Tag: Conditioner

Lavender + Marshmallow Root Homemade Conditioner for Dry Hair – Garden Therapy
This sweet-sounding concoction is not a confection; it’s an herbal recipe for soft and shiny hair! Lavender works to strengthen and marshmallow root coats hair while soothing scalp dryness and inflammation. It has a gentle and pleasant aroma that will make this homemade conditioner your new favourite hair care recipe.

Not to brag or anything, but I get a lot of compliments on my hair. I’ve always had long, brown, wavy hair, and it’s gone through a journey, that’s for sure.

I used to rely on commercial shampoo and conditioner. From sulphates to parabens, many people are finding the ingredients used in commercial products to do more harm than good.

When I switched to using my own recipes, I immediately noticed how much healthier my hair was. So now, when people compliment my hair, I say thanks and give them this recipe!

Here’s how you can make your own conditioner and harness the powerful properties of marshmallow root and lavender for your hair.

My collection of homemade conditioner and lotions! I really do rely on them every day.

Before You Begin: Homemade Conditioner and Lotions

Homemade conditioner is easier to make than you might think. When I first started making my own herbal skin and hair care, I was a bit intimidated by making lotions and conditioner. It all seemed to be a bit too complex and I feared that I wouldn’t get the technique quite right.

After taking some beginner, then advanced classes, I realized that it’s not only a pretty simple process once you get the hang of it, but that you can make really high quality products for wayyyyy less money than something similar would cost to buy.

If you are a soap maker, then you know that soap making is expensive. And if you are not a soap maker, you have certainly seen the price tag on a bar of artisanal soap. Quality ingredients come with a price tag, and the labour (and love) involved in making soap is quite involved as well.

But lotions, well, that’s a whole different story. A lotion is mostly water. The little bit of oil, emulsifying wax, and other ingredients you use are so small that they barely add up. And yet the final lotion or conditioner is so rich and luxurious, you would think that so much more went into the recipe than it did.

Buying the initial ingredients might be pricey, but they will last you a while and create many batches of high-quality conditioner.

Conditioner is mostly water; once you have the initial ingredients, it doesn’t cost much to make yourself.

Lavender + Marshmallow Root Homemade Conditioner Recipe

I’m sometimes surprised to hear that not everyone uses conditioner. I would be lost in a rat’s nest of tangles and frizzy hair without it! Hair conditioner has that wonderful nourishing ability to coat each strand of hair so that it can easily be detangled while reducing split ends and nourishing dry hair.

Marshmallow root is a mucilaginous herb that is often used on its own as a natural hair conditioner. In this recipe, I have used prepared marshmallow root tea to replace part of the water in the conditioner.

This recipe is great for dry hair that needs moisture treatment. Use the conditioner for a few weeks, then switch to another recipe (like this rosemary one) when the hair is repaired.

If this is your first time making lotion or conditioner, please first read THIS POST on How to Make Lotion to read about the ingredients, the three phases, and see the step-by-step photos of how it is done.

Marshmallow root forms a protective layer on skin and hair when used.

Equipment

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for complete measurements.

Jump to Recipe

Aqueous Phase Ingredients

Oil Phase Ingredients

Cool Phase Ingredients

Don’t like the smell of lavender? Try a different essential oil instead, such as peppermint or rosemary.

Make it!

The day before, prepare the marshmallow infusion by filling a 250ml / 1 cup mason jar with cut and sifted marshmallow root and filling the rest with lukewarm water. Add a lid and steep overnight. In the morning, strain out the root and use the liquid for lotion.
1. Sterilize all of your equipment and workspace with alcohol.
2. Use a kitchen scale to weigh the oil ingredients in a heatproof container and weigh the water ingredients in another heatproof container.
3. Create a double boiler and heat both the oil ingredients and the water ingredients to 160 degrees F.
4. Keep both the water ingredients and oil ingredients at 160 degrees F for 20 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, add the oil ingredients first and then pour in the water ingredients.
6. Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients in a large bowl.
7. Once the ingredients have reached 80 degrees, you can add the cool phase ingredients.
8. Continue mixing your conditioner until it’s thick and fluffy.
9. Add the conditioner into a sterilized container with a pump. I used this one from Ikea!
Make sure to sterilize the container with alcohol before pouring your conditioner in.

FAQ About Making Homemade Conditioner

How much marshmallow root do I use for this recipe?

I don’t measure the amount of marshmallow root by weight. Instead, I simply use enough to fill a 250 ml Mason jar. For more on how I measure herbs for my recipes, check out this post.

Is this a leave-in conditioner?

No, use this conditioner after washing your hair. Leave it in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out.

Where can I find these ingredients?

I’ve linked all of the ingredients to Amazon, and they should redirect to your country whenever possible. If you’re still having trouble sourcing these ingredients, you should be able to find them at some refillery stores or at a soap-making supply store in your area. Call and ask!

