How To Make Organic Hair Products
At Voodoo Cosmetics, we’ve always believed that haircare should be as clean and natural as the hair it’s meant to care for. That’s why we’ve built our brand around vegan, cruelty free and organic hair products that are gentle, effective and kind to the planet. But we also know that for many of our customers, making your own hair products at home is part of your clean beauty journey. Whether you’re experimenting with ingredients or looking for DIY solutions that match your ethical values, creating your own natural haircare can be incredibly rewarding.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of making organic hair products from scratch, using ingredients you can trust and techniques that prioritise both scalp health and sustainability. While we still recommend professional formulations for everyday use, we’re happy to share our insights and encourage your curiosity. After all, education is a key part of natural wellness.
Understanding the Basics of Organic Haircare
Before you dive into the world of homemade haircare, it’s important to understand what “organic” really means. At its core, organic refers to ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms. In haircare, this means choosing raw materials—like oils, herbs and butters—that have been certified organic, or are as close to their natural source as possible.
Organic products are often richer in nutrients and free from residues that can irritate the scalp or damage the hair shaft. When you make your own organic hair treatments, you’re taking direct control over what touches your scalp and strands. This is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies. You’ll also avoid harsh preservatives and chemical fragrances that are commonly found in commercial brands not focused on clean beauty.
At Voodoo Cosmetics, we follow these principles in every formula we create. And now, we’re excited to help you apply the same philosophy in your kitchen or home apothecary.
Choosing the Right Base Oils
The heart of any organic hair product is the base oil. These oils do more than just moisturise—they deliver essential nutrients that support scalp health, promote shine, and improve manageability. For a truly organic product, you’ll want to look for cold-pressed, unrefined oils that come from trusted sources. Here in the UK, many online retailers now stock certified organic oils in small quantities suitable for home use.
Some of our favourites include coconut oil for its deep moisturising properties, argan oil for adding shine, and jojoba oil which closely mimics the natural oils produced by your scalp. Castor oil is also a popular choice for promoting growth, especially when used in scalp treatments. Each oil has its own personality and purpose, so you may find that a combination works best for your unique hair type.
Start with one or two base oils, blending them gently and testing them on a small section of your hair before applying them all over. This is how we at Voodoo Cosmetics began—by understanding how nature behaves on real hair.
Infusing Oils with Herbs
To elevate your DIY organic hair products, consider infusing your oils with herbs. Herbal infusions are an ancient haircare method and are still used in many of our formulations today. In the UK, you can easily find dried herbs like rosemary, nettle, chamomile, and lavender—each offering its own set of benefits.
Rosemary is fantastic for stimulating the scalp and supporting hair growth. Nettle is rich in minerals that strengthen the hair shaft. Chamomile is ideal for soothing irritated skin and brightening lighter hair tones. Lavender offers calming benefits for both the scalp and the senses.
To make an infusion, simply combine your chosen herb with your base oil in a clean jar, seal it tightly, and place it in a warm area for up to two weeks. Strain out the herbs once the oil has taken on their scent and colour. You now have a custom herbal oil ready to use in your organic hair products.
Creating Organic Shampoos Without Harsh Surfactants
Traditional shampoos rely on surfactants to create foam and remove oil and dirt. Unfortunately, many of these surfactants are harsh, stripping the hair of natural oils and irritating the scalp. When making organic shampoo at home, it’s important to work with gentle, plant-based alternatives.
One of the most popular bases for natural shampoo is liquid castile soap. It’s made from olive oil and other plant oils, offering gentle cleansing without unnecessary additives. You can blend castile soap with distilled water, aloe vera gel, and a touch of organic glycerin for added moisture. Essential oils like tea tree or peppermint can help with dandruff and add a fresh scent, but should be used sparingly to avoid irritation.
Because this kind of shampoo is sulphate-free and contains no synthetic foaming agents, the lather will be minimal. But rest assured—it’s still cleaning your scalp and hair effectively. The experience might be different from what you’re used to, but it’s a welcome change in the long term.
