ph of hair conditioner

DIY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER SPRAY RECIPE

Dealing with dry, tangled hair is never fun, especially for anyone with a young daughter. Thankfully, there’s a simple, natural solution to both problems.

In my all-natural hair care routine, I mentioned how much I love tallow balm for occasional deep nourishment for the ends of my hair. However, for daily use, I prefer something lighter.

This DIY leave-in conditioner spray is made with coconut milk, which provides just the right amount of moisture without being too heavy—unlike coconut oil. I also like to add bergamot essential oil, which not only helps control frizz but also leaves a fresh, pleasant scent.

Skip the toxins

While there are plenty of hair conditioning and detangling options at the drugstore, many of them contain questionable ingredients. I personally don’t feel comfortable using those on myself or my family, so I prefer to make our hair care products at home instead.

How to use it

This DIY leave-in conditioner spray can be used on both wet and dry hair. I typically apply it to my hair when it’s wet and let it air dry. If I notice any frizz afterward, I’ll spritz a bit more on dry hair to help calm and smooth it.

Personalize it

There are plenty of other essential oils that are great for hair as well. Peppermint and rosemary are fantastic options to consider. Feel free to experiment and discover which oils work best for you and your hair!

Which coconut milk?

I find that canned coconut milk works best for this DIY recipe. It’s important to choose one without thickeners or other additives, like this option. Trader Joe’s also offers a great organic canned coconut milk at an affordable price.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Preserve it

Like any product made with water, this DIY leave-in conditioner spray needs a preservative to stay fresh at room temperature. I like to use this one in my products because it’s very natural while still being effective.

If you prefer not to use a preservative, you can simply store your leave-in conditioner spray in the refrigerator. Just be aware that you’ll need to let it warm up a bit before spraying, as the coconut milk may solidify when chilled. When I’ve used this without a preservative, I leave the bottle on the bathroom counter while I take a shower. By the time I’m finished, it has warmed up enough to spray easily.

Leave in conditioner spray DIY directions

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 TBSP coconut milk
  • 3 fl. oz. filtered water
  • 24 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 12 drops preservative (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Add the coconut milk, essential oil, and preservative (if using) into a 4 fl. oz. spray bottle.
  2. Fill the bottle to the top with filtered water.
  3. Shake well before each use.

Leave in conditioner spray DIY video

CONCLUSION

This DIY leave-in conditioner spray is a simple and natural solution for moisturizing, detangling, and taming frizz. With just a few ingredients like coconut milk, filtered water, and essential oils, it’s easy to make at home and customize to suit your hair’s needs. Whether you choose to use a preservative or store it in the fridge, this spray will keep your hair feeling soft and nourished without the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought products. Experiment with different essential oils to find the perfect blend for your hair, and enjoy the benefits of a fresh, natural hair care routine!

CURLY HAIR ROUTINE FOR BEGINNERS 

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.

Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER

The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.

Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.

A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING

That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.

You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.

Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.

CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM

When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.

It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.

Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.

GEL

Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.

CREAM

Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.

MOUSSE

A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!

A DIFFUSER

While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.

Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.

Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!

A DEEP CONDITIONER

Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.

These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.

FINAL TIP

Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:

  • Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
  • Did you plop or micro-plop?
  • Which styling products you applied, and in what order
  • Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
  • Did you scrunch the products in?
  • Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?

Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.

I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.