Diploma in Organic Haircare Formulation
Our online natural haircare course teaches you how to formulate professional organic shampoos, conditioners and styling products.
COURSE FEES INCREASING IN 2025
The fees for this course will be increasing later in 2025.
Click here for more information.
Suitable for: Formulators with some experience
Pre-requisites: Checklist
Time: 100 study hours
Course Modules: 6
Coursework: Self-study + tutor graded
Cost: £795 (British Pounds).
Next enrolment period: Enrolment opens on 16th January 2025
Enrolment opens in:
Enrolment closes in:
Our online Diploma in Organic Haircare Formulation teaches you to create a professional range of organic and natural haircare products. This natural haircare course will train you to become an organic haircare formulator and entrepreneur. Learn how to formulate organic and natural haircare, understand the hair and set up a natural haircare business.
Many formulators only make organic skincare. Set yourself apart and diversify your brand by becoming a knowledgeable organic haircare formulator and creating products that will WOW customers in an uncontested market. Our Diploma is suitable for entrepreneurs with some formulation experience.
Design Truly Organic
HAIRCARE FORMULATIONS
We haven’t yet found a single professional haircare brand that works with natural surfactants, silicone-alternatives and conditioning agents. We teach you how to work with some of the most innovative ingredients in the global beauty industry to create truly organic haircare formulations.
CREATE SHAMPOOS,
CONDITIONERS AND STYLING PRODUCTS
Study how to formulate natural innovative haircare products to cleanse, condition and style the hair. Learn how to blend ingredients, challenge your formulation skills and design haircare formulations that are safe, stable and sellable.
Formulate for any
Natural Hair Type
Create natural haircare formulations for straight, wavy, curly or coily hair types. Appeal to any type of customer around the world with our innovative organic haircare formulations. Study the anatomy of the hair and scalp and apply this knowledge to the design of your organic haircare products.
Build your own
Indie Haircare Brand
Take your newly-found formulation skills and become an indie haircare formulator and entrepreneur, confidently creating and selling your own unique shampoos, rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, de-tangler butters, shampoo bars, hair masks, hair oils, styling gels, sculpting clays, shine serums, styling mousses, de-frizzers and salt sprays using luxurious botanical ingredients.
Why enrol with Formula Botanica?
This course is for you if:
“This is a world class course. A journey everyone inspiring to be a haircare formulator needs to embark on. I can now understand more than I could ever had imagine in the world of hair. Please if you have been wondering if this course was good… trust me, it is worth learning. You will not regret it. You will thank them as I am thanking them now.”
– Betty Agbodzie, UK
40+ videos
Learn directly from the Formula Botanica team with our professional videos and course lectures.
Fun Online Games
Play games to help you learn how to reinforce the learning outcomes for your course.
35+ study books
Download your beautifully designed course notes to refer back to and keep forever.
Tutor Support
Speak directly to a tutor in our private “Ask the Tutor” forum for students.
Sequential Learning
Unlock new modules as you work through the course sequentially to enforce learning points.
Graded Coursework
Receive expert graded feedback to help you make your formulations safe, stable and sellable.
Module 1
Haircare Science
When starting out making natural haircare products it is important to have a good knowledge about the hair and scalp and how it interacts with your haircare products.
In this first module, you will learn about the structure and physiology of the hair and scalp. We’ll also cover all natural hair types of every ethnicity, towards with the ageing of the hair, hair strand penetration and holistic haircare methods.
DOHF 1001
HAIR ANATOMY
- Study the anatomy of the hair with our video lectures
- Learn how to identify the main components of the hair and scalp
- Use fun games and interactive worksheets to memorise the hair’s anatomy
- Course bonus: High resolution Hair Strand Poster to annotate
- Course bonus: Cosmetic Science Glossary
DOHF 1002
Natural Hair Types
- Research the four main types of natural hair and their main anatomical features
- Study the 12 different sub-types of natural hair in terms of their appearance, hair strand structure and morphology
- Learn the 7 different parameters to define your hair type
- Course bonus: Guess your Hair Type Quiz
DOHF 1003
Ageing of the Hair
- Learn the main effects of ageing on the hair
- Understand how to discuss the research that’s ongoing into hair loss and hair greying
- Study the 6 main physiological changes to hair as we age
- Understand the current scientific data available for natural hair loss remedies
DOHF 1004
HAIR STRAND PENETRATION
- Study the chemical composition of the hair strand
- Understand the main mechanisms for opening up the hair cuticle
- Learn the three different types of hair porosity
- Research how water and oil can penetrate the hair strand
DOHF 1005
HOLISTIC HAIRCARE
- Identify the 5 main ‘enemies’ of the hair
- Understand how to holistically care for the hair by minimising damage
- Study the five main alternative holistic haircare movements and learn how they work
Module 2
HAIRCARE INGREDIENTS
It would be impossible to be able to create unique formulations for natural haircare if you hadn’t first studied the different ingredients. You are learning how to become a formulator so you will need to get to know your ingredients very well in order to start creating with them.
