Lackluster.
Dry.
Brittle.
Curly.
This shampoo & body bar was created to smooth and rehydrate dry, lackluster, and/or curly, hard-to-manage hair.
Marshmallow Root…
…is great for the hair because it:
- according to Practical Herbalism: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Powers
, contain approximately “18-35% mucilaginous compounds.”
- has a very slippery texture when made into an infusion.
- softens the hair naturally.
- promotes hair growth (due to it’s high content of plant proteins).
- provides natural shine to dull hair follicles.
- soothes dry scalp.
- reduces itchy scalp.
…of sweet orange, ylang ylang, rosemary, patchouli, lavender, and eucalyptus together help with a multitude of hair and scalp conditions such as dandruff. They also stimulate hair growth and restore health to greasy or lifeless hair.
Marshmallow Root Shampoo & Body Bar Soap
Ingredients
Oils
- 8 ounces coconut oil
- 8 ounces olive oil
- 8 ounces organic, sustainably sourced palm oil
- 4 ounces shea butter
- 2 ounces cocoa butter
- 3 ounces castor oil
Liquid
- 10 fluid ounces water or a handmade marshmallow root water infusion, click here to learn how to make an herbal water infusion
- 4.52 ounces lye (7% excess fat)
Find Marshmallow Root, cut here and find Marshmallow Root, powder here.
Add-Ins
- 1 1/2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder
- 2 ounces jojoba oil
- 1-2 ounces essential oil blend of sweet orange, ylang ylang, rosemary, patchouli, lavender, and/or eucalyptus
\For the highest medicinal value available choose dōTERRA™ Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils for yourself, your family, and your friends. Click here to purchase…
Soap-Making Basics
*Thanks to the Internet and amazing people who are willing to share their wisdom so freely…I was able to learn the skill. I primarily use the hot processed method…however, choose the method you feel most comfortable with:
- Wardeh, who runs Gnowfglins, on her personal blog Such Treasures gives the clearest, most easy to follow directions ever! This is the exact post that got me started. She uses the hot processed method and I highly recommend that you read her recipe if you are even the slightest bit interested in making your own soap.
- Renee of Fimby was also very inspirational and such a great resource! Watch her awesome video that describes the cold processed method for making a simple soap by clicking here.
If you are new to soap-making, I strongly suggest you read through these very informative articles and find what will work for you:
I would also recommend borrowing a few of these books from the library if you really find yourself wanting to know more:
- Handcrafted Soapby Dolores Boone
- The Soapmaker’s Companionby Susan Miller Cavitch
- The Natural Soap Book by Susan Miller Cavitch
Hot Process Method
*Remember…there are 2 different methods for soap-making — hot and cold process — this is the Hot Process Method.
- Measure both the lye and water (or herbal infusion if using) – each in separate bowls — using a kitchen scale. Note: Always run your recipe through a lye calculator to be sure that you are using the proper amount of oils, lye, and liquid.
- Carefully combine the lye and liquid by pouring the lye into the liquid (never pour liquid into the lye) and stir liquid until lye is completely dissolved. The liquid is caustic and not to be touched in any way. The outside of the bowl will be extremely hot as well. Be careful when working with lye and follow all of the recommended precautions. Note: What I’m trying to say is, I can not be held responsible for any craziness, mishaps, explosions, etc. that may happen when making this recipe.
- Allow the lye mixture to stay under a vent and cool down while you prepare the oils.
- Measure the oils – by weight – and then place in a crock pot to melt on low heat. Please omit the essential oils and jojoba oil…we will be adding them later.
- Once melted, add the lye/water mixture to the oils in the crock pot and stir. Note: Any equipment the lye touches needs to be neutralized in a mixture of white vinegar, soap, and water.
- After a brief stir, grab your stick blender and get to work! Blend the oils and liquid in the crock pot for at least 1-2 minutes. We are working toward “trace.”
- After 1-2 minutes, add the herbal powders. Using a wire whisk, whisk until well combined.
- Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes more – until the mixture becomes a thick, pudding like consistency.
- Once the mixture is pudding-like, cover the crock pot and “cook” the soap, on low heat, for approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare your mold. Note: I just use a standard loaf pan lined with parchment paper and it’s always worked perfectly and this recipe is enough to fill one loaf pan.
- Once the soap is done “cooking” remove from heat and quickly add the essential oils and jojoba oil.
- Stir until well combined.
- Spoon soap mixture into mold.
