Introduction
Making herbal shampoo at home sometimes feels like a small return to something familiar. A quiet kind of routine that many people forgot about while running after store shelves full of “natural” labels. I once opened a bottle that claimed to be 100% pure, and it still smelled oddly artificial. The homemade version feels different. The ingredients look simple. The texture changes every time. The process has an earthy mood that stays longer in the mind than the shampoo itself.
Some people say this recipe suits different hair types. Some say it doesn’t. Hair has its own behavior. The method is still useful to know, and the steps remain simple enough for beginners who never tried anything like this before.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional, dermatologist, or qualified specialist before applying any homemade preparation to your scalp or hair.
What Makes This Shampoo “Herbal”
Traditional Plant Ingredients
The combination of shikakai, amla, and reetha appears in discussions on natural hair cleaning in South Asia. The preparation depends mostly on soaking and cooking rather than chemical mixing. The plants break down slowly in water. Natural compounds dissolve. The foam forms on its own.
Evidence-Based View
Modern studies describe plant-based surfactants like saponins from reetha. The cleansing effect is real. The lather is mild. The texture is less stable than commercial products. There is limited clinical evidence supporting claims of thicker or faster hair growth. Some results are anecdotal. The mixture is still considered low-risk for most adults if patch-tested first.
Ingredient Breakdown
Shikakai
Shikakai is often mentioned as a gentle cleanser. It tends to foam lightly. It may reduce surface oil without stripping too much. Some people said it leaves the hair softer. The pods sometimes vary in hardness. I had a batch once that refused to soften fully, no clear reason why.
Amla
Amla adds thickness to the mixture. It contains tannins and natural plant acids. Many users believe it makes hair appear darker after repeated use. The effect is subjective. Lighting plays tricks on us more than we think. Still, amla has a respected place in traditional hair routines.
Reetha
Reetha carries natural saponins. These compounds produce most of the lather. The foam looks creamy when the pods break down. It sometimes forms faster than expected, and at other times moves slowly like it's sleepy. No precise pattern.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Herbal Shampoo at Home
Step 1: Measure the Ingredients
Take 50 g shikakai, 50 g amla, 50 g reetha. Minor variations don’t ruin the recipe. A few grams more or less rarely changes the final texture in a big way.
Step 2: Soak Overnight
Place all ingredients in a bowl of clean water. Let them sit for 12–14 hours. You can leave it overnight. The pods swell softly. Sometimes they look uneven. That is normal.
Step 3: Remove Seeds and Shells
After soaking, remove shells and seeds with your hands. They slip slightly. The mixture feels mushy. Water turns brownish.
Step 4: Mash the Mixture
Mash thoroughly. Foam rises quickly from the reetha. Amla thickens the blend. Shikakai threads sometimes float around, and I pick them out without thinking too much.
Step 5: Cook the Mixture
Transfer everything to a pot. Cook on medium heat for around 10 minutes. Steam rises slowly. The mixture thickens. Some pots thicken faster than others. I still don’t know why. Could be temperature. Or could be something else.
Step 6: Strain While Hot
Strain the mixture using a cotton cloth while it is still hot. The cloth may clog a bit if the pulp is too fine. Squeeze carefully. The liquid that comes out looks earthy and warm.
Step 7: Final Texture
The result is a brown, slightly viscous liquid. The scent feels natural and not perfume-like. You may store it in a refrigerator for up to a week. The smell changes slightly with time.
How to Use the Shampoo
Application
Pour a small amount onto your palm. Massage into the scalp. The lather looks gentle and not too bubbly. Rinse twice if hair feels heavy. Many users skip conditioner after this recipe. Some don’t. Both ways work based on hair type.
Patch Testing
Test a small amount on your inner arm before using. Some individuals react to botanical compounds. Redness or itching means you should stop. The reaction rate is low, but not zero.
Storage Tips
Use a glass container. Avoid metal bottles. Keep refrigerated if you live in warm climates. Shake lightly before use.
Realistic Results and Expectations
This shampoo cleans the scalp well. It removes oil. It leaves a natural finish. The claims about making hair grow thicker or darker are not strongly supported by clinical research. Some people experience subtle improvements. Some people see no visible change. Hair biology is not predictable. Consistency matters more than magic.
Evidence-Based Considerations
What We Know
Plant-based saponins have mild cleansing effects. Shikakai and amla are described in ethnobotanical studies for traditional grooming. The ingredients have low irritation potential in most users.
What We Do Not Know
There is limited high-quality research on long-term effects. There is no strong evidence proving enhanced hair growth, increased pigmentation, or long-term structural changes. Homemade preparations vary in concentration every batch. The stability is lower than commercial formulations.
Safety Notes
Do not use this shampoo on open wounds or severely irritated scalp. Avoid contact with eyes. Children may react more strongly to plant saponins. Stop using if any discomfort develops. Store safely away from pets.
Final Thoughts
The process itself brings a sense of calm. You create something by hand. The texture shifts, the scent changes, the foam rises in its own way. The shampoo works as a gentle cleanser. It offers a small ritual that feels both old and personal. The imperfections in each batch make it feel a bit more real.
