Leave-in conditioner is a must-have hair care product in your beauty bag. It locks in moisture and adds softness and shine.
If you want to spare your hair tresses from harsh chemicals found in store-bought products, this DIY hair growth-stimulating leave-in conditioner recipe is the way to go.
You’ll love the natural smooth feeling of your hair and the de-frizz effect you’ll get from it. It gives your hair a smooth and shiny texture, plus it stimulates hair growth because of effective essential oils and hair oils as the main ingredients.
Let’s take a look at what are the benefits of ingredients used in making DIY growth-stimulating leave-in conditioner.
Benefits of DIY Hair Growth Stimulating Leave-In Conditioner & Its Ingredients
1. Shea Butter
Shea butter is composed of different types of fatty acids and they are great for hair products to coat, condition, and protect the hair shaft without dulling or weighing it down.
Unrefined shea butter has essential vitamin A, vitamin E, phytonutrients, and healing fats to help with the health of the hair and scalp.
Shea butter can be applied to both the hair and scalp. If your scalp is dry, irritated, or flaky, shea butter may provide critical moisture and help to heal a variety of skin and scalp conditions.
A healthy scalp is essential to maximize hair growth. Shea butter can also be applied to the hair to moisturize the individual strands, reducing dryness, frizz, and breakage.
Reduced breakage will result in longer and healthier hair over time. It can give easy protection from the damaging action of sun exposure and act as a barrier to the chemical pollutants in the air as well.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and they provide a healthy nutrition to our hair. Antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin K is found in coconut oil help repair and build healthy tissues.
When you apply coconut oil to the scalp, it reduces inflammation and repairs damage done to hairs by chemical-filled hair products. Vitamin E and K will make hairs soft, manageable, and shiny.
The caprylic acid of coconut oil is a good saturated fatty acid that has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The hair protein easily binds with Lauric acid from this oil which gradually leads to the strengthening of hair strands and stops the breakage of hair due to thinning.
3. Argan Oil
Argan oil has several benefits when used on hair.
It can act as a moisturizer for the scalp to fight dandruff and dry scalp. It can also promote the growth of healthy, strong hair as opposed to thin, brittle hair.
It can even undo some of the damage done through chemical treatments and dyes and can be used to treat split ends.
Vitamin E which is present in very high quantities in Argan oil promotes healthy hair growth as it contains antioxidants, which help boost cells and encourage them to produce healthy hair. It makes dry, brittle, and frizzy hair manageable and soft.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is believed to help reduce hair fall. It enhances the blood circulation to the roots when massaged onto the hair.
This would fortify the grasp of the hair follicle into the tissues of the scalp and help control hair fall. This is one of the more popular hair oils for hair care.
It has hair cleansing and antibacterial properties which soothes itchy dry and inflamed scalps. It also hydrates dry hair and conditions damaged hair ends.
It’s also cooling and refreshing when used on its own as a hairspray.
5. Rosemary Essential Oil
It is the best oil for hair growth and hair thinning problems. It is known to increase the growth of new hair by 20%.
It is one of the premier hair growth-enhancing essential oils.
It is packed with antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals – that are responsible for graying as well as hair thinning.
It is also effective for treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp irritation, and oily skin.
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil makes your hair strong and improves the sheen and texture of it as well.
Castor oil has properties that are essential for the proper growth of your hair, as it helps to regulate hair growth, contributes to healthy hair follicle cells, and prevents free radicals from damaging these cells.
It is astringent, therefore, it shrinks tissues and in this way reduces inflammation of any scalp hair follicles leading to hair loss. It rejuvenates the hair, adding sheen to the appearance and strength to the hair shafts.
7. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil treats dry scalp by supporting new skin cell growth and speeding up cell regeneration.
It also prevents and repairs free radical damage. When applied to hair, it helps to treat dry damaged hairs and makes hair soft and shiny.
Procedure to Make Hair Growth Stimulating Leave-In Conditioner or Cream
- ¼ cup Shea Butter (Buy From Here)
- 1 tablespoon Argan Oil (Buy From Here)
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (Buy From Here)
- 1 tablespoon Castor Oil (Buy From Here)
- ¼ teaspoon Vitamin E Oil (Buy From Here)
- 7 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Buy From Here)
- 7 drops Rosemary Essential Oil (Buy From Here)
- Make sure that your hand blender, bowl, and utensils are very clean when you make this. If they’re not fully sanitized, then your leave-in conditioner or hair cream can grow bacteria or mold. Clean everything with hot soapy water, then swab with rubbing alcohol or vinegar and let air dry.
