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You can easily make your own customized shampoo using plain unscented baby shampoo, pure soap flakes or a pure washing liquid such as Dove as a base.

If you are using soap flakes, you will need to liquefy them first. Add one tablespoon of soap flakes to one cup of hot water, stir and dissolve thoroughly. Add more hot water if you want a thinner liquid and allow to cool before scenting.

If you don't want to use soap, you can use all natural soapwort as the base for your shampoo. Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a natural surfectant (meaning that it lathers when agitated in water) used by some of the world's classiest cosmetics companies, such as Clarins. You can grow it in your garden and use it for free.

Soapwort is very suitable for sensitive skins and scalp, and is grown from seed. To harvest soapwort for use you need to use the whole plant, roots and all. Chop and simmer in enough water to cover for around 30 minutes. Use the resulting liquid as a base for shampoo, or liquid soap. You can infuse the lovely scented pink flowers of the soapwort to add fragrance, or use essential oils. Store your soapwort mixture in the fridge. Soapwort should not be taken internally.

The art of shampoo making is choosing the ingredients to suit your needs. There are many herbs and essential oils which can be mixed and matched for maximum aromatherapeutic qualities.

Chamomile Shampoo: Make a fresh infusion of chamomile tea, using two tablespoons chamomile to one cup of hot water. Leave for five minutes, then strain off the plant matter and add one tablespoon soap flakes to the hot liquid. Scent the shampoo with the essential oil of your choice, such as lavender or rose. This shampoo is perfect for fair, fine hair and you can make an extra infusion of chamomile leaves to use as a conditioning rinse.

Lemon Shampoo: For blonde or very greasy hair. Add a few drops of lemon oil to the unscented baby shampoo. Shake to mix. This gives hair bounce and a delightfully fresh fragrance.

Lavender Shampoo: This leaves your hair silky and sweet smelling. Just add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the shampoo base.

Pet Shampoo: to control fleas and keep your pet's coat looking shiny, try adding a few drops of Tea Tree oil to basic unscented shampoo, or make up an infusion of dried lavender and pennyroyal (about half cup each) soaked in two cups hot water. Strain the infusion and add one tablespoon soap flakes.

Sage Shampoo: To keep dark hair looking lustrous (and ward off Gray hairs!), infuse two tablespoons of sage leaves in one cup of water, stand for five minutes and drain. Add to your shampoo base, and keep in the fridge. You can also make an extra infusion of sage leaves to keep for a conditioning rinse.

Dry Shampoo: When you are in a hurry, dry shampoo can have your hair looking fresh in no time, and it is easy to make. Mix equal quantities of cornstarch and orris root powder, and rub a small amount into your scalp. Brush out thoroughly the powder takes up the oil and leaves your hair ready for styling.

Learn more about this author, Gail Kavanagh.
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