Try These Lotions, Creams, and Conditioners
Lavender and Marshmallow Root Homemade Conditioner

This herbal recipe is ideal for dry hair, creating soft, shiny, and stronger hair.

Aqueous Phase Ingredients

Make your marshmallow root infusion the day before. Fill a 250 ml Mason jar and all lukewarm water until it reaches the top. Add a lid and let it steep overnight. In the morning, strain out the root and use the liquid for the lotion.

Use alcohol to sterilize your equipment and workspace.

Use a kitchen scale to weigh out all your ingredients. Place oil ingredients in a heatproof container and water ingredients in another heatproof container.

Use a double boiler and heat both your oil and water ingredients to 160 degrees F, keeping both separate.

Keep them at 160 degrees F for 20 minutes.

Add the oil ingredients to a mixing bowl, followed by the water ingredients.

Use an electric mixer and whip the ingredients.

When the ingredients are 80 degrees F, add in the cool phase ingredients.

Whip until it’s thick and fluffy.

Add the conditioner into a sterilized container. Use conditioner within six months.

For more detailed information on the lotion/conditioner making process, please visit this post: https://gardentherapy.ca/natural-lotion-recipe/
Stephanie Rose

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July 12, 2024
According to Experts, These Are *the* Shampoos to Use If You Have Dandruff

While dandruff may seem pretty straight forward, it can actually present in multiple ways. According to board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, dandruff can present as an oily scalp, as an oily and dry scalp (which she says tends to be confusing for patients), and sometimes just as a dry scalp. “Dandruff—or seborrheic dermatitis—is thought to be caused by the overgrowth of a particular genus of yeast (fungus Malassezia spp), but many other factors can worsen or exacerbate it.”

For instance, dandruff can flare up during times of stress (likely, Kobets says, from an increase in cortisol, which can spike inflammation and disrupt our body’s normal immune responses), but it can also be triggered by other factors that disrupt the balance of the scalp’s microbiome. Think products that are excessively oily, product buildup, or even certain medications like systemic antibiotics.

Lastly, while dandruff is highly treatable, it isn’t curable. “There are several excellent treatments that help to reduce or prevent dandruff, but once the treatment stops, the dandruff tends to return,” notes Sanjay Batra, Ph.D., a regenerative medicine expert who’s well-versed on all things scalpcare. “Caring for the scalp is imperative so that the fungus is prevented from becoming too widespread,” Batra explains. And the treatments don’t have to be extreme or too intense. Choosing the right type of shampoo—be it clarifying, medicated, or fortified with scalp-healthy ingredients—can go a long way. More on that below!

Erin Jahns

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February 4, 2024
Trust Me—These Are the 20 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Every Curl Type

When on the hunt for curl- and coil-friendly shampoo and conditioner, one sentiment should be kept in mind above all else: No one routine will work for everyone. What’s more, products that may have worked for you for months at a time may no longer have their desired effect and lead to you having to switch up your entire routine. It’s best to go into your search for shampoo and conditioner taking note of what your hair needs at the moment, whether that’s a frizz fighter or a moisture quencher.

I also pay attention to the weight and consistency of the formulas I come across, taking the time to consider how certain products impact the look and feel of my strands after use. My 4c curls, for example, are low-porosity, so they benefit the most from shampoos and conditioners that help draw in and retain moisture. My hair also works best with products that are lightweight and possess detangling properties that can save me time in the morning.

Most, if not all, of the shampoo and conditioners included in this product roundup are also sulfate-free, meaning they forgo the popular ingredient so that your hair is not stripped of its nourishing natural oils, and for those of you who have color-treated hair, there’ll be no fading. While I prefer products that are gentle on my curls and tough on my scalp by removing impurities, I’ve also made sure to include a few of my top picks for shampoos and conditioners that deliver deep cleansing and curl definition.

Maya Thomas

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October 19, 2023
I’m Obsessed With Maintaining My Blonde—This Product Is My MVP

I’ve been blonde my entire life and began my career as a faux blonde way back in fifth grade. For a long time, I maintained I was still naturally dirty blonde, but the maintenance itself has been a very humbling experience. Regardless, for years, I’ve needed purple shampoo and conditioner in my life like I need coffee and Jon & Vinny’s delivery come Friday. I’m insanely perfectionistic about maintaining my bright-blonde hue, and my shower is never without six or seven bottles of the stuff. I’m practically an alchemist at this point.

Regardless of the tone of your blonde (this also applies to silver, gray, and white hair, too), the best purple shampoos and conditioners come in clutch thanks to their signature violet tone, which naturally counteracts that inevitable yellow, brassy tinge that can start to creep in a few weeks, sometimes even a few days, post–color session. You can blame other products in your hair routine (only use clear oils, people) in addition to the chemicals and minerals found in your water for any unwanted color morph.

