How to Make Homemade Conditioner | Simple Recipe Using Essential Oils

Learn how to make this homemade conditioner with all-natural products scented with essential oils. Great for strengthening, thickening, and healthy hair.

After sharing my DIY shampoo recipe, I had several readers ask about conditioner.  I have the hair type that doesn’t necessarily need conditioner. My hair is pin straight and extremely fine.  I don’t even need to brush it after showering, or really ever. 

My husband has the opposite thing going on.  His hair is thick, coarse, and curly.  And yes, all my kids got my hair!  I was really praying for one head of curls, but apparently, straight hair is dominant.  He uses conditioner every time he showers and really needs it to tame and moisturize his hair. 

This simple homemade conditioner has amazing benefits for your hair, and the best part; it is toxic-free! 

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HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CONDITIONER

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter (Find it here.) 
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (Find it here.) 
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (Find it here.) 
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera (Find it here.) 
• 15-20 drops essential oil (Check out my favorites below!) 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. In a double boiler, melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil together.  You can make your own double boiler by placing a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water.  
2. After the cocoa butter and coconut oil are melted together, remove from heat.  Let cool for 5 minutes, and then add in the jojoba oil, aloe vera, and essential oils.  
3. Stir well and pour into a storage container.  
4. After washing hair with shampoo, add about a teaspoon of the conditioner to the scalp and massage in.  Allow the mixture to sit on the hair for 2-3 minutes and then rinse out.  

10 BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAIR

Several essential oils can be used to promote a healthy scalp and hair.  I use these oils in a lot of my homemade hair care products, like my hair growth spray, dry shampoo, hair spray, and my moisturizing hair mask.

1. 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.

2. Lavender

Studies have shown that lavender produces more hair follicles to help thicken and strengthen hair.  Lavender has a beautiful floral scent that can promote calmness and reduce stress; stress can be the biggest reason for hair loss.

3. 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.

4. Sandalwood

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

5. Bergamot

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. 

6. Lemongrass

This essential oil has a citrusy yet woodsy smell 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. 

7. Clary Sage

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

8. 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. 

9. Melaleuca

Melaleuca promotes a healthy, clean-looking scalp. It can be used to help with a dry, itchy scalp and protect against lice.

10. 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. 

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR HOMEMADE CONDITIONER

HEALTHY HAIR 

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

BEST BLEND FOR MEN 

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

BEST BLEND FOR WOMEN 

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

BEST BLEND FOR CHILDREN 

• 5 drops lavender 
• 3 drops Roman Chamomile 

A LITTLE ON THE INGREDIENTS 

COCOA BUTTER 

You may notice that I like to sneak this ingredient into almost all my DIY products, and that is probably why I am tempted to eat things like my homemade lip balm and body butter.  This stuff is amazing 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.  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 and can add moisture, strengthen hair, and protect against split ends.

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 removing build-up.  

JOJOBA OIL 

Jojoba oil is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff because of its moisturizing properties.  Using jojoba can also prevent hair loss and help hair to thicken.  If you have oily hair, you can eliminate this from the conditioner and try adding in a few drops of lemon instead. 

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 and leave your hair fuller and shinier.  

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

MORE POST YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT 

• Homemade Shampoo 
• DIY Dry Shampoo 
• Baby Shampoo
• DIY Detangler Spray 
• Simple Bath Bombs

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