Easy Homemade Hair Conditioner – DIY Natural Recipe
Let’s be honest—finding the perfect hair conditioner can feel like dating. You try bottle after bottle, hoping this one will finally work some magic… only to end up with frizzy hair, oily roots, or worse, even more dry hair. If that sounds familiar, let me tell you—making your own conditioner is a game changer. This homemade hair conditioner is packed with natural ingredients, it’s super nourishing, and it works beautifully on all hair types—from curly hair to thin hair, and everything in between.
I started making my own DIY hair conditioner when I realized how many harsh chemicals were hiding in my favorite brands. Not only were they drying out my ends, but they weren’t doing my scalp or the hair shaft any favors either. That’s when I started diving into homemade conditioner recipes, and girl… it was a whole new world. This pairs beautifully with my Homemade Shampoo — they’re both gentle, totally natural, and give your hair a clean, healthy foundation without stripping it.
This recipe is rich, hydrating, and fully customizable depending on your specific hair needs. So whether you’re looking for a deep conditioning treatment, a nourishing leave-in conditioner, or just a solid daily go-to, this one’s got you covered. Use this DIY conditioner to hydrate, then spritz on a bit of my sea salt spray for that lived-in, tousled look.
Why Switch to a Homemade Hair Conditioner?
Let’s talk about the main reason most of us end up trying natural hair conditioner in the first place: we’re done with the build-up, the irritation, and the false promises of overpriced hair care products. Here’s what makes the switch worth it:
- Natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil actually nourish the hair instead of coating it with silicones.
- You get full control over the simple ingredients going into your homemade conditioner recipe—no mystery labels here!
- You can tailor it to your hair type and goals—whether that’s hair growth, moisture, or soothing a dry, flaky scalp.
- It’s affordable, fun to make, and totally customizable.
I like to start my hair care routine with a gentle scalp exfoliation once a week. It helps remove buildup and makes it easier for conditioners and oils to soak into the scalp and strands. And honestly, once you experience how soft and smooth your hair feels after your own DIY conditioner, it’s really hard to go back.
If your hair needs a little extra love before conditioning, try my deeply nourishing DIY Hair Mask for a full-strength treatment that restores moisture and shine naturally.
Homemade Hair Conditioner Natural Ingredients That Love Your Hair
Let’s talk main ingredients—each one serves a special purpose in keeping your strands strong, smooth, and shiny.
- Coconut oil: Deeply hydrates and penetrates the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends.
- Olive oil: Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, ideal for sealing moisture.
- Castor oil: A go-to for stimulating hair growth and reducing hair loss.
- Aloe vera gel: Lightweight, soothing, and perfect for taming frizzy hair and hydrating damp hair.
- Vitamin E oil: A natural antioxidant and mild natural preservative that also adds softness and shine.
- Essential oils: Add lovely scent and benefits—like tea tree oil for scalp health or lavender for calming irritated skin.
DIY Homemade Hair Conditioner – Natural & Nourishing
Here’s my go-to homemade hair conditioner recipe that works for most hair types. You can use it as a regular rinse-out, a deep conditioner, or even a leave-in conditioner with a few simple tweaks.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the coconut oil and shea butter (if using) until melted. Don’t use hot water—just warm enough to blend.
- Remove from heat and add coconut milk, aloe vera gel, and all other oils.
- Whisk in the distilled water slowly to help blend the oil and water phases.
- Add your favorite essential oils, give it a final mix, and pour into a clean spray bottle or jar.
Keep it in the fridge for up to a week, or add natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract if you want to extend the shelf life.
How to Use Your Homemade Hair Conditioner
regular use:
- After shampooing (try my homemade shampoo for a full natural routine!), apply the conditioner from mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
- Let it sit for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with cool water or cold water to seal the cuticle.
deep conditioning:
- Apply generously to damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and enjoy the glow up.
- When my hair really needs extra love, I follow up with a rich DIY hair mask. It’s a great companion to your conditioner, especially if you’re doing a full deep conditioning treatment under a shower cap.
- Pair this conditioner with my Aztec clay mask for hair for a full cleanse-and-restore routine—great for dry, dull strands!
leave-in:
- Use a spray bottle and lightly mist on wet hair, focusing on the ends.
- Style as usual!
- For daily hydration between wash days, try my lightweight homemade leave-in conditioner. It’s perfect for taming frizz and refreshing curls without buildup.
- After conditioning, I spritz on my Rosemary Hair Spray — it smells amazing and helps keep my roots healthy and strong.
Customize It For Your Hair Type
Dry Hair?
Double the olive oil or shea butter, and don’t skip the coconut milk.
