The Best Examples of DIY Zero-Waste Shampoo Recipes You Can Actually Use

Real-World Examples of DIY Zero-Waste Shampoo Recipes

Let’s skip theory and start with examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes you can actually mix in your kitchen. These are organized by effort level and hair type so you’re not guessing where to start.

Example of a Super Simple Baking Soda & Vinegar Routine (For Short, Non-Color-Treated Hair)

This is the minimalist classic. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a good example of how few ingredients you truly need.

You’ll need:

• Baking soda (in bulk if possible)
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV), ideally in glass
• Water

How to use:
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 cup warm water in a jar. In a separate jar, mix 1–2 tablespoons ACV with 1 cup water.

In the shower, pour the baking soda mix onto your scalp, massage gently for 20–30 seconds, then rinse well. Follow with the ACV rinse on lengths and ends, let sit for a minute, then rinse again.

Zero-waste tips:

• Buy baking soda in cardboard boxes or bulk bins.
• Reuse glass bottles for your mixtures.

Who it suits:
People with short, non-color-treated hair and generally non-sensitive scalps. If you have a sensitive scalp or color-treated hair, you may want gentler examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes, like the herbal options below.

Note: Baking soda is alkaline and can be harsh if overused. Dermatology experts emphasize that harsh or highly alkaline products can disrupt the scalp barrier, so pay attention if you notice dryness or irritation. For general scalp health information, you can read more about skin barrier function via the National Institutes of Health.

Gentle Herbal Tea Shampoo Rinse (Great Beginner Example)

If you want softer, more scalp-friendly options, this is one of the best examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes to start with.

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons dried herbs (chamomile for blondes, rosemary for dark hair, nettle for scalp health)
• 2 cups water
• Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

How to use:
Simmer the herbs in water for about 10 minutes, then let steep until cool. Strain into a jar. In the shower, wet hair, then slowly pour the herbal tea over your scalp, massaging as you go. Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse.

Why it works:
You’re using water-soluble plant compounds to gently cleanse and condition. Chamomile is often used in gentle hair products, and rosemary has a long history in traditional hair care. While research is ongoing, some small studies suggest rosemary may support scalp health and hair density; you can explore more evidence-based hair and scalp information via Mayo Clinic.

Zero-waste angle:

• Buy herbs in bulk or grow them in pots.
• Compost used herbs.
• Store the rinse in glass jars.

This is one of the best examples for people transitioning away from conventional shampoo because it’s gentle and doesn’t feel as extreme as baking soda.

Clay-Based DIY Shampoo Paste (For Oily Scalps)

If your hair gets greasy fast, clay can be your friend. This is a great example of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes that feels spa-like but uses very few ingredients.

You’ll need:

• 2–3 tablespoons rhassoul clay or bentonite clay (from bulk or paper packaging)
• Enough water or herbal tea to make a pourable paste
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender), only if your skin tolerates them

How to use:
In a small bowl or jar, mix the clay with enough water or cooled herbal tea to form a yogurt-like paste. In the shower, apply to wet scalp and roots, gently massage, and let sit 1–2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Why it works:
Clays can absorb excess oil and dirt without synthetic surfactants. This is one of the best examples for people with oily roots who want a deeper clean without plastic bottles.

Safety note:
If you use essential oils, keep the amount very low and patch test first. For general guidance on skin reactions and irritants, sites like WebMD explain how sensitive skin can respond to certain ingredients.

Coconut Milk & Aloe DIY Shampoo (Moisturizing Example for Dry Hair)

Now let’s talk about examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes for dry or curly hair that needs moisture.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (look for BPA-free cans)
• 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel (from a plant or minimal-packaging bottle)
• 1 tablespoon mild, biodegradable liquid castile soap (optional but helpful for cleansing)

How to use:
Whisk everything together and store in a glass bottle in the fridge for up to a week. In the shower, shake well and use a small amount on scalp and hair. Massage, then rinse well.

Why it works:
Coconut milk and aloe bring slip and moisture, while a small amount of castile soap helps lift oil and dirt. This is a good example of a “bridge” recipe between store-bought shampoo and fully soap-free methods.

Zero-waste tips:

• Use leftover coconut milk from cooking, so none goes to waste.
• Grow your own aloe plant if you can.

Solid Shampoo Bar at Home (Long-Lasting, Travel-Friendly Example)

Shampoo bars are some of the best examples of low-waste hair care in 2024–2025. You can buy them package-free, but if you want examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes that feel like a real product, this is it.

You’ll need (basic version):

• 1 cup finely grated castile or natural soap bar (plastic-free packaging)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or shea butter
• 1/4 cup water or strong herbal tea

How to use:
Melt the oil/butter on low heat, then stir in grated soap and water until it forms a thick, moldable paste. Press into silicone molds or small upcycled containers and let dry for 24–48 hours.

To use, rub the bar between wet hands or directly on wet hair, lather, massage scalp, and rinse.

Why it’s a strong example:

• No plastic bottle
• Concentrated, so it lasts a long time
• Easy to store and travel with

If you’re not ready to make your own, buying a certified low-waste shampoo bar from a reputable brand is still aligned with a zero-waste lifestyle. Look for minimal or compostable packaging and transparent ingredient lists.

