Winter is still weeks away, but this Vanilla Shampoo Bar is perfect for the dry weather that wreaks havoc on my hair. Since it needs 4-6 weeks to cure, this week is the perfect time to make this easy shampoo. And don’t be afraid to use a lye solution. While you do need to take some safely precautions (outlined below), it’s not hard to do. Although I can get organic oils and butters at specialty grocery stores, I prefer to get my organic and natural herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because while the scents of vanilla and nutmeg are wonderful this time of year, the real value in this shampoo is that there are no preservatives and the natural fat in the oils can help repair damaged, dry hair. This shampoo both cleanses and traps in the extra moisture and is similar to some mid-eighteenth century recipes I’ve found.
Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces refined coconut oil
- 5 ounces castor oil
- 5 ounces avocado oil
- 4 ounces mango butter
- 4 ounces olive oil
- 7.7 ounces water
- 3.1 ounces lye
- 0.50 vanilla essential oil
- 0.25 nutmeg essential oil
Directions for Vanilla Shampoo Bar
- In a large stainless steel pot, stir together the coconut oil, castor oil, avocado oil, mango butter, and olive oil.
- Slowly bring the heat to medium and stir until melted. Remove the pot from the stove and stir until the oils are 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Using a glass container and a kitchen scale, weigh the water and set aside.
- Do this next part outside where no pets or children are around. Also wear gloves and a full charcoal mask. Still using the kitchen scale and another glass bowl, weigh the lye. Then pour the lye into the bowl of water. Stir until dissolved. DO NOT BREATHE IN THE FUMES! Allow to sit outside for a minute and let the lye water cool to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once both the lye water and the oil are cooled to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, pour the lye water into the bowl of oils. Blend with a wooden stick until a light trace forms (this is when the oils and lye begin to emulsify). Then stir in the essential oils until blended.
- Pour the oils into soap molds (lined if necessary) and allow to cool and harden for 24 hours.
- Remove the soap from the molds and allow them to cure in a dark cupboard for 4- 6 weeks.
- This recipe makes 8 4-ounce bars (or 2 lbs of soap).
- To use, just wet your hair and lather up. Then rinse.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
