4 heaping tablespoons (60ml) lye
1-cup cold soft water
2/3-cup glycerin (preferably vegetable)
3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 cups lukewarm water
2 tablespoons commercial shampoo (optional, provides extra bubbles)
While gently stirring, slowly add the lye 1 tablespoon at a time to the cold water. After stirring thoroughly, allow to cool for an hour or so until temperature drops to 90F to 95F. Then heat the glycerin and coconut oil in a pan until the mixture reaches 150F. Slowly pour the glycerin and oil into the dissolved lye. Stir constantly until it reaches the consistency of honey. While continuing to stir, add the lukewarm water. If you prefer more suds, add 2 tablespoon of your favorite commercial shampoo. For variety and fragrance, add a small amount of any of the following – aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, herbal infusions, honey, rosewater or other floral waters, natural extracts, aromatherapy oils, or dried herbs and spices. 1/2 tsp of tea tree oil added to the final phase makes a good dandruff treatment.
Shelf life – 4-6 months