Homemade hair cream

hair cream

This is my homemade DIY hair cream. I labeled it pomade, but I think it’s more of a cream/shine product than a sticky pomade. Obviously I didn’t spend a lot of time on making it look fancy, since it’s labeled with masking tape and a sharpie.

I really love this stuff. I have very thick, healthy, strong hair that tends toward the coarse side. Sort of like a horse. It’s got a little bit of wave to it. A little of this cream really helps to give it some moisture, shininess, and control the flyaway bits.

I’ve found that the best things for my hair (and skin, and pretty much everything else I put in/on my body) are simple, natural things I make at home. I use very few commercial beauty products, other than some of my makeup. I think most (not all) beauty products are a sham and some are pretty damaging.

Rosemary hair cream

  • 4 oz shea butter
  • 1 tablespoon amla oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon castor oil
  • 1 tablespoon almond oil
  • 10 drops of rosemary oil
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera oil

Melt the shea butter in the microwave. Add in all of the other ingredients and mix. Put it in the fridge overnight to firm up. Take it out and allow it to come back to room temperature.

It is very creamy and thick, so you want to use it very very sparingly. I rub a tiny bit in my palms and apply it to my hair when it’s damp, or put a little on just the ends when it’s dry. It can help smooth ends for pincurls too. Just don’t use too much.

This recipe makes a lot, so you may want to cut it in half. You can also add other essential oils in there if there are particular scents you like, though I think rosemary is supposed to be very good for the hair/scalp. I like the fresh, woodsy smell and the recipe’s not very strongly scented.

I get my ingredients from From Nature With Love. I think you could play around with the various oils in there, though I’d leave the coconut oil the way it is.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember where I found this recipe, so if you happen to know where it came from, let me know!

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sarah says:

Hooray! Thanks for sharing that, I was terribly curious!

Casey says:

Neat! I’ve been trying to switch to more natural hair products, but have been very bad lately about it. I’m dying to try this–especially since my hair texture is very similar to your’s! Thanks for posting about this. :)

Lavender says:

I am always on the look out for natural personal-care products. I can’t wait to try this one. BTW, I think that castor oil is a natural wonder!

Christine says:

I can’t use anything with a fragrence or a dye in it. My friends all use this product that costs a small fortune. I used Noxcma’s skin cream since I was a girl of 14, but lately I have found that I can’t use it. I began using Clinque products, and they work for me, but I will try your homemade product, when I have the time to make it. Last night was the last time I will ever color my hair. The hair dye makes my scalp itch and get lacerations, and that alone is my reason for quitting haircoloring.

katinka says:

i love this idea…i’m going to try making some of this hair cream for myself. i agree that so many lady products are a sham; it would be so much nicer if everyone would just simplify and use wholesome things that were actually good for them instead of just slathering on chemicals to cover up what they consider flaws.

lovely, as always!

Patricia says:

I have been making my own cleaning products for a little while now, for both my home and me. I am nearing the end of my last bottle of hair spray. Your recipe sounds wonderful and I will try it! I am well on the way to becoming chemical free and it is working very, very well. Thanks for your recipe.

Sarai says:

Patricia, that’s great to hear! I make many of my own cleaning products as well and they work great. I worry about using harsh chemicals around the house, especially with my pets. Plus I can add my own essential oils for wonderful natural smells.

Dot says:

I have fine hair, but it is kind of fuzzy since I have gotten older. Would this recipe for hair also work on fine hair?

Carole says:

Great web site but I tried to sign up for your newsletter and when the message from Burner was displayed for me so I could verify my subscription, I was to type in the characters in the box but the box had a little box with a red x, and it said “spam busters” or something lilke that. How do I get signed up? Carole

Sarai says:

Dot, unfortunately I don’t know. I’ve only tried it on my own hair. I’d say it would work well if heavy products (pomades, creams) tend to work for you.

Carole, I’m afraid I don’t know what the problem you’re having is. I just tried it myself and didn’t see what you’re referring to.

Nevali says:

Sarai (love your name btw),
You’re Rosemary Hair Cream sounds very inspiring! Especially the shea butter, which I can’t resist ^.^
You stated that this consistency is very cream and thick.
I myself have very thick, tightly-curled hair.To give you a little visual, I only comb my hair when it’s wet because the comb glides in much(MUCH)easier. Anyway should I just use a little of this hair cream?

Sarai says:

Nevali, I think you’d just need to try it out and see! I believe thicker, coarser hair (like your and mine) takes more than fine hair without getting greasy. Try it on damp hair and see!

janice says:

wow..sarai are you jewish..? btw i will try this recipe thnx

Sheena says:

i have not tried this yet but plan to. I am allergic to aloe vera, what can i substitute for it?

Sarai says:

Sheena, I’d substitute another very light oil, perhaps more almond oil.

Sheena says:

i will try more almond oil. I have very curly hair and i am thrilled to see how this works. it will definitely bet using the expensive creams.

Michael says:

Looks like a great Recipe. As a guy I might try some woodsy scent oil with it. I have been trying to go all natural, Alum Stone for underarms, pomade for hair and beard, homemade tooth paste, oils for cologne, etc.

You mentioned that this is a light pomade? What would one add to make it alittle more hold for the hair. Currently my hair is growing out to my shoulders and my beard is very long. So I don’t think I need a strong hold like I once used moose but still need to keep the little hairs at the top if head near the part down and the beard straight instead of curving to the side. So what would one add, perhaps beeswax?

Sarai says:

Michael, you could try beeswax, or perhaps increase the ratio of shea butter?

Bloesem says:

Hi Sarai does the cream stay soft or do you have to heat it before use..? the reason im asking this is cause shea butter can be very hard

Sarai says:

It definitely stays soft, due to the addition of all the oils. In fact, in a warm bathroom it can get a little melty. If that happens, you can just stick it in the fridge to firm it up again. But at normal indoor temperatures it has a nice, soft, creamy texture.

Shala says:

Hi, I live in Portland too and I was wondering where to buy the ingredients for your hair cream. I have thick, curly hair and I’m excited to try it out!

Sarai says:

Shala, I order everything online. I’ve looked around a little for a local place and haven’t found anything yet, but I’ll let you know if I do!

Shala says:

Thanks for getting back so fast! For some of the ingredients needed to make the hair cream, there are several different options on From Nature With Love for each ingredient. Could you tell us exactly what you used from the site?

Thanks in advance!

Josseline says:

hi Sarai
I love your rosemary recipe.I recently do the same. but no the shear butter and I only did with almond oil. Thank you
I love it.

Betty Ann says:

Hi Sarai,

Your recipe for pomade sounds great and I can’t wait to order the ingredients. I look forward to more recipes.

Be well

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