Because it uses coconut milk which is water soluble and like any food product is prone to bacterial growth after a week or so.

Brigitte, I am curious to know what you use for conditioner??

Both have hair benefits, but rice water wouldn’t add any moisture like the coconut milk. Here’s a rice water recipe, let us know if you try it! https://wellnessmama.com/beauty/rice-water-for-hair/

This should be stored in the fridge and used within a week. Canned coconut milk will last longer than homemade. Leucidal complete is a natural preservative, however it works on products with a pH of 3-8 and castile soap has a pH of 9.3 or higher so it’s not a good fit for this recipe.

Is there a way to store the shampoo? Or a natural preservative?

What I used: coconut milk from a can, Dr. B’s soap with tea tree oil, almond oil, additional tea tree, and lavender EOs. To “condition” I used a 1:1 ratio of ACV (with the mother) and water in a spray bottle and sprayed my whole head. I did rinse this out.

So far, my hair does not smell like anything (husband says “it smells like water” lol). This was a bit surprising considering tea tree oil is so strong, but I will take this over the smell of vinegar! Also, my hair does not seem to be greasy now that it has mostly dried. I have dense wavy/curly hair (thin/thick strands idk) and this is my first time ever not using a drug store shampoo or conditioner. Very excited to see what happens next. Considering adding corn starch and/or aloe vera and/or whipping this shampoo in my blender to try and thicken it up a bit. Also curious about the shelf life of the shampoo, as I have read several comments saying it will last anywhere from 3 days to a month, so I will be checking on it frequently.

*Clarification
Look it up: Dr Bronner’s only uses SLS in ONE PRODUCT-their biodegradable detergent “Sal Suds” that is used for surfaces not personal care ie not for eyes, skin, hair, inhalation or ingestion.

SLS is a detergent and is used in Dr Bronner’s detergent.

Look it up: EWG rates Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as a 1-2 hazard rating. 2 rating for SLS in a powder, spray or for use around eyes.

BTW Sal Suds is my favorite all purpose cleaner since I started using it last month.

Recipe says COCONUT MILK not OIL!!!

So what soap base do YOU suggest? And don’t the essential oils do all the preserving needed?

Later on, when I could afford to buy it, I added some unsweetened canned coconut milk… which I think would benefit from being mixed in the crockpot too.

I like how my hair and skin feel (I used it as a body wash too) … quit soft and my hair isn’t weighed down … however I don’t think it’s washing out all of the way, because after I added the coconut milk my scalp itches and has a bit of “gunk” under my finger nails. I used an apple cider vinegar rinse after ward, but it only helps a little. Maybe I’m not using enough apple cider vinegar? I use a table spoon diluted in a cup of water…

Anyway, thank you for the recipe, it’s been very helpful. 😀

Guar gum works best in products that have a pH level between 5-8. Castile soap has a pH of over 9 so it might not work here. You could try a little bit in the recipe though and see what happens!