DIY Beef Tallow Conditioner Recipe for Soft Hair

I was shocked when I realized beef tallow conditioner isn’t a big thing yet. We’re all about tallow balms and body butters these days, but for hair? It’s still kind of a hidden gem. And honestly, that needs to change because this stuff works.

This time I went a bit more technical with this recipe! Honestly, the more I learn and educate myself on creating natural skincare that is not only safe but also durable, the more I want to share it here with you. I’ve included some extra details about preservatives and optional ingredients that can really make a difference in your DIY hair care products. Let me know if you like when I get a little more technical or if you prefer the casual, laid-back style. Either way, I’m here for it!

This recipe It’s nourishing, hydrating, and made with natural ingredients you can trust. It leaves your hair soft, strong, and healthy, without any weird ingredients.

Why Use Tallow in Your Hair?

Tallow is full of vitamins A, D, E, and K and essential fatty acids that closely resemble our skin’s natural oils. That makes it amazing for moisturizing the scalp, reducing dryness, and strengthening the hair shaft.

Beef Tallow Conditioner Recipe

If you prefer a liquid conditioner, you can follow this recipe instead.

Main Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beef tallow (preferably grass-fed)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel (I only had a green aloe vera gel this time, but I prefer to use 100% pure clear aloe vera)
• A few drops of essential oils (optional – try lavender, rosemary, or peppermint)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Slip, Detangling, and Longer Duration:

IMPORTANT: The first I learned from Herbal Academy that was life-changing is that Oils and water-based ingredients (like aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, marshmallow tea, etc.) don’t mix on their own. Without an emulsifier or solubilizer, they’ll eventually separate. And that’s okay for certain recipes, but if you want a smooth, creamy conditioner that stays stable and doesn’t separate in the jar, you’ll need something to bind the oil and water together.

• 1–2 tsp BTMS-50 or BTMS-25: These are natural conditioning emulsifiers and will help bind oils + water while also adding that slippery feel.
• 1–2 tbsp marshmallow root tea (steep 1 tbsp dried root in 1/2 cup hot water for 15 mins, then strain)
• 1 tsp vegetable glycerin (locks in moisture and adds softness)
• 1–2 tsp argan oil or sweet almond oil (adds shine and helps smooth out tangles)
• If you want to store the conditioner for more than a week, add a preservative like Liquid Germall Plus (my go-to preservative)

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt the Oils

In a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water), melt the tallow and coconut oil together over low heat.

If you’re using BTMS-50, add it now so it melts with the oils.

Step 2: Let It Cool

Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes. It should still be soft but not hot to the touch.

Step 3: Whip It Up

Once slightly cooled, grab a hand mixer and whip the mixture until it turns light and fluffy. It should look like a soft buttercream.

Step 4: Add the Extras

• Aloe vera gel
• Apple cider vinegar
• Any of the optional detangling ingredients you’re using (marshmallow tea, glycerin, Argan oil, etc.)
• Essential oils, if using

Mix again until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 5: Store It

Store your conditioner with preservatives in an airtight jar, and use it regularly for silky, soft, and tangle-free hair! If you don’t plan to use a preservative and want to keep it fresh, simply store it in the fridge and use within a couple of weeks.

Remember: If you plan to store this conditioner for more than a week, you’ll need a broad-spectrum preservative to keep it fresh and prevent mold or bacteria growth.

How to Use Your Homemade Tallow Conditioner:

1. As a rinse-out conditioner:
Apply a small amount to the ends of damp hair after washing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse well with warm water. It’ll leave your hair soft, detangled, and hydrated.

2. As a leave-in:
Use just a tiny bit on dry ends to tame frizz and add shine. A little goes a long way!

This tallow conditioner is simple, nourishing, and surprisingly luxurious.

Beef Tallow Conditioner

Print Recipe

This nourishing DIY beef tallow conditioner combines natural oils and optional ingredients for extra slip, easy detangling, and soft, healthy hair.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beef tallow
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel I prefer clear, 100% organic
• Essential oils lavender, rosemary, or peppermint Optional
• 1 –2 tsp BTMS-50 for extra slip and detangling Optional
• 1 –2 tbsp marshmallow root tea steeped & strained Optional
• 1 tsp vegetable glycerin Optional
• 1 –2 tsp argan or sweet almond oil Optional

Instructions

• In a double boiler, melt coconut oil, beef tallow, and BTMS-50 over low heat.
• Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes, then whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, and any optional add-ins.
• Mix well and transfer to a clean jar with a lid.
• Apply to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Rinse after a few minutes, or use a small amount as a leave-in for dry ends.

Notes

• Refrigerate or use within a couple of weeks if no preservative is added. 
• If you plan to store this conditioner for more than a week, you’ll need a broad-spectrum preservative to keep it fresh and prevent mold or bacteria growth.

Let me know if you try it! And if you end up loving it as much as I do, maybe we can start a little tallow hair care movement. 😉

More Tallow Recipes

• Extra Moisturizing Homemade Tallow Soap Recipe
• Easy DIY Tallow Lotion Bars for Soft and Healthy Skin
• The Best All-Natural DIY Tallow Makeup Remover (That Actually Works!)
• Step-by-Step: How to Make Tallow Candles at Home
• How to Make Your Own Homemade Tallow Sunscreen
• Homemade Whipped Tallow Sugar Scrub Recipe