Oily Hair?
Use lighter oils like argan oil or grapeseed, and try adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Curly Hair?
Add more castor oil or coconut oil for definition and moisture. This combo is also amazing after a diy hair mask!
Thin Hair?
Use a lighter base—skip shea butter, use more aloe vera, and choose argan oil over olive oil.
Bonus: Pair It With These Natural Hair Treatments
For an amazing hair care routine, you can pair your homemade hair conditioner with a few of my other favorite natural products:
- Use my DIY scalp exfoliation treatment before conditioning to remove buildup and create the perfect base for hydration.
- Refresh between washes with a quick spritz of my leave-in hair conditioner—especially helpful for frizzy hair or second-day styles.
- Try my DIY hair mask once a week for an ultra-hydrating deep conditioning treatment.
- Don’t forget my dry shampoo recipe to stretch those hair wash days without weighing your hair down!
- For growth support, massage in my homemade hair growth oil at night—it pairs beautifully with a clean, moisturized scalp.
- Use this DIY conditioner to hydrate, then spritz on a bit of my sea salt spray for that lived-in, tousled look.
FAQ: Homemade Hair Conditioner
How often should I use homemade conditioner?
This really depends on your hair type! If you have dry or curly hair, you can use it 2–3 times a week or even more often as needed. If your hair tends to be oily or very fine, once or twice a week is usually enough to keep it hydrated without weighing it down.
Can I use this homemade hair conditioner as a leave-in conditioner?
Yes! Just make sure to use a lighter version of the recipe—something with more aloe vera or distilled water, and less heavy oils. Pour it into a spray bottle and lightly mist onto damp or wet hair, focusing on the ends.
How long does it last?
Since homemade conditioner is made with natural, perishable ingredients (like coconut milk or aloe vera), it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 7–10 days. For a longer shelf life, you can freeze small portions or add a natural preservative like vitamin E oil.
Can I use it on color-treated or sensitive scalps?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of the essential oils you use—some (like citrus oils) can be a little harsh or drying. Always do a patch test if you’re unsure, especially if you have a sensitive scalp or skin.
Will it help with hair growth?
While conditioner alone doesn’t make hair grow faster, it supports growth by keeping your hair hydrated, reducing breakage, and keeping the ends healthy. The more moisture and love your hair gets, the longer and stronger it can grow over time.
Can I use it after any shampoo?
Yes! This homemade conditioner works beautifully with any natural or regular shampoo. It’s especially great paired with a sulfate-free or gentle shampoo so your hair gets all the moisture it needs without harsh ingredients.
Easy Homemade Hair Conditioner – DIY Natural Recipe
This recipe is rich, hydrating, and fully customizable depending on your specific hair needs. So whether you’re looking for a deep conditioning treatment, a nourishing leave-in conditioner, or just a solid daily go-to, this one’s got you covered.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or argan oil
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp castor oil (optional, for thick or coarse hair)
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 5–10 drops essential oils (try rosemary, peppermint, or lavender)
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- Optional: 1 tbsp shea butter for an ultra-rich treatment
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the coconut oil and shea butter (if using) until melted. Don’t use hot water—just warm enough to blend.
- Remove from heat and add coconut milk, aloe vera gel, and all other oils.
- Whisk in the distilled water slowly to help blend the oil and water phases.
- Add your favorite essential oils, give it a final mix, and pour into a clean spray bottle or jar.
Notes
Keep it in the fridge for up to a week, or add natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract if you want to extend the shelf life.
Final Thoughts: Treat Your Hair with Love
Making your own homemade hair conditioner is one of those simple acts of self-care that just feels good. You’re skipping the harsh chemicals, treating your hair to real nourishment, and taking the time to know exactly what’s going on your head.
Whether you’re whipping this up for the first time, or you’ve been experimenting with natural hair conditioner for years, this DIY conditioner is a great place to start (or restart!). It’s affordable, gentle, and made with love—and really, that’s the best beauty secret there is.
Click Below For More Hair Care Blogs:
- Homemade Shampoo Recipe Made With All Natural Ingredients
- Homemade Hair Growth Oil – DIY Ingredients for Healthy Hair
- Best Homemade Leave in Conditioner – DIY Simple Recipe
- Rosemary Hair Spray – For Stimulating Hair Growth
- DIY Hair Mask – All Natural Recipes For Best Mask
- The Best Dry Shampoo Recipe – Quick DIY Dry Shampoo
- Easy Sea Salt Spritz Recipe for Natural Beach Waves
- How to Use Aztec Clay Mask on Hair – A Cozy DIY to Restore & Rejuvenate