Regularly using purple-toned formulas is an expert-backed antidote, and every single colorist I’ve ever seen has reminded me to purple up every few washes to keep things toned and on the cooler side of the blonde-hair-color spectrum. So since I’ve tried more purple shampoos and conditioners in my 27 years than any other type of hair product, I’m sharing 11 of the very best formulas below. Keep scrolling!

Erin Jahns

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September 30, 2023
Stylists Say These 13 Deep Conditioners Perform Major Witchcraft on Your Hair

When shopping for a deep conditioner for your hair, Grace says there are some key things you need to keep in mind. Not only should you consider your hair type, but you should also know how to apply your mask to get the best results. “To make an informed choice on a deep conditioner, it’s important to pinpoint [your] specific hair concerns,” she explains. “Deep conditioners are highly effective in revitalizing dry and lackluster hair, providing essential moisture to dull curls and mending damage caused by heat, coloring, and chemical treatments. Consistency is crucial for all hair types to maintain hair health. Using steam, covering the treatment with a plastic cap, and allowing the conditioner ample time to penetrate the hair cuticle ensures effective absorption into the shaft.”

As for picking the right one for you, Grace says, “When selecting the right deep conditioner for your hair concerns, consider various ingredients based on your hair’s needs. Damaged, textured (curly and wavy), colored, and chemically treated hair often benefit from moisture and hydration, making ingredients like butters, various oils, aloe vera, and honey highly effective. For strengthening deep conditioners, seek ingredients such as amino acids, keratin, and hydrolyzed proteins. Normal to fine hair can also benefit from maintenance or lightweight repair with deep conditioners. Concentrating on the lower portion of the hair, reducing the treatment time, and thoroughly rinsing can prevent a heavy, greasy feel. These practices will [also] help maintain your hair’s best pH level.”

Take a peek at Grace’s deep conditioner recommendations for each hair type below.

Shawna Hudson

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September 26, 2023
These 15 Shampoos and Conditioners Will Help Stop Breakage in Its Tracks

Take it from someone who once had nearly half of her hair bleached off of her head: Hair loss, hair breakage, and, honestly, any huge change or shift to our hair’s overall look or health, can be traumatic as hell. Sure, in the grand scheme, hair may seem comparably inconsequential, but hair also happens to be something that almost every human I’ve ever talked to regards as a key part of their identity. So it goes without saying that when our strands are unexpectedly compromised in some kind of way, it has the potential to cause a major blip in our self-esteem.

Damage and breakage are pretty inevitable to some degree, but depending on your age, any underlying health conditions, lifestyle, and styling or coloring habits, both can greatly vary. For instance, the bleach-incurred damage I experienced back in college (during my self-proclaimed “bleach apocalypse”) is very different than the bleach-incurred damage I face now, years later, when I’ve found a trustworthy colorist who prioritizes my hair’s integrity above all else. (Obviously, I still have damage—bleach is strong stuff—but my hair no longer falls from my scalp like a cascading waterfall.) Through every season of life, breakage, and damage, high-quality haircare products have made a huge impact on my hair’s healing process and overall well-being—especially my chosen shampoos and conditioners.

The best formulas that address breakage will be different for everyone, but to help steer you in the right direction, we’ve compiled a 10/10 list of the breakage-banishing shampoos and conditioners according to us beauty editors and an amazing roster of celebrity hairstylists. Keep scrolling—15 of the best shampoos and conditioners to help stop breakage in its tracks are just ahead.

Erin Jahns

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September 25, 2023
9 Shampoos and Conditioners for the Fade-Proof Red Hair of Your Dreams

Certain hair colors tend to fade faster, like pink, and there are ones at the opposite end of the spectrum, like blue, which can be stubborn and hard to get rid of. So how long can you expect your red hair to stay looking fresh? According to celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano, whose clients include Cara Delevingne, Vanessa Hudgens, and Priyanka Chopra, it can depend on a few factors, like your hair type and the process your stylist took to make you red. “If you have lighter hair and just apply a dark-red color to the hair, it will fade quickly,” she says. “Your professional stylist will know what to do with your hair type and put pigments into the hair before red application that will help the color last.” Tang adds, “The longevity of red hair color can vary greatly but generally lasts about four to six weeks if well cared for. I would say that red lasts longer than pink most of the time.”

Tang also says that red hair tends to turn brassy from too much heat, so it’s good to use a heat-protectant spray before blow-drying or using hot tools to protect the vibrancy of the red color. Of course, washing your hair is when fading is most at risk, so as Tang suggests, always be sure to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner (put that clarifying shampoo away!), and wash it less (dry shampoo is your friend!). Ahead are nine shampoos and conditioners that will help keep your red hair from fading fast. Keep scrolling!

