Taking care of your hair doesn’t have to involve expensive salon products or ingredient lists you can’t pronounce. This homemade conditioner is deeply hydrating, packed with nutrients, and made entirely from natural ingredients—right from your homesteading pantry.

This easy DIY conditioner pairs beautifully with my Homemade Hair Growth Serum and Homemade Anti-Aging Cream if you’re looking to create a full natural beauty routine.

Why Choose a Homemade Conditioner?

Most store-bought conditioners are full of parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. While they may give instant softness, they often coat the hair instead of truly nourishing it. This homemade version is rich in shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil—ingredients known for penetrating the hair shaft and actually improving its strength and moisture over time.

Best Ingredients for Healthy Hair

Shea Butter: Rich and creamy, shea butter deeply hydrates dry or damaged hair and helps tame frizz.
Coconut Oil: Adds shine, repairs breakage, and reduces protein loss in hair strands.
Argan Oil: Known as “liquid gold,” this light oil softens and smooths without leaving hair greasy.
Essential Oils (Optional): Rosemary helps stimulate growth, while lavender soothes the scalp.

What You’ll Need

A double boiler or heat-safe bowl
Measuring spoons and cups
Spoon or whisk
Clean 6 oz bottle or jar
Funnel (helpful but optional)

How to Make Homemade Conditioner

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons shea butter
3/8 cup coconut oil
3 teaspoons argan oil
15 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
7 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
While that’s melting, mix your essential oils into the argan oil in a separate bowl.
Once the shea and coconut oils are melted, allow the mixture to cool slightly (so it doesn’t degrade the essential oils).
Add the argan oil blend and stir to combine thoroughly.
Pour into your container and let it set.

How to Use Your Homemade Natural Conditioner

Scoop or pour a small amount into your hands and apply to the ends of your hair, working upward. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse out. For deeper hydration, you can leave it on longer or use it as a leave-in on dry ends.

Tips & Troubleshooting

Climate Matters: Your conditioner may harden in cold areas, but it may stay liquid in warm or humid climates.
Adjust as Needed: For a lighter conditioner, use fractionated coconut oil, which stays liquid and feels less heavy.
Storage: Keep it in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months.

This homemade natural conditioner has been a game-changer for my dry, sun-exposed hair. It’s especially great after spending time in the garden or under the summer sun. I love knowing every ingredient comes from a place of purpose and purity—and I hope you do too! Print out our printable PDF recipe card.

Homemade Natural Conditioner

Yield: 4 to 5 oz.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Take control of your hair care routine with this simple, natural DIY leave-in conditioner. It’s made with clean ingredients that nourish your hair without harsh chemicals, leaving it soft, tangle-free, and healthy.