How to Make Herbal Shampoo at Home: 7 Natural Hair Wash Recipes
Homemade herbal shampoo can be an interesting way to simplify your hair-care routine. Many traditional Indian hair-wash ingredients, such as amla, reetha and shikakai, have been used for generations as part of natural hair care. At the same time, every scalp and hair type is different, so a homemade recipe may not work equally well for everyone.
If you prefer simple ingredients and enjoy preparing your own personal-care products, you can try a few basic homemade hair-wash recipes. However, it is important to understand that homemade mixtures are not automatically safer than commercial shampoos. Ingredients can irritate the scalp, and water-based homemade products can become contaminated if they are stored improperly.
For a broader routine covering washing, scalp care, conditioning, nutrition and hair protection, you can also read our guide on healthy hair care tips.
How to Make Herbal Shampoo at Home
There is no single recipe that works for every hair type. A homemade hair wash should be chosen according to your scalp, hair texture and how your hair responds to the ingredients.
Below are seven traditional or simple homemade hair-wash ideas. Some are better treated as occasional cleansing or conditioning experiments rather than complete replacements for a properly formulated shampoo.
1. Amla, Reetha and Shikakai Shampoo
Amla, reetha and shikakai are among the most commonly known ingredients in traditional Indian hair care. Reetha is particularly known for its natural cleansing properties, while amla and shikakai are traditionally used in hair-care routines.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 pieces of dried amla
- 2–3 pieces of dried reetha
- 2–3 pieces of dried shikakai
- 2–3 cups of water
Method: Soak the ingredients in water overnight. The next day, simmer the mixture on low heat for around 10–15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely, gently crush the softened ingredients and strain the liquid through a clean strainer.
Use the strained liquid as a hair wash and rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water. Because reetha can be drying or irritating for some people, start with a small amount and stop using it if your scalp becomes uncomfortable.
2. Rice Water Hair Wash
Rice water is another popular DIY hair-care ingredient. It is easy to prepare and can be used as a rinse rather than as a conventional shampoo.
Method: Place clean rice in a bowl and add water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes and swirl the rice occasionally. Strain the water into a clean container.
After washing your hair, you can apply the rice water to the lengths of your hair and leave it for a short period before rinsing thoroughly. If your hair feels stiff, dry or tangled after using rice water, discontinue it or use it less frequently.
Rice water should be prepared fresh and handled hygienically rather than being left at room temperature for long periods.
3. Egg, Honey and Olive Oil Hair Mask
The original recipe describes this mixture as a shampoo, but it is more accurately treated as a homemade hair mask or conditioning treatment. Eggs, honey and olive oil do not provide the same cleansing function as a formulated shampoo.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey
- A small amount of olive oil
Method: Whisk the ingredients together and apply the mixture mainly to the hair lengths. Avoid getting the mixture into your eyes. Leave it on briefly and rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.
Do not use very hot water because it can make egg residue difficult to remove. If you have a known allergy or your scalp becomes irritated, wash the mixture off immediately.
4. Green Tea and Reetha Hair Wash
Green tea can be used as a simple hair rinse, while reetha provides the cleansing component in this traditional-style mixture.
Method: Steep one or two green tea bags in hot water for around 10–15 minutes. Allow the tea to cool completely. If you want to include reetha powder, add only a small amount and mix thoroughly.
Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair, then rinse well with clean water. Avoid applying hot liquid to your scalp and discontinue the recipe if you experience burning, itching or redness.
5. Gram Flour Hair Wash
Gram flour, also known as besan, is traditionally used in several Indian personal-care routines. Some people use it as a simple cleansing paste for the scalp and hair.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 teaspoons gram flour
- Enough water to make a thin paste
- A small amount of plain curd, if suitable for your skin
Mix the ingredients into a smooth, spreadable paste. Apply it gently to the scalp and hair without aggressively rubbing. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
It is better to avoid adding lemon juice simply to make the mixture “stronger.” Lemon can irritate sensitive skin and the scalp, particularly when used in concentrated form.
6. Baking Soda: Why You Should Be Careful
Baking soda is sometimes recommended online as a homemade shampoo because it can remove oil and buildup. However, this does not mean that it is suitable for regular hair washing.
Frequent use of strong or unsuitable cleansing ingredients can leave the hair feeling rough, dry or difficult to manage. Baking soda can also be irritating for some scalps.