Rice Water Rinse (Fermented and Non-Fermented Examples)

Rice water has gone viral on social media, and for good reason. It’s a great example of DIY zero-waste shampoo-adjacent care that supports hair strength and shine.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup uncooked rice (any type)
• 2–3 cups water

Non-fermented version:
Rinse the rice quickly, then cover with fresh water and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain the water into a jar.

Fermented version:
Do the same, but let the strained rice water sit at room temperature for 24–48 hours until it smells slightly sour, then refrigerate.

After washing your hair with one of the other examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes, pour rice water over your hair, leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse.

Why it’s popular:
Rice water contains starches and compounds that can temporarily smooth the hair surface. Research is still emerging, but beauty scientists and dermatologists are actively studying traditional practices like this; you can follow hair and scalp research through resources like the NIH’s PubMed database.

Zero-waste bonus:
You’re using something that might have gone down the drain while rinsing rice for cooking.

Low-Waste “Cheat” Example: Stretching Store-Bought Shampoo

If you’re not ready to go fully DIY, there are still examples of zero-waste shampoo strategies that dramatically cut your plastic use.

Try this approach:
Buy the largest bottle of a gentle, fragrance-light shampoo you can find (fewer small bottles = less plastic). At home, dilute it in a foaming soap dispenser: about 1 part shampoo to 3–4 parts water.

You’ve just:

• Reduced the amount of product you use each wash
• Extended the life of one bottle
• Made a milder cleanser that’s easier on the scalp

This is a helpful example of how “zero-waste” can be flexible. You don’t have to be perfect to make a real difference.

How to Choose Between Different Examples of DIY Zero-Waste Shampoo Recipes

With so many examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes floating around online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s how to narrow it down.

Match Recipes to Your Hair Type and Scalp

Think about these questions:

• Is your scalp oily, dry, or somewhere in between?
• Is your hair color-treated or chemically processed?
• Do you have a history of sensitive skin or allergies?

If your scalp is sensitive or your hair is color-treated, start with gentle herbal rinses or diluted castile-based recipes instead of baking soda. For oily scalps, clay-based recipes are often better examples. For dry or curly hair, coconut milk, aloe, and oil-enriched bars are usually the best examples to try first.

For people with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it’s wise to talk with a dermatologist before switching things up dramatically. The American Academy of Dermatology offers general guidance on caring for sensitive skin and scalp.

Expect a Transition Period

When you switch from conventional shampoo to these examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes, your scalp may need time to adjust. You might notice:

• More oiliness at first
• Hair feeling heavier or waxy

Give each method at least 1–2 weeks before deciding it doesn’t work. During the transition, you can:

• Use a gentle herbal rinse between washes
• Brush your hair more often to distribute natural oils

2024–2025 Trends in Zero-Waste Hair Care You Can Use at Home

The latest zero-waste hair trends actually make DIY easier.

Trend: Concentrated Products and Refill Culture

More brands are selling concentrated shampoo bars and refill pouches, which means ingredients like gentle surfactants (derived from coconut or sugar) are easier to find. That opens up new examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes where you can:

• Buy a bulk, gentle surfactant base
• Add your own herbal teas, aloe, or oils

While this is a bit more advanced, it’s a strong direction for people who want salon-level performance without plastic.

Trend: Science-Backed Simplicity

There’s a growing push to avoid over-complicated routines. Dermatologists and researchers keep reminding us that simple, gentle products are often best for scalp health. This supports the idea that the best examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes tend to be:

• Short on ingredients
• Low on fragrance
• Focused on scalp comfort first

FAQ: Real Questions About DIY Zero-Waste Shampoo

What are some easy examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes for beginners?

Good starter examples include the herbal tea rinse, the coconut milk and aloe mix (with a little castile soap), and a basic shampoo bar made from grated natural soap and oil. These are forgiving, don’t require special equipment, and let you adjust as you go.

Can you give an example of a DIY zero-waste shampoo recipe that’s safe for color-treated hair?

A gentle example of a DIY zero-waste shampoo recipe for color-treated hair is a diluted castile soap mix: combine 1–2 teaspoons of mild, unscented liquid castile soap in 1 cup of water, optionally with a chamomile or rooibos tea base instead of plain water. Follow with a light herbal or ACV rinse. Always test on a small section first, because color formulas vary.

Do these DIY shampoo recipes actually clean your hair?

Yes, but they work differently than conventional shampoos. Some, like castile-based or bar recipes, use soap to lift oil and dirt. Others, like clay or herbal rinses, rely on absorption and gentle cleansing. You may need to experiment with several examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes before you find the one that leaves your hair feeling clean but not stripped.

Are there any medical concerns with DIY shampoo recipes?

Potential issues include irritation from high-pH ingredients like baking soda, allergic reactions to herbs or essential oils, and over-drying from using harsh recipes too often. If you have a history of skin conditions or allergies, check reputable health resources like Mayo Clinic or talk with a dermatologist before making big changes.

How long do homemade shampoo recipes last?

Water-based recipes (like herbal teas and coconut milk mixes) usually last under a week in the fridge. Oil-only or dry recipes (like bars and clay powders) last much longer if kept dry and clean. When in doubt, make small batches. One of the best examples of low-waste thinking is simply: only make what you’ll actually use.

If you treat these examples of DIY zero-waste shampoo recipes as experiments rather than strict rules, you’ll find a routine that fits your hair, your schedule, and your values—without a lineup of plastic bottles in your shower.