Organic shampoo recipes are fun to make and save you money, too.

Organic shampoos are expensive and, while they are more environmentally responsible than regular shampoo, there is an awful lot of processing and packaging that goes into it.

Your skin is your largest organ and the first line of defense against toxins. By using organic shampoos and soaps your hair and skin will be healthier and your body will, too. To ensure that your shampoo is completely organic read to be sure that everything that goes into it is certified organic.

• 2 cups strong, hot chamomile tea
  
• 3 tablespoons grated castile soap
  
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
  
• 5 drops of tangerine (or your favorite) essential oil

Make the tea by placing the chamomile flowers in a bowl and covering with boiling water. Steep the tea for fifteen minutes and then strain. Now, place the soap in a bowl. Pour the hot tea over it and let stand a few minutes.

Using a balloon whisk beat in the glycerin and the essential oil. Place in a bottle and keep in a cool, dark place.

• For Brunettes replace the chamomile with rosemary or sage.
• For Redheads replace the chamomile with calendula to bring out the highlights.
• For Gray hair use Betony to take the yellow out.

The protein in egg is very good for damaged hair.

Some organic eggs can have a strong odor. If you find that the eggs that you are using smell too "eggy" then you can use a few drops of essential oil to mask the scent. Be sure to store any leftover shampoo in the refrigerator and use the next day.

Always use tepid water when using egg in your hair or you will find yourself combing out globs of scrambled egg.

• 1 egg
  
• 1 teaspoon of organic coconut oil, warmed to room temperature
  
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  
• 1 tablespoon of castile soap
  
• 1/2 cup of distilled water
  
• 5 drops of essential oil

Blend all the ingredients in a blender at high speed until smooth.

This is great for when your hair has a midlife crisis. You know; it begins to break off, is dry, and hard to deal with. The coconut milk and rosewater add precious moisture to the hair and they just smell really good together.

• 1/2 cup hot water
• ¼ cup unsprayed rose petals
• ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons grated Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon rosewater
• 3 drops rose otto essential oil

Steep the rose petals for a half hour and then strain. Blend in the remaining ingredients.

Homemade shampoos do not lather in the same way that commercial shampoo does. You don't need to use more, the organic, homemade shampoo will get your hair just as clean as the kinds that make mountains of lather. It will also rinse out much more easily without leaving residue.

• Use distilled water rather than tap water. This way you won't be adding chemicals into your organic ingredients.
• Allow the shampoo to permeate the hair shaft for about three minutes before rinsing off.
• Always rinse with warm water. Hot water can lead to more hair damage.
• Keep the shampoo sealed.
• Always keep it in a cool, dark place, unless the recipe states otherwise.

Experiment with these basic recipes adding different essential oils and ingredients until you get exactly the scent that you love and a shampoo that works just right for your hair.