Store-bought shampoos are notoriously tough on curly hair. Whether you have 2a waves or 4c kinks, generic brands can dry out your strands, generate frizz and even cause breakage. Steer clear of these damaging concoctions and make your own shampoo instead. 

The following DIY recipes contain natural ingredients that are gentle on hair and easier on your budget. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so why not whip up all four? Once you’ve tried them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go this route sooner. 

1. Rosemary Egg White

People with tighter curls often experience dry or split ends because the sebum that their scalps produce has a hard time traveling down and moisturizing each strand. In this case, a rosemary egg white shampoo might come in handy. Egg whites strip impurities from hair follicles to restore moisture and reduce breakage. Meanwhile, the rosemary oil promotes hair growth and soothes your scalp to reduce shedding. 

Simply add two to three egg whites and a few drops of rosemary essential oil to a small jar. Secure the lid and shake well. Then, massage the solution into your roots so it foams up and removes stubborn dirt and oil. 

2. Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is one of those ingredients that’s good for just about everything, whether you want to nix odors or remove stains. You can even use it as shampoo! Like egg whites, baking soda strips away surface oils but is gentle enough on your scalp for daily use. Add an apple cider vinegar rinse and you have a DIY solution that’s just as good as the store-bought stuff.

Combine one part baking soda and three parts lukewarm water in a small bowl and mix until it becomes a paste. Use your fingers to work the solution into your roots. Let it sit for one to three minutes. Then rinse with warm water before applying diluted apple cider vinegar and rinsing again. This final step will restore your scalp’s natural pH so your curls are soft and shiny after drying. 

3. Avocado Oil and Glycerin 

Both glycerin and avocado oil are natural humectants, which means they’re great for locking in moisture and enhancing shine. Together, they can reduce dandruff and frizz to take your style to the next level. 

Combine ½ cup of distilled water, 1 teaspoon avocado oil, ¼ cup liquid castile soap and 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin in a small bottle or jar. Add a few drops of peppermint and tea tree oil and 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. Lavender, ylang-ylang and lemongrass are popular choices. Shake well before each use before applying the mixture to your scalp. Massage for two minutes and rinse well. 

Be Patient and Stay Curious

As you incorporate DIY shampoos into your hair care routine, be patient and keep looking for results. A few months may pass before you notice a difference in texture or appearance. At this point, if one recipe doesn’t seem to be working, you can go ahead and try another one. 

Let your curiosity lead as you substitute ingredients and experiment with new recipes that might be better for your curly hair type. You’ll never know what works unless you try, and the process may involve some trial and error. Eventually, you’ll find a DIY solution that’s both safe and effective. Until then, buckle up and enjoy the ride.