Marie Lodi

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June 18, 2023
I’m a Beauty Editor With a Knack for Faking Super-Thick Hair—Here’s How

But my hair didn’t always look like this (it used to be shoulder-length, ultra-dry, and V thin and stringy due to breakage), and I attribute its dramatic transformation to a couple of key practices like less heat styling, an amazing colorist who prioritizes the health and integrity of my hair above all else, a healthy and balanced diet, regular trims, and last but not least, volumizing shampoos and conditioners.

Interestingly, I’ve found that volumizing shampoos and conditioners, more so than any other volume-boosting styling products, help the most in the thickening department. (Plus, I’m lazy, so if I can get the most volumizing bang for my buck while in the shower and not via a million other products post-wash), I’m 100% in.

Below are 13 of the best shampoos and conditioners that encourage instant and long-term volume and get my seal of approval. Keep scrolling!

Erin Jahns

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May 20, 2023
The Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Every Color, Hair Type, and Texture

For most people, shampoo and conditioner are two nonnegotiable products. We all use them. There’s also a good chance shampoo and conditioner are items you’ll randomly pick up during a trip to the drugstore. But you might want to consider choosing this duo a little more carefully.

Everyone’s hair has different needs. For example, my hair is extremely thick and wavy, so when I shop for shampoo and conditioner, I typically opt for something with tons of moisture to help detangle and smooth flyaways. Someone with fine hair, however, might want products that add volume at the root and build body. One thing we should all avoid? Sulfates. “I do recommend looking for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as these tend to be more gentle and less harsh, drying, or irritating to the hair and scalp than those that contain harsh sulfates,” says Howard McLaren, co-founder and creative director of R+Co.

Once you’ve landed on the right shampoo and conditioner, it’s also important to consider how you use these products. “I recommend not shampooing every day,” says McLaren. “Dry shampoos can help keep the hair and scalp clean and refreshed in between washings, but typically, most people can wash their hair two to four times per week. People that tend to have dry, coarse, or frizz-prone hair wash less frequently, and those that have fine or oil-prone scalps tend to wash a bit more often.” When it comes to application, McLaren recommends shampooing your scalp and conditioning the rest of your hair.

Keep reading to find the best shampoo and conditioner for you. I’ve included picks for every hair type, texture, and color. Get ready for the best hair you’ve ever had.

Katie Berohn

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April 11, 2023
Found: The Best Shampoos for Expensive-Looking Hair

Our hair is an extension of our skin, and just like we see noticeable shifts in our complexions as we age, the health and condition of our hair will also change. That’s why investing in an anti-aging formula that boosts density, moisture, and resilience is a great alternative if you’re looking to stave off brittle, weak, or thinning strands. We love Alterna’s cult-loved Caviar line, but if you need something that’s a tad less taxing on the bank account, Kenra’s shampoo-and-conditioner duo is seriously brilliant. Enriched with snail essence, it makes for a potent blend of proteins proven to combat dulling, thinning, breakage, frizz, dryness, elasticity, porosity, scalp irritation, unmanageability, and changes in texture.

Erin Jahns

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February 22, 2023
973 Reviews Later, We Finally Found the Most Effective Shampoos for Hair Growth

Hair loss is incredibly common, and (very frustratingly) it’s incredibly tricky to deal with. First of all, a certain degree of daily shedding is normal (most professionals say losing anywhere between 50 and 150 strands per day is normal), but anything more than that could signal some kind of underlying issue. Stress, nutritional imbalances, unsafe vitamin supplementation, the natural aging process, undiagnosed disease, and, heck, even your ponytail habit can all cause thinning or significant hair loss. So if you feel like you’ve been noticing more daily shedding than what’s normal for you, it’s imperative to see a doctor (a dermatologist is a good place to start!) for a full evaluation. They’ll be able to accurately assess what’s causing your hair loss, and from there, you can come up with a treatment plan.

Despite what the beauty and wellness industries would like you to think, halting hair loss or beefing up your current mane is rarely ever as simple as swapping out your shampoo and conditioner or popping horse-size biotin pills. Hair health is an extension of our overall health, which is why it’s important to look at the whole picture. That said, certain shampoos and conditioners (and supplements) can be more strategic than others when it comes to hair growth, and while they might not cause thinning strands to do a complete 180, many high-quality formulas can set your scalp and existing locks up for success by clearing clogged follicles, boosting microcirculation, refortifying breakage-prone strands, and more.

Again, we recommend talking to a doctor before trying any new supplements or giving your haircare routine a complete overhaul, but to lend a helping hand, we searched the internet to find the best-reviewed shampoos and conditioners for hair growth money can buy. Below are 11 top-rated shampoo-and-conditioning duos to help nurture your scalp and hair health. Keep scrolling!

Erin Jahns

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January 6, 2023