For this reason, baking soda should not be treated as a routine replacement for shampoo. If you have a sensitive scalp, dry hair, coloured hair or damaged hair, it is especially sensible to avoid experimenting with harsh cleansing mixtures.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used in DIY hair-care routines as a diluted rinse. It is not a shampoo, but some people use diluted vinegar after cleansing.
Simple diluted rinse: Mix a small amount of apple cider vinegar with plenty of water. Apply it carefully to the hair lengths, avoiding the eyes and irritated or broken skin, and rinse thoroughly.
Never apply undiluted vinegar directly to the scalp. If it causes burning, itching, redness or discomfort, rinse immediately and stop using it.
Which Homemade Shampoo Is Best for Your Hair?
The best option depends on your hair and scalp rather than the popularity of a particular recipe.
- Oily scalp: A gentle cleansing routine may be more useful than repeatedly applying strong DIY ingredients.
- Dry hair: Avoid frequent use of harsh cleansing mixtures and focus on gentle washing and conditioning.
- Curly or textured hair: Minimize unnecessary friction and choose products that help maintain moisture and manageability.
- Damaged or coloured hair: Be particularly cautious with DIY acids, alkaline ingredients and aggressive cleansing.
- Sensitive scalp: Keep ingredients simple and avoid anything that causes burning, itching or redness.
Hair texture, scalp condition, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors can all influence how your hair responds to a routine. Consistent basic care is generally more useful than constantly changing products.
How to Use Homemade Hair Washes Safely
Homemade hair products need more care than simply mixing ingredients in a bowl. Water-based mixtures can become contaminated, particularly when they are stored for long periods or handled with unclean utensils.
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Use clean bowls, spoons, bottles and strainers.
- Prefer making small batches instead of storing homemade mixtures for weeks.
- Do not use a mixture if it develops an unusual smell, colour or appearance.
- Keep homemade preparations away from direct heat and contamination.
- Avoid getting homemade mixtures into your eyes.
- Do not apply a new ingredient to irritated, scratched or broken skin.
- Stop immediately if you experience burning, swelling, itching or significant redness.
Cosmetic safety authorities note that microbial contamination can make homemade cosmetic preparations unsafe and that using natural or organic ingredients does not automatically guarantee safety.
Should You Patch Test Homemade Hair Products?
Yes. Before applying a new mixture over your entire scalp or hair, consider testing a small amount on a limited area of skin first. This can help you identify obvious irritation before using the preparation more widely.
A patch test does not guarantee that a product will never cause a reaction, but it is a sensible precaution when experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Many Ingredients
Combining many ingredients does not necessarily make a hair wash more effective. It can actually make it difficult to identify which ingredient caused dryness or irritation.
Scrubbing the Scalp Too Hard
Hair and scalp do not need aggressive scrubbing to become clean. Massage gently with your fingertips and rinse thoroughly.
Applying Lemon Juice Directly
Lemon juice is acidic and can irritate sensitive skin. It is better not to use concentrated lemon juice as a routine scalp treatment.
Using Baking Soda Frequently
A strong cleansing sensation does not necessarily mean that your hair is healthier. Frequent use of baking soda may leave some hair types feeling dry or rough, so it should not be considered a daily shampoo replacement.
Storing Homemade Shampoo for Too Long
Fresh ingredients and water can create an environment where microorganisms may grow. If you prepare a homemade hair wash, making a small quantity and using it promptly is safer than keeping it for an extended period.
Homemade Shampoo vs Commercial Shampoo
Homemade hair washes have one obvious advantage: you know exactly which ingredients you have added. They can also be inexpensive and allow people to experiment with traditional ingredients.
However, commercially formulated shampoos have an important advantage: they are designed and formulated for consistent cleansing, stability and usability. A homemade mixture does not automatically provide the same performance or safety testing.
Therefore, there is no need to choose one approach simply because it is labelled “natural.” The right choice depends on your scalp, hair type, preferences and how your hair responds.
Simple Hair Care Routine for Healthier-Looking Hair
A homemade shampoo alone cannot guarantee healthy hair. Your everyday habits matter too.
- Wash your scalp according to its oiliness and your lifestyle.
- Use gentle products when your scalp or hair is easily irritated.
- Condition the lengths and ends when your hair needs additional moisture and manageability.
- Limit excessive heat styling.
- Handle wet hair gently because it can be more prone to