In this module we get you started with your very first organic haircare formulations. You’ll learn how to choose the right ingredients, how to layer a formulation and how to calculate the percentages in your formulations.
DOHF 2001
Getting Started
- Introduction to organic haircare ingredients
- Download your course ingredients directory which explains the use and application of the 100+ organic haircare ingredients we use in our course teaching videos. You do not have to buy all of these ingredients.
DOHF 2002
Shampoo Ingredients
- Learn what a shampoo is and how it works
- Understand the science of surfactants
- Study the 8 main types of shampoo on the market today
- Analyse how a shampoo is formulated in detail
- Research the main organic hair cleansing ingredients available
- Course bonus: Essential Oils Dermal Limits Guide
DOHF 2003
Conditioner Ingredients
- Learn what a conditioner is and how it works
- Study the 14 main types of conditioner on the market today
- Analyse how a conditioner is formulated in detail
- Research the main organic hair conditioning ingredients available
- Course bonus: The Formula Botanica Haircare Herbal
DOHF 2004
STYLING INGREDIENTS
- Learn what a styling product is and how it works
- Study the 15 main types of styling products on the market today
- Analyse how a styling product is formulated in detail
- Research the main organic hair styling ingredients available
DOHF 2005
Haircare R&D
- Understand what Research & Development (R&D) is and why you need it
- Follow our 9 important R&D steps to create your own organic haircare formulations
- Course bonus: Organic Haircare Formulation R&D Game
“I learned a lot from this course, it was fun and so deep at the same time. A lot of ingredients were new to me and that was challenging!”
– Rula al Mardi, Bahrain
Module 3
Organic Shampoo Formulation
Now that you’ve studied the theory, ingredients and formulation of shampoos, it’s time to put those skills to practice and start to make your very own organic hair cleansing products!
In this module we cover clarifying and conditioning shampoos, which will be suitable for different hair types. However, we go beyond that and introduce two innovative formulations that have never been sold on the market before – a leave-in cleansing foam which can be used as an alternative to dry shampoo, and a ‘no poo’ cleanser which is perfect for people who want to avoid surfactants.
In our natural haircare course, you will now learn how to create 4 different types of organic shampoos or shampoo alternatives following our expert video tuition and downloadable study books.
DOHF 3001
Clarifying Shampoos
- Organic clarifying shampoos are great for removing all the dirt and grease from your hair
- Learn how to formulate organic deep cleansing shampoo formulations
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 3001
Conditioning Shampoos
- Organic conditioning shampoos are 2-in-1 shampoos that smooth down the hair strand after cleansing
- Learn how to formulate organic shampoos that cleanse and de-tangle simultaneously
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 3001
Shampoo Bars
- Organic shampoo bars are perfect for the conscious zero-waste consumer and allow you to create more sustainable haircare
- Learn how to formulate organic shampoo bars that are eco-friendly and fun to use
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 3002
Cleansing Foams
- We don’t teach you how to make dry natural shampoos in this course as we don’t view them to be effective
- Instead we have created an innovative new product: an organic cleansing foam
- Organic cleansing foams are applied to the hair and towel dried without needing to be washed out
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 3002
Cleansing Oleogels
- The ‘No Poo’ movement is growing quickly all over the world as consumers avoid surfactants
- We have created a brand new innovative product: a ‘no poo’ cleanser based on a clay oleogel
- Our ‘No Poo’ cleanser will gently remove dirt and grease, while avoiding surfactants
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
Become an innovative organic haircare formulator and design unique natural formulations to corner an uncontested market. Wow your customers with cleansing, conditioning and styling products that can care for the hair naturally.
Module 4
Organic Conditioner Formulation
Now that you’ve studied the theory, ingredients and formulation of conditioners, it’s time to put those skills to practice and start to make your very own organic hair conditioning products!
Conditioners are true hair care products. Their primary role is to restore the hair’s natural beauty to give the hair suppleness, softness and sheen, as well as confer sleek lubricity and gloss to the hair. However, organic hair conditioners go beyond simply focusing on the appearance and feel of the hair. Particularly leave-in conditioners aim to deliver active ingredients to the hair and scalp.
In our natural haircare course, you will now learn how to create 10 different types of organic conditioners following our expert video tuition and downloadable study books.
