

Best essential oils for hair

Several essential oils can be used to promote a healthy scalp and hair. I use these oils in a number of hair care products, including hair growth spray, protein treatment, hair spray, and even my moisturizing hair mask.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is the number one oil for hair growth and thickness. It helps to treat dry hair, as well as overly oily hair and can help prevent split ends.

Lavender

Studies have shown that lavender produces more hair follicles to help thicken and strengthen hair. In addition, lavender has a beautiful floral scent that promotes calmness and reduces stress; stress can be the biggest reason for hair loss.

Peppermint

This essential 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.

Sandalwood

My personal favorite smelling oil of all time! Sandalwood can stimulate hair growth, help against dandruff, and promote a healthy scalp. 

Bergamot

Studies have shown that bergamot has been very successful at promoting hair growth when massaged into the scalp. With cleansing and purifying properties, it is also effective at keeping the scalp healthy. 

Lemongrass

This essential oil has a citrus with a hint of woodsy scent, making it a perfect scent for men or women. I make a beard oil with lemongrass that my husband loves, and he is pretty picky about having products with manly smells! 😉 Lemongrass is great for the hair and can help to strengthen and thicken. 

Clary Sage

Adding clary sage to the conditioner will encourage hair growth by strengthening the hair and preventing split ends.  

Wild Orange

I love the refreshing and uplifting aroma of wild orange. Wild orange is amazing for supporting the mood the immune system and can benefit the hair. 

Tea Tree

Tea tree promotes a healthy, clean-looking scalp. In addition, it can be used to help with a dry, itchy scalp and protect against lice.

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile is a delicate essential oil that is sensitive enough to use on young children. It can help to soften the hair while adding shine. I love using this oil on my kid’s hair. 

Favorite conditioner blends

Refreshing floral 

• 8 drops rosemary 
• 8 drops lavender 
• 5 drops peppermint 

Tropical bliss 

• 8 drops lavender 
• 5 drops clary sage 
• 2 drops wild orange 
• 2 drops lime 

The mens blend

• 8 drops sandalwood 
• 5 drops bergamot 
• 5 drops lemongrass 

Gentle children blend 

• 5 drops lavender 
• 3 drops Roman Chamomile 

A LITTLE ON THE INGREDIENTS 

COCOA BUTTER 

Cocoa butter is found in many, and I mean many of my DIY products. It is incredible for the skin and hair; it’s edible (which is probably why I am tempted to eat things like my homemade lip balm and body butter)! This stuff is fantastic for the skin, hair and can be used to make delicious chocolates. 

Cocoa butter is extremely moisturizing for the skin and works well at conditioning the hair. In addition, it provides shine, protects against split ends, and softens hair.  

COCONUT OIL 

It is no secret that coconut oil can be used for basically everything. It is a known superfood and is found in many natural beauty products.  

Coconut oil is very beneficial to the hair by reducing the loss of protein and strengthening the hair by protecting against split ends. In addition, the coconut oil naturally absorbs into the shaft to moisturize and protect against damage from the elements.

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties making it great for protecting the scalp against infections and lice. It is also effective for nourishing the hair and is excellent in a deep conditioner to remove excess build-up.

JOJOBA OIL 

Jojoba oil is often used to protect against dandruff because of its moisturizing properties. Using jojoba can also help prevent hair loss along with thickening hair by preventing dryness, a cause of hair loss.  

If you have oily hair, you can eliminate this from the conditioner and try adding in a few drops of lemon instead. Or follow up with an apple cider hair rinse to prevent oily hair.

ALOE VERA 

Some people use plain aloe for a hair conditioner, which works fantastic, especially as a hair conditioning treatment. You can apply aloe to the hair and allow it to soak for 2-4 hours or overnight, and then rinse to heal damaged hair. 

Aloe can reduce dandruff by repairing dead skin cells on the scalp leaving your hair full and glistening.  

Natural Conditioner

Have you tried a homemade hair conditioner? How did it make your hair feel? What essential oils did you add? Share your stories with us in the comments below! 

I do hope you found this simple recipe helpful. Everything we put onto our body can be absorbed into the body, which is why knowing exactly what is in every haircare and skincare product is so important.

This hair conditioner is made using simple, natural ingredients for smooth, shiny hair.

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