Making Your Own Natural Hair Conditioners
Conditioning is where organic haircare truly shines. Natural conditioners are deeply nourishing, providing your hair with essential moisture and protection from environmental stress. To create your own, you can blend organic plant oils with rich butters like shea or cocoa butter. These butters melt into the hair, smoothing frizz and improving texture.
For a DIY conditioner, start with a base of melted shea butter and coconut oil. Add a splash of aloe vera juice and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to help balance pH and close the hair cuticle. You can also include a small amount of emulsifying wax if you’d like a creamier, lotion-like texture.
Once blended, apply this mixture to damp hair, leave it in for 10–15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Your hair should feel noticeably softer and easier to manage. Regular use of natural conditioners like this can help improve elasticity and reduce breakage over time.
Crafting Organic Hair Masks for Deep Treatment
Hair masks are a wonderful way to give your hair some extra love. At Voodoo Cosmetics, our own treatments are inspired by age-old recipes that deliver intense hydration and nourishment. You can easily make your own organic hair mask at home with just a few ingredients.
A popular recipe includes ripe avocado, olive oil, and raw honey. Avocado is full of healthy fats and vitamins, olive oil seals in moisture, and honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the hair. Blend these together until smooth, apply from mid-length to ends, and cover with a shower cap. After 30 minutes, rinse well and shampoo if needed.
You can adjust the ingredients depending on your hair type. Banana and coconut milk work beautifully for dry hair, while yoghurt and aloe vera help balance oily scalps. These masks are best used once a week for long-term hair health and shine.
Avoiding Preservatives and Shelf Life Tips
One of the biggest challenges of making your own organic hair products is preserving them safely. Without synthetic preservatives, natural products can spoil quickly—especially those containing water, fruit, or fresh ingredients. At Voodoo Cosmetics, we use plant-based preservatives and conduct thorough testing to ensure safety and longevity. At home, it’s best to make small batches and store them in the fridge.
If your product contains water (like aloe juice or herbal tea), use it within a few days unless you include a natural preservative like grapefruit seed extract. Oil-only blends will last longer—often several months—if kept in a cool, dark place. Always use clean tools and containers, and never dip wet fingers into your products.
Signs of spoilage include mould, an unusual smell, or a change in texture. If you notice any of these, it’s safest to discard the product. When in doubt, keep it simple and fresh.
Why Professional Formulations Still Matter
While making your own organic hair products can be a beautiful, empowering experience, there are times when professional formulations make all the difference. At Voodoo Cosmetics, we blend the best of nature with science to create haircare that’s safe, stable and effective over time. We use ingredients in precise percentages, test for skin sensitivity, and ensure pH balance for optimal scalp health.
DIY products can’t always guarantee this level of consistency. For those with specific hair concerns like scalp eczema, colour-treated hair, or hormonal hair thinning, targeted formulations may be more beneficial. That’s where our range comes in. We use the same organic principles you’d find in a homemade recipe, but refine them to deliver professional-level results.
If you enjoy creating your own products at home, we encourage it. But we also invite you to explore our Voodoo Cosmetics range for when you need a reliable, ethically made solution that fits into your routine with ease.
Final Thoughts on Making Organic Hair Products
The journey to natural haircare is personal, empowering, and full of discovery. Whether you're blending oils in your kitchen or choosing products from a trusted UK brand like Voodoo Cosmetics, the important thing is that you're making conscious choices. By choosing organic, vegan and cruelty free ingredients, you’re not only caring for your hair—you’re also supporting the health of the planet and the welfare of animals.
Making your own organic hair products at home is a fantastic way to connect with your routine, understand what your hair truly needs, and take ownership of your wellness. With just a few ingredients and a little guidance, you can create simple yet powerful treatments that leave your hair soft, strong, and beautifully natural.
And when you’re ready for the convenience of professional-grade results without compromising your values, we’ll be here—with everything from shampoos and conditioners to styling treatments and scalp care, all made with the same love and integrity that inspired your DIY creations.