DOHF 4001
Cream Conditioners
- Organic cream conditioners are the most popular type of conditioner on the market
- Learn how to formulate organic cream conditioners with cationic surfactants to smooth the hair strand
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4001
Cleansing Conditioners
- Organic cleansing conditioners sits somewhere in between a conditioner and a shampoo
- Learn how to formulate organic cleansing conditioners to cleanse and condition the hair simultaneously
- Perfect for followers of the co-washing method
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4001
Conditioners with no Surfactant
- Organic conditioners without surfactants provide anti-static and smoothing properties
- Learn how to formulate anti-static organic conditioners without using cationic surfactants
- Appeal to consumers who don’t want to use surfactants on their hair
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4001
De-Tangler Butters
- Organic de-tangler butters provide weight to the hair while still conditioning the hair
- Appeal to customers with dry, curly or coily hair types who want some serious de-tangling and conditioning properties
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4001
Conditioner Bars
- Organic conditioner bars appear to the conscious zero-waste consumer who wants to cut back on packaging and embrace sustainable haircare
- Learn how to formulate organic conditioner bars that are economical and last for a long time
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4002
Leave-In Conditioners
- Organic leave-in conditioners deliver active botanical conditioning ingredients to the hair and scalp
- Learn how to formulate a sprayable milk emulsion suitable for leave-in conditioning
- Incorporate high performance botanical extracts and cosmeceuticals
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4002
Bi-Phase Hair Primer
- Organic hair primers are the latest craze on the market – they prime your hair so it’s ready for styling
- Learn how to formulate a bi-phase hair primer to protect your hair against dryness, the environment, dirt and damage
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4003
Hair & Scalp Masks
- Organic hair and scalp masks are used as a pampering treat to nourish the hair and scalp
- Learn how to formulate rich organic emulsions with mild surfactants for anti-static properties.
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4004
Deep Conditioning Treatments
- Organic deep conditioning treatments are rich anhydrous formulations and have a high viscosity
- Appeal to customers with dry, curly or coily hair types or dreadlocks who want to deeply condition their hair
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4003
Hair & Scalp Oil
- Organic hair and scalp oils are massaged into the hair and left for a long period of time before they are washed out
- Learn how to formulate with oils that can penetrate or nourish the hair strand
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 4003
Hair Rinses
- Organic hair rinses are applied pre- or post-wash and used to treat the hair and the scalp with a herbal infusion
- Learn how to incorporate herbal essences into your organic hair rinse formulations
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
Module 5
Organic Styling Formulation
Now that you’ve studied the theory, ingredients and formulation of styling products, it’s time to put those skills to practice and start to make your very own organic hair styling products!
In this module we cover both styling and smoothing products – formulations that will hold your hair in shape or formulations that will smooth the hair to give it shine and protection.
In our natural haircare course, you will now learn how to create 15 different types of organic styling products following our expert video tuition and downloadable study books.
DOHF 5001
Styling Gels
- Organic styling gels hold the hair in shape without the using of synthetic polymers
- Learn how to formulate strong holding natural and organic styling gel formulations
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5001
Styling Putties
- Organic styling putties hold the hair in place with wax and smoothing ingredients
- Learn how to formulate organic styling putties that can also impart beneficial properties to the hair
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5001
Sculpting Clays
- Organic sculpting clays are anhydrous products that incorporates a small amount of clay to help hold your hair in place.
- Learn how to formulate organic sculpting clays to help style your hair into shape
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5001
Styling Mousses
- Organic styling mousse is a light foaming product which you add to your hair to give it body or to style it into shape
- Learn how to formulate organic styling mousses that add texture and volume to the hair
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5002
Shine Serums
- Organic shine serums help smooth down the hair strand and tame any frizz
- Learn how to formulate organic shine or smoothing serums while avoiding the use of silicones
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5002
Texturising Mists
- Organic texturising mists are a bit like hair tonic that are used to give slight body to the hair
- Incorporate herbal infusions and hydrosols to nourish the hair and scalp while offering mild styling properties
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5002
Hair De-Frizzers
- Organic hair de-frizzers are used to tame the hair and smooth it down, using natural anti-static ingredients
- Learn how to formulate organic de-frizzers to moisturise and smooth the hair
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5002
Hair Tonics
- Organic hair tonics are spritzed onto the hair to freshen the hair and give it a lovely fragrance
- Learn how to formulate organic hair tonics which freshen and smell heavenly on the hair
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
DOHF 5002
Salt Sprays
- Organic salt spray gives your hair texture as it dries – giving you that sun-kissed beach look
- We have designed an innovative formulation which doesn’t dry your hair out in the same way as other salt sprays
- Follow our expert video tuition to learn from our sample formulations
“The hair care course was fantastic, challenging, thought-provoking, very informative. Everyone on the school team made sure that the students were well taken care of, all our questions were always promptly and fully answered, lots of advice shared! I definitely recommend Formula Botanica to anyone wishing to learn to create professional and effective skin and hair care products!”
