I have noticed that use of ‘normal’ store-bought shampoo irritates my scalp. After such long use my body can finally no longer tolerate all of the perfumes, solvents and other chemicals in traditional shampoo. I also notice that it irritates the sensitive scalps of my children. My family and I began to get scabs and irritation on our scalps. Our heads began to itch and I personally become increasingly ‘aware’ of my hair. Clearly, as a trichotillomania suffer, this was not a good situation. It just exacerbated the urges to pull my hair out. So I was out to find an all natural trichotillomania shampoo. And if I couldn’t find it, I would make it myself!
I looked into what other options I had for a hair puller’s shampoo. I began by purchasing ‘organic’ shampoos. While these were terribly costly I found that they still contained quite a few ‘synthetic’ ingredients.
So I decided to make my own all-natural shampoo. And while I was at it, why not make a specific shampoo to treat trichotillomania? With the essential oils needed to soothe hair follicles, increase blood flow, stimulate hair growth, ease the urge to pull and treat my hair pulling condition.
A trichotillomania shampoo!
I pulled out my research that I used to create my Trich Stop oil that I use in my continued hair and eyelash pulling treatment. I knew from my research into essential oils for hair pulling that these natural ingredients are effective for treating hair and eyelash pulling. And I found even more great ways that natural ingredients help with hair pulling and hair growth:
- stimulation of hair follicles
- increasing blood circulation to follicles and the scalp
- feeding hair follicles
- reducing and preventing dandruff
- strengthening hair and follicles
- treating hair fungus and other scalp infections
- protection from free radicals
And I created a shampoo for hair pullers that really works wonders. I recommend you try it yourself. Here’s my recipe for trichotillomania shampoo:
- use a neutral and natural ‘soap’ as your base, such as Castile soap. You can find this in a health food shop. Check the label to make sure nothing has been added. Often times they say it’s ‘pure’ Castile soap, but some stabilizers and other ingredients have been added
- choose essential essences and natural oils based on your needs. All of the following plant based essences help with hair regrowth and reducing urges by stimulating circulation and as antibacterial elements improving scalp health and overall hair condition.
What essential oils to use in your trichotillomania shampoo?
However you can choose to make your own solutions depending on your hair type and personal preferences. Make sure to use just a few drops per 100 mg of soap. Essential oils for hair growth are strong and you need to be careful in how you use them.
For scalp health, follicle care and hair re-growth, try:
- oils such as coconut, jojoba, almond, castor and olive oil.
- peppermint – promotes hair re-growth
- lavender – encourages hair re-growth and reduces itchiness and dandruff
- thyme, sage and basil – encourage hair growth
- cedarwood – encourages hair re-growth and calms an irritated scalp
- tea tree – treats dandruff and treats a dry scalp, is also anti-bacterial
- Saint Thomas bay
- rosemary,- encourages hair re-growth, reduces dandruff and oiliness
- ginger
- cypress
- Scots pine
- patchouli – reduces oil and treats dandruff
- lemon – treats dandruff for both dry and oily scalp (note – can give highlights)
- sandalwood – sooths follicles, treats dandruff and psoriasis, keeps moisture
- chamomile – calms an irritated scalp (note – can give highlights)
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mixes of essential oils to get it just right.
- Make a different shampoo for each member of the family, depending on what they like and their own hair type.
- You can use the trichotillomania shampoo in conjunction with your other all-natural hair pulling treatments such as Trich Stop oil and the Trich Stop method.
Recipe for a simple, homemade, natural trichotillomania shampoo!
- 1 cup liquid Castile soap
- one fourth cup aloe vera
- 1 teaspoon jojoba, olive or castor oil
- 70 drops of your essential oil mix
Try it and let me know what you think or feel free to add your own recipes in the comments below.
