5 Inexpensive Homemade Hair Treatments

You can easily make these nourishing hair helpers in minutes using ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Some hair products are not only expensive, but they may contain ingredients you wish to avoid.

But don’t despair. Using ingredients that you may already have in your cabinet, or by combining natural ingredients with your favorite store-bought beauty product, you can produce homemade hair treatments within minutes.

Homemade Pre-Shampoo Treatment for Dry or Damaged Hair

2 to 4 tablespoons of almond or sesame oil

Warm oil in a small saucepan over a gentle heat. Apply to dry hair and allow to remain for 20 minutes to an hour. Shampoo hair and follow with your regular rinse-out conditioner. (If your hair is fine or thin, you may not need the regular after-shampoo conditioner.)

Semi-Homemade Shampoo

2 teaspoons of almond, sesame or avocado oil
1 tablespoon of coconut milk or dairy milk (not non-fat)
1/4 cup of the shampoo of your choice

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together for two to three minutes. The quantity is enough for two homemade shampoos, unless your hair is extremely long. Cover and store the mixture in the refrigerator and use within two days. You will find that the oil will give your hair a lovely shine and manageability.

Related: All-Natural Homemade Shampoo: Healthier for Your Hair and Budget

Semi-Homemade Spray-On Conditioner for All Hair Types

1 tablespoon of your favorite conditioner
8-ounce spray bottle
Water

Place a tablespoon of your favorite conditioner in the spray bottle and then fill the bottle up with water. Shake the bottle well before using. The spray is excellent for controlling frizzy hair, conditioning dry hair, or treating dehydrated hair. There is no need to rinse your hair after spraying.

Related: Tips for Stretching Your Hair Color Dollars

Homemade Deep Conditioner for Normal to Dry Hair

4 teaspoons of almond, sesame, or avocado oil
2 teaspoons of coconut oil (available in health and natural food stores)
3 teaspoons of honey
1 teaspoon of cider vinegar

This homemade recipe is perfect for people with dry or damaged hair because it is a fairly rich conditioner. Slowly heat the first two ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the honey and vinegar. Use this mixture on your hair after your normal shampooing routine. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. The result? Smooth and well-conditioned hair.

Homemade Hair Gel for All Hair Types

2 tablespoons of flax seeds
1 cup of water
One vitamin E capsule (optional, good for dry, damaged or chemically-treated hair)
1 tablespoon of rosewater or 3 drops of your favorite essential oil

Unlike the commercial varieties, this styling gel also acts as a conditioner, so it is particularly good for dry hair. Combine the flax seeds and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for 30 minutes. Strain out the seeds and stir in the vitamin E oil (if using) and the rosewater or essential oil. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one month.

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Reviewed July 2023

About the Author

Stephanie Pedersen is a writer who specializes in “lifestyle” topics. She is the author of KISS Guide to Beauty and KISS Guide to Planning a Wedding, both published by DK Publishing.