- Allow soap to cool and harden for 24 hours.
- Remove from mold on to cutting board and cut into bars.
- Place bars on a tray with good airflow so that they can harden further. But feel free to go ahead and use your first bar!
Where Can I Get This Stuff
–Starwest Botanicals…they have everything you’ll need by way of Bulk Herbs, Organic Oils & Butters, and Natural Products for Healthy, Natural Living! It’s your one-stop-shop!
–Mountain Rose Herbs & The Bulk Herb Store also carries many of these ingredients if you’d like to price check.
-I also just love the people over at The Soap Dish. You can purchase lye and other ingredients necessary for this recipe.
Not ready to DIY soap?
This handcrafted Marshmallow Root Herbal Shampoo Bar
can be purchased in my Etsy Shop
by clicking this link.
I thank you for your love and support of quality handmade products!
DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my knowledge-sharing/writing/blogging activities, I occasionally may receive monetary compensation for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this article. However, I only recommend products or services I have personally used myself and trust.
California Sunshine Herbal Shampoo & Body Bar Soap :: Heal the Scalp and Calm Inflamed, Sensitive Skin
Ok, I have very curly, not frizzy hair that could still use some moisturizing – but I like my curls. Would this be too much for my hair?
This is my very favorite shampoo bar! I have almost waist length curly hair. And like Carla above mine is not frizzy either but my curly hair does need extra moisture for my curls to be bouncy and shiny. I love your shampoo bar and would highly recommend this bar especially for curly hair! I also find that I don’t have to wash my hair often and my hair still looks fresh, clean and pretty good!! I also love the Horsetail shampoo bar! Thanks so much for your awesome products!
Barbara
Hi,
I have curly hair and it is frizzy. What other handmade products do you use to combat the frizz? I have tried over the counter products but I prefer stuff I can make, just for the chemical factor ya know 🙂
I, for sure, am going to make this soap but just curious on what else you use since you such long hair. I try to grow my hair but as you know, curly hair can get super dry and break off.
Thank you in advance,
Stephanie
Oh, I might have to try this. I have yet to make soap, cause my Mum makes it, so I just use hers (and give her bottles of my homemade laundry liquid in exchange from time to time).
Does it froth up a bit? I have been thinking about looking for a homemade shampoo recipe that is not just baking soda, that I could get my kids to use. They don’t need to wash often, but my pre-teen particularly has taken to doing so, and I swear he uses half the bottle of shampoo each time!
I will try the shampoo. Love the idea making these products
Is there a recipe that uses like castille soap as the base? I am not a soap maker, so I would like to make this for my hair, but do not want a bar (too hard for me to use the lye). Thank You.
HI I am a Senior in Highschool and I am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I don’t know anyone that I can interview to get a better grasp on what I want to do, so a friend suggested I connect with some bloggers. So that’s where this is coming from haha. I was just wondering what you actually majored in and what you were doing before you started homesteading. Also, how is it that you are making your living now? Thanks for your time!
I think this is not easy to prepare my own, how can i get organic, sustainably sourced palm oils. Is it sell by any shops?
Do you have to use an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse with this shampoo, or no? Thanks!
Okay, I tried this for a week and I have to say, definitely not for me. It leaves a definite film on my hair and by the end of the week my hair is dull, lifeless, and feels greasy. Not sure if it’s the Jojoba that is added in at the end, but I will not be using this for shampoo anymore. I think it does make a nice moisturizing body bar, however. If anyone has any ideas how to fix it for my hair, I would be open to ideas.
Did you do the marshmallow root infusion? That will actually coat you hair and may leave a residue. To counteract the residue try a vinegar rinse. I do one part vinegar to three parts water (use a temp you can comfortably pour on your scalp). Pour the rinse in your hair and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse it out…although this is not necessary. Yes your hair will smell like vinegar but only while it is wet. The smell goes away when it is dry. The other thing you could do is not use the marshmallow root infusion. This looks like a solid recipe for shampoo. I will be trying it out…my sister has thick curly hair and I use the marshmallow root infusion as a detangler for her. So if I can stick it in the shampoo, all the better.
I also take the bar shampoo and melt it in distilled water….usually 3 bars to a gallon of water…to get a liquid form of soap. This isn’t an exact science because I can’t know the size of the bars being used. After you melt the soap in water, put it in a container and forget about it for at least 2 weeks. Check the consistency. If too runny add more bar soap and repeat the process…if too thick add more water and repeat.