– Ksenia Titova, Russia
Module 6
Haircare Compliance
You’ve now learned how to create a professional range of organic haircare formulations. However, you’ve now also learned that your customers may have a different understanding of how their haircare works. Learn how to interpret their demands for your marketing claims while still staying on the right side of the law.
In this module of our natural haircare course, you will study consumer demands together with haircare claims and help interpret the marketing claims made in the wider haircare industry. Then we’ll finish off the course by teaching you how to comply with cosmetic regulations around the world.
DOHF 6001
Consumer Demands
- Your customers will have expectations which don’t always tally with the science of haircare
- Learn how to interpret their requirements while still fulfilling their demands
- Understand the different requirements of consumers with various hair types
- Work with your customers to help understand their exact haircare demands
- Course bonus: Consumer Focus Group work pack
DOHF 6002
Haircare Claims
- Learn which claims you can and cannot make around the world when it comes to haircare
- Study the different labelling requirements around the world as they apply to haircare and cosmetics in general (EU, USA, Canada, Australia and more)
- Understand how the industry substantiates haircare claims
- Interpret what your customers want to create your own marketing strategy
- Course bonus: ‘Name that Haircare Claim’ game
DOHF 6003
Cosmetic Compliance
- Study the difference between cosmetic regulations in 48 countries
- Learn how to implement Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
- Learn the different tests you’ll need to undertake to sell your cosmetics
- Create your own Product Information File with our 11-step checklist
- Research which type of business insurance you’ll need
- Course bonus: Product Information File template
Course Bonuses
When you study with Formula Botanica, you become part of a close-knit international community of students and graduates all around the world. We support you all throughout your studies and beyond, and we give you access to our expert organic cosmetic science and business files while you are enrolled on your courses.
Bonus 1
Become Part of the Loveliest Formulation Community on the Internet
Once you enrol with us, you are welcomed into our international student community groups which contain many thousands of our students and graduates from all over the world. Everyone knows each other and many of our students meet up in their respective countries to share information and formulate together.
In our groups, you will receive expert tutor support and peer support. Ask questions, share photos, troubleshoot formulations. Celebrate your victories and get encouragement when you need it. You are never alone.
Bonus 2
Access our Student Library
When you become a student with Formula Botanica, you also gain exclusive access to our Student Resources Library for the duration of your course. Access our:
- Preferred supplier guide which contains hundreds of global companies
- Extensive ingredients directory with listings of over 100 natural ingredients
- Formulation percentage-to-weight calculator
- Scientific research collection
- Useful links section to additional resources
Bonus 3
Ongoing Support After Graduation
The support doesn’t finish when you graduate. We want to keep in touch with you once you’ve finished your course and support your career in organic haircare. We offer lots of free promotion for our graduates because we want to help give your business the support it needs when you launch it or as you grow it.
Be featured widely on our website, on social media and on our mailing list. Formula Botanica has many thousands of followers and subscribers all around the world so this will help you create a splash when you launch.
Bonus 4
Earn Formula Botanica Bonus Badges
Formula Botanica issues special Moodle Badges to students who pass their courses successfully (Moodle is the name of our award-winning and accredited eLearning Platform). These badges can be used on your resume, social media pages and LinkedIn profile to demonstrate that you are a skilled organic formulator. We have also hidden a few surprise badges in the course materials for students who pass certain Modules with a distinction grade!
Formula Botanica’s natural haircare course teaches you to create innovative organic formulations to stand out in a sea of unnatural haircare products.
Pre-enrol for our next termPrerequisites
Suitable for students with formulation experience, ideally graduates of our foundation Diploma.
Start Date
Term Times. Self-paced training where you have up to 2 years to complete your course.
Assessment
Projects, activities and reflexive learning. Each module ends with a short test.
Online Classroom
Peer support & tutor support via a private Facebook group.
Accreditation
Formula Botanica is accredited by the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council.
Expert Support
Our Tutor Team has an educational background in cosmetic chemistry, biology, education and business management. Let us support you.
Formula Botanica operates a term time system, so we can get all of our students started at the same time and run online study groups.
Term times run in the following months:
- Winter Term: January
- Summer Term: July
Enrolment for all of our courses will be open during this period. If you want to be the first to hear when we open enrolment, make sure you pre-register for this course.
Pre-enrol for our next termLike this course?
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