Refreshing Shampoo For Oily Hair

If you have oily hair and want to make a refreshing shampoo that will give you shiny and clear hair, try this formula. Oily hair benefits from a shampoo that effectively cleans the scalp and hair and removes excess oil without stripping away too much natural moisture.

I already shared a formula for clarifying shampoo, which is also suitable for oily hair.

In this formula, I used peppermint hydrosol.

Peppermint hydrosol is great for controlling oil on the scalp. It works by keeping the oil production in check, so it's perfect for oily hair. Peppermint naturally cools and refreshes the scalp, making it feel great. It's also soothing, which can help with any itching or discomfort. When you use peppermint hydrosol on your scalp, it boosts blood flow, which is good for healthier hair growth. Plus, peppermint smells clean and refreshing, leaving your hair feeling and smelling fresh.

In phase A, I also add 3 humectants.

Using humectants like glycerin, propanediol, and sodium lactate in shampoo for oily hair provides a balanced approach to hydration and overall hair health. Together, these humectants provide a well-rounded moisturizing effect. They ensure the hair remains hydrated and healthy without exacerbating oiliness.

For surfactants, I combine Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and Coco Betaine.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is known for its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. It removes excess oil, dirt, and build-up from the scalp and hair without stripping them of their natural oils.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is gentler than more potent surfactants such as sulfates, making it a good option for those with sensitive scalps or those who use shampoo often. It also creates a rich and luxurious lather.

You can replace the Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate with Coco-Glucoside.

Coco Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is suitable for sensitive skin and is less likely to cause irritation. It also boosts the lather and helps with the final product's viscosity.

In Phase C, I added the extracts, the preservative and the fragrance.

For extracts, I used Orange extract, Rosemary extract and willow bark extract.

Orange extract is known for its astringent qualities, which can effectively control the overproduction of oil on the scalp. This quality makes it an outstanding choice for treating oily hair, reducing oiliness without causing dryness. The extract's high citric acid content is excellent for deep cleaning, as it helps dissolve and remove excess oil and buildup, leaving hair feeling revitalized and fresh. Additionally, being a rich source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, orange extract protects hair and scalp against environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays.

You can replace the orange extract with grapefruit, nettle, or clary sage extract.

Rosemary extract is excellent at regulating oil production on the scalp, helping to control excess oiliness. It can also stimulate the hair follicles, which might encourage hair growth. The extract is full of antioxidants, which help to shield the scalp and hair from environmental harm, contributing to their overall health. Additionally, it boosts blood flow to the scalp.

You can replace the rosemary extract with peppermint extract or green tea extract.

The third extract I used is willow bark. In this formula, willow bark extract has two functions. The first is to work with the preservative I used, potassium sorbate, to create a broad-spectrum preservation in this formula.

Willow bark extract is known for its natural salicylic acid content, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid is excellent for oily hair as it helps gently exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin cells and unclogging hair follicles; this action can reduce oiliness and prevent dandruff and scalp acne, common issues in oily hair types. Willow bark also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to calm an irritated or itchy scalp.

Also, the antimicrobial properties can help prevent scalp infections caused by oil buildup in the scalp.

Along with the willow bark extract, I used potassium sorbate as the preservative.

I added peppermint fragrance for a more refreshing sensation, and a few drops of mint cosmetic color which you can skip.

The final pH should be between 5 and 6. To test the pH, add 1g of shampoo and 9g of distilled water to a small beaker, mix to combine and check the pH. Add the lactic acid solution to lower the pH if necessary. I had to recheck and add more drops of lactic acid a few times before I got the desired pH level. You can use the calculator to adjust the amount of shampoo you want to make.

Method:

1. First, mix the xanthan gum and glycerin in a beaker to create a slurry. Then, add the hydrosol and combine it with an immersion blender.

2. Add the Propanediol and the Sodium lactate and mix to combine.

3. Add the surfactants (phase B) and stir gently to combine.

4. Add phase C ingredients and mix them to combine. If you want to add color, start with 2 drops and mix, add 2 more drops of the color if you want a more intense color.

5. check the pH and adjust if necessary. More about pH adjustments here.

6. Let the shampoo rest in the beaker for a couple of hours so the foam will calm down and the gum will be fully dispersed in the mixture.

7. Pour into a container and enjoy your refreshing shampoo!

Related articles:

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• Mousse Shampoo and Body Wash

• Pourable Shampoo Bars

• Indigo Shampoo Bar

• Marble Shikakai Shampoo Bar

• Clarifying Shampoo

• How to Adjust the PH Level in Cosmetics