shampoo bar for dry hair

DIY CONDITIONER FOR NATURAL HAIR

Want luxurious, envy-worthy locks? Great news! With this homemade conditioner for natural hair, you’re just 4 ingredients and 3 simple steps away from gorgeous hair. You can make this DIY conditioner in under 10 minutes!

Packed with natural moisturizers like coconut oil and avocado oil, this homemade conditioner for natural hair will work wonders on dry and damaged hair. Seriously, this DIY conditioner will leave your hair so soft and shiny that everyone will be asking about your secret!

On top of that, it contains lavender essential oil, which is not only fantastic for soothing your scalp but also promotes relaxation. So, not only will your hair look amazing, but this conditioner can also help you unwind after a long day!

Just as important as what’s in this homemade deep conditioner is what’s not in it! This conditioner is free of silicones, alcohols, and harsh chemicals that can damage your hair, dry it out, or irritate your scalp.

The best part? It’s all-natural and incredibly easy to make. No need to spend hours—just mix the ingredients together and hop in the shower!

If you’ve been wondering how to make your own hair conditioner, wonder no more! Here’s a super simple recipe that’ll have your hair looking glamorous in just a few minutes. Get ready for head-turning, beautiful hair!

Homemade Conditioner for Natural Hair: Ingredients

1 cup coconut oil
⅓ cup avocado oil
10-12 drops rosemary essential oil
10-12 drops lavender essential oil
Container (ex. pint Mason jar)

How to Make Hair Conditioner: Directions

  1. Combine all the ingredients for this homemade conditioner recipe in the bowl of a hand or stand mixer.
    1. Whip the ingredients for 3-4 minutes to ensure everything is well mixed and smooth.
    2. Transfer the homemade hair conditioner into an old shampoo bottle, pint Mason jar, or any other recycled bottle.

    Homemade Conditioner for Natural Hair: Usage Instructions

    1. After shampooing your hair as usual, apply the natural conditioner, starting at the ends and working your way up.

    Bonus: If this DIY hair conditioner has sparked your love for homemade bath and beauty recipes, consider replacing your store-bought shampoo with an all-natural option. Check out these recipes: Homemade Hair Shampoo with Coconut Milk and Homemade Shampoo Bars.

    1. Let the DIY conditioner sit on your hair for 2 minutes to allow it to deeply nourish.
    2. Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all of the homemade deep conditioner.

    Note: Use this homemade hair conditioner 2-3 times a week for best results.

    CAUTION: The oils in this conditioner may make your shower floor slippery! Let hot water run for a couple of minutes after rinsing to help melt the coconut oil and wash it down the drain.

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, this homemade conditioner for natural hair is a simple, effective, and all-natural way to nourish and restore your hair. With just a few ingredients, you can achieve soft, shiny, and healthy hair without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products. Plus, the addition of lavender essential oil adds a calming touch, making it not only great for your hair but also a soothing experience for your mind. Regular use of this DIY conditioner will leave your hair looking and feeling its best, all while being kind to your scalp and the environment. Enjoy your luxurious, healthy hair with just a few minutes of effort!

    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.