- Make a double boiler by adding a few inches of water in a large saucepan. Heat the pan on low flame.
- In a glass bowl, combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and Castor oil, and place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and combined.
- Now, add argan oil and mix all ingredients, and let this mixture cool until it’s room temperature. It should look creamy, thick, and opaque, but don’t let it get solid. Optional: You can place the bowl in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Now, whip the mixture using your blender when the mixture is at room temperature for a couple of minutes until you get a creamy texture.
- Now add essential oils and Vitamin E oil into the creamy leave-in conditioner and mix well. Transfer it to an airtight jar. Store in a clean and dry place.
- Just scoop a little hair conditioner or cream with your cleaned fingers and apply it to your hair. You can leave it overnight and wash the hair with shampoo or simply use it as a leave-in conditioner to control frizzy and dry hair.
2. While shea butter is quite safe and can be beneficial for the skin and hair, you should avoid shea butter or shea butter products if you have tree nut allergies.
3. You can keep this leave-in hair conditioner for 3-4 months and if refrigerated can be stored for a longer period.
Free Recipe PDF
Try the leave-in conditioner and tell me how was it in the comments section below!
63 Comments
Nimotallah
August 6, 2017 at 7:34 pmHi, please what kind of natural preservative and I’m what quantity can be used to store this wonderful recipe over a long period of time.
Thanks
Mamta
August 11, 2017 at 12:41 pmHi Nimotallah, for natural preservative, I have used vitamin E oil and rosemary oil extract which is a natural antioxidant and helps to extend the life of your products. Make sure to keep it in cool dark places to extend its life up to 1-2 months.
You can also keep it in a refrigerator to preserve it for a longer period of time. You can try to make the conditioner (as per your hair requirements) to keep it for a period of 1 month.
Ruby
August 10, 2017 at 11:18 amTo get the recipe for leave in conditioner
Mamta
August 11, 2017 at 12:52 pmHi Ruby, not sure what you meant.
Thanks
TA
September 10, 2017 at 9:58 pmThis leave in conditioner is for natural hair only or for perm & or colored treated also?
Mamta
September 11, 2017 at 6:28 amHi, TA, You can use this leave-in conditioner on any type of hair. It helps to promote hair growth as well as condition it. It will not affect on perm or colored hair.
Meghan
September 12, 2017 at 12:18 amI am allergic to coconut … Is there anything else I can use.
thank u
Meghan
Mamta
September 13, 2017 at 6:18 amHi Meghan, You Can use the mango butter instead of coconut oil. It is full of vitamins that balance sebum production and also packed with fatty acids, mango butter is great moisture-rich food for your hair. Its benefits include softening the hair and preventing environmental damage. It is good for dry and oily scalp both.
OR, You can make the leave-in conditioner without coconut oil. The only thing you have to do is to increase the proportions of other oils by 1 tablespoon each.
Nikki
September 15, 2017 at 5:28 amHi what essential oils should I use?
Mamta
September 19, 2017 at 5:54 amHi Nikki, thanks for writing.
As mentioned in the post, you should use Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Horsetail Extract Oil and vitamin E oil. I have added the links to buy to amazon.com in the post from where you can buy these ingredients.
Thank You!
Heather
September 22, 2017 at 3:00 amWitch hazel hydrosol is WATER based, however it is not a preservative. Optiphen is a great natural choice as it is formaldehyde and sulfate free. Lovely post!
Heather B Cosmetic formulator
Mamta
September 24, 2017 at 5:41 amHI Heather, Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Candy
February 23, 2018 at 2:33 pm“Classified as toxic or harmful (only for products for use around the mouth; products for use on the lips)”
According to skin deep.
Veronika
September 27, 2017 at 4:32 amI was unable to find unscented Witch Hazel Hydrosol, but I did find Witch Hazel Hydrosol Floral Water. Will that work for the conditioner?
Mamta
September 30, 2017 at 9:57 amHi, Veronika,
Witch Hazel Hydrosol Floral Water will help as well. Go ahead and use it.
Thanks
Mamta
Gail
October 3, 2017 at 2:21 pmThis is a great recipe for hair conditioning and moisturizing. How often do you recommend applying the treatment to the hair? How long do you assume that it will take to see positive effects?
