Branded shampoos can be harsh on a sensitive scalp. A DIY shampoo is a healthier, safer, and scalp-friendly alternative. More specifically, a homemade coconut milk shampoo might be just what you need to cleanse your sensitive scalp without aggravating it.
We all know that coconuts are filled with nutrients that improve hair health. But does the milk extracted from it have the same benefits? Keep reading to know how you can cleanse your scalp with coconut milk and if it has any additional advantages for hair.
In This Article
Why Use Coconut Milk Shampoo?
While coconut oil (the fat) extracted from coconut flesh has immense skin and hair benefits, coconut milk is also garnering attention in DIY recipes. Although there is no scientific research to support coconut milk’s hair benefits, the essential fats in it may add to its benefits. They include:
1. May Maintain The Scalp Health
Coconut oil and milk contain the same level of fatty acids (1). The eight fatty acids lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, capric, and caprylic acids make virgin coconut oil a potent anti-inflammatory agent. These acids also protect the skin barrier (1). Hence, coconut milk may help keep your scalp and hair healthy.
2. May Strengthen The Hair Shafts
The fatty acids help coconut oil penetrate the hair shafts, minimize keratin loss, and strengthen them from within (3). They may help the coconut milk get absorbed into the hair shafts and supply essential nutrients.
3. May Prevent Hair Loss
Coconut milk contains linoleic acid. Topical application of this essential fatty acid may help improve scalp dermatitis and prevent alopecia and hair depigmentation (4).
4. Conditions The Hair
Coconut milk is preferred in DIY remedies for its hair conditioning effects. It works as a natural conditioner to keep your hair soft, frizz-free, and manageable.
Now that you know what coconut milk can do for your hair, scroll down to check the DIY shampoo recipe.
Homemade Coconut Milk Shampoo Recipe
You Will Need
- ½ cup of fresh coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons of coconut oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 2/3 cup of liquid castile soap
- 25-30 drops of any essential oil (Optional for fragrance)
- An empty shampoo bottle or jar
- A funnel
Method
- Pour all the ingredients into the empty bottle.
- Shake well to mix. You may use a wooden mixing stick.
- Use the shampoo for washing your hair.
- You can use this shampoo for a month.
The hair takes time to adjust to DIY shampoos. During the transition period, you may find your hair turn oily and weighed down. If you want to prevent that, use a post-wash apple cider vinegar rinse to freshen it up. Usually, homemade bath and hair products last for a month or two if preserved and stored properly.
How To Store Homemade Coconut Milk Shampoo
To increase the shelf-life of your DIY shampoo:
- Store It In A Clean Bottle: The bottle should be sterilized and washed well with soap and water. Allow the bottle to dry completely before storing the shampoo.
- Keep It Away From Moisture: Water can cause bacterial growth and reduce the shelf-life of your shampoo. Avoid storing it in the bathroom. Keep it in a cool and dry place.
- Use Natural Stabilizers: Following the above two steps is sufficient for preserving your shampoo. However, to be extra cautious, you may use natural stabilizers like rosemary antioxidant (5% or 5 drops), grapefruit seed extract (6 drops per ounce of shampoo), or a few drops of vitamin E oil to preserve the shampoo.
A homemade coconut milk shampoo is suitable for sensitive scalp and is a safe alternative for anyone who wants to avoid the harsh sulfates and other chemicals in traditional shampoos. The recipes share in the article are easy to follow, and you need simple ingredients to prepare the shampoo. These DIY recipes are extremely hydrating and best for anyone with rough, dry, and damaged hair screaming for some extra love and TLC. Give them a try, and we are sure your hair will love the recipes. However, do a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coconut milk shampoo good for dandruff?
There is no scientific proof that coconut milk shampoo can help with dandruff. However, it can keep your scalp clean and hydrated.
Does coconut milk shampoo promote hair growth?
There is no evidence to prove that coconut milk shampoo promotes hair growth. However, it contains linoleic acid, which was found to prevent alopecia.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade coconut milk shampoo can be a healthy, scalp-friendly alternative to commercial shampoos.
- Coconut milk’s fatty acids keep your hair soft, supple, and hydrated while providing lasting strength.
- Making this shampoo is easy as the ingredients are readily available and don’t need any special preparation.
References:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Efficacy of Coconut Milk on Healing of Oral Ulcers in Experimental Model; A Comparative Study
https://www.jpda.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/09.-Original-%E2%80%9CEFFICACY-OF-COCONUT-MILK.pdf - In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300871 - In vitro antioxidant and standardization studies on formulated hair oil AG2
https://jprsolutions.info/files/final-file-5c27108f2a0fc2.78853392.pdf - Human essential fatty acid deficiency: treatment by topical application of linoleic acid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/406855/
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Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze. Prior to that, she authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She… more
Dr. Shruti Chavan
(MBBS)Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth’s Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee… more
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