Mamta
October 4, 2017 at 4:38 pmH Gail,
I would recommend to use it 2-3 times in a week but you can use it for more than that as well. Give this around 4 weeks to see any positive effects.
Gail
October 7, 2017 at 3:32 pmThank you for the recipe. The combination looks as if it will be effective. How often should the application of the moisturizure be performed? How long do you anticipate that it will take to see results?
Mamta
October 8, 2017 at 5:01 pmHi Gail, I would recommend using it twice a week but you can use it for more number of time as well.
barley
October 9, 2017 at 1:03 pmAppreciate it very much intended for publishing this kind of fascinating article on this matter. It has definitely created me personally believe as well as I’m hoping to learn to read much more.
emu
October 11, 2017 at 5:34 pmI read ur article,its really helpfull.thanks for ur advice
Mamta
October 11, 2017 at 6:48 pmHi Emu,
Glad you liked it.
Carolyn
October 29, 2017 at 10:27 pmDo you use both witch hazel and aloe vera gel or choice one?
Mamta
November 15, 2017 at 4:37 pmHi Carolyn,
You should use any one of them.
Thanks
Mamta
Errica
March 19, 2018 at 12:29 pmHi do you have any suggestions for shampoo and conditioner to go along with this recipe that also promtes hair growth and thickness for natural hair? Lastly can I use this on my daughter’s hair as well she is fully natural and she 10yrs.
Mamta
March 23, 2018 at 4:04 pmHi Errica,
Yes your daughter can use this as well.
I have a list of recommended organic products for skincare, haircare, and makeup. You can visit it here – https://alluringsoul.com/best-organic-products/
Love
November 15, 2017 at 10:33 pmHi, Mamta,
How long does each batch of moisturizer last?
Mamta
November 22, 2017 at 4:03 pmHi Love, It purely depends on your hair density and length and how many time you apply weekly. If you apply this conditioner 2-3 times a week and have a normal hair density, above waist length then it will last for 3-4 weeks.
bevvy
December 11, 2017 at 12:43 amThis recipe looks good,but I was a little worried when you suggested that vitamin E as well as other things should be used as a preserative. As the product would not last for as long as you suggested. I’m also pleased that Heather suggested a preservative, which is formaldyde and sulfate free.
Mamta
December 19, 2017 at 2:54 pmHi Bevvy,
You can use Optiphen or Neodefend as a preservative. Vitamin E and Rosemary essential oil do help in extending the life of the product but they are not that effective as compared to Optiphen and Neodefend.
Deb
January 16, 2018 at 3:21 pmDo you make and sell this?
Mamta
January 22, 2018 at 4:07 pmHi Deb,
No, I don’t sell this.
Jennifer D.
February 27, 2018 at 2:33 amSomeone mentioned that Rosemary oil turns blond hair dark, is that true? Could the Rosemary oil be replaced with a more “blond-friendly” oil?
Thanks!
Mamta
March 15, 2018 at 3:57 pmHi Jennifer,
You can use chamomile or thyme oil.
Laura
March 2, 2018 at 4:45 pmCan I make this without a blender? If not, what would I change to have something but not blended? Also, how much would you use at a time and is it for scalp only or the whole head? Thanks!
Mamta
March 15, 2018 at 4:14 pmHi Laura,
Yes, you can make this without a blender, but you will have to put an extra effort while blending with a spoon.
Take amount according to your hair density. You can apply on scalp and whole head as well.
Jaime
March 22, 2018 at 11:58 pmI made this just as the directions said and mine turned out all crumbly and not creamy at all! What did I do wrong?
Mamta
March 23, 2018 at 3:55 pmHi Jaime,
Just melt the mixture again using the double boiler. Then pour it into a container and let it be cool for hours. When the mixture solidifies, whip it again.
Lisa
April 7, 2018 at 7:50 pmI do not have a blender or food processor so I used my powerful kitchenaid mixer, but it will not thicken up and become creamy. Please help!
Mamta
May 11, 2018 at 5:31 amHi Lisa, Store the cream in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes and then blend it in the mixer for some time. I hope this will work.
Brenda
April 19, 2018 at 11:40 pmI do not have Shea butter will raw cocoa butter work. Since raw mango butter(which I have) can be used to replaced the coconut oil… can the two butters work in this cream. Any subs for the horsetail extract oil. Can Aloe Vera juice or Aloe Vera powder be used for the witch hazel?
Mamta
May 9, 2018 at 8:44 amHi Brenda, Cocoa and mango butter, both are great for dry, frizzy and damaged hair. You can use them in this recipe. You can use any hair growth promoting oil in the recipe but horsetail extract is recommended. And also aloe vera juice will be great for this recipe.
Brenda
April 20, 2018 at 12:04 pmCan I use Neem oil or my ayurvedic fused oil to sub for the horsetail extract oil? Can Aloe Vera juice or Aloe Vera Powder work in this cream?
Mamta
May 9, 2018 at 8:39 amHi Brenda, yes, you can use neem oil in the recipe and aloe vera juice will work great for the cream.
Brenda
April 21, 2018 at 8:44 pmAre there any subs for the horsetail extract oil?
Mamta
May 22, 2018 at 1:58 pmHi Brenda,
There is no substitute for this. If you are not getting this, you can ignore it in your recipe. In place of this, you can use any hair growth promoting essential oil. You can find the essential oil here – https://alluringsoul.com/7-best-essential-oils-for-hair-growth-you-need-to-know/
Tiffany
June 26, 2018 at 12:42 pmHi Mamta, I’ve found that the recipies containing shea butter solidify and become solid/hard and too heavy for my girls hair. How do I keep the conditioner creamy like in your pic? What am I doing wrong?
Mamta
July 4, 2018 at 10:35 amHi Tiffany,
I think it because of whether it might be solidifying. You can add more witch hazel to make it more creamy. Please follow these steps –
1. Melt your leave-in conditioner using double boiler system with 1 – 1.5 tablespoon of emulsifying wax.
2. When the melts properly then allow to cool it for some time.
3. When the mixture is creamy and not too hard add 1/4 cup of witch hazel and blend it high until it becomes creamy and fluffy. Remember witch hazel and cream should be at same temperature.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Nilam
August 12, 2018 at 12:15 pmCan i make leave in conditioner skipping wich hazel and rosemery essential and horsetail extract..???
Mamta
August 22, 2018 at 7:36 amHi Nilam, yes, you can skip witch hazel but rosemary and horsetail extract are the hair growth-boosting oils. You can substitute them with other hair growth promoting oils.
Lisa
July 14, 2018 at 12:38 amIs this also good for alopecia?
Mamta
February 5, 2019 at 6:15 amHi Lisa,
This leave-in conditioner makes hair soft and manageable. It also helps in hair growth, not regrowth.
Patricia
August 26, 2018 at 4:35 pmThanks for this great recipe. Ma , can you develop a recipe on curly cream for natural hair.
Mamta
February 5, 2019 at 6:41 amHi Patricia,
I have made a hair moisturizer with aloe vera. This hair moisturizer is good for curly hairs and I hope you will find helpful for your hairs. Here is the link – https://alluringsoul.com/leave-in-hair-moisturizer/
Elizabeth
November 9, 2018 at 8:53 pmI haven’t used it yet. It was easy to make. I just whipped it all together. No melting this time. Mine is yellow not white. I used lavender and mint oils. I hope this still works and keeps my scalp hydrated.
Kiran
February 27, 2019 at 5:43 amHi ,
Where Can I get certified abv e.oils in India.Kindly share link if you know.Thank you.
Mamta
September 19, 2020 at 5:57 amHi Kiran,
You can check Plant Therapy which is available on Amazon.
joan
February 28, 2019 at 1:57 pmHi,
Can i substitute Argan oil for any other oil?
Mamta
March 12, 2019 at 6:43 amHi Joan,
You can use almond, olive, or any other your favorite oil.
Jessica C Adeola
June 25, 2019 at 6:28 pmHi I don’t have the witch hazel hydrosol, I have the distilled extract of witch hazel and has 14% alcohol. So what can I use,I don’t have the aloe vera either.
Mamta
July 5, 2019 at 8:38 amHi Jessica,
You can use the rose hydrosol. Rose water or hydrosol are easy to find and also good for healthy hair.
Viva Glow
July 27, 2019 at 6:30 amWonderful, in-depth article! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I have curly hair and want to give this a try.
https://vivaglow.com
Brahmi
February 6, 2021 at 11:32 amHi,
Really like your recipe. Just needed to know – could using rosemary or any essential oil have a reaction with minoxidil solution? Because I’m currently on minoxidil therapy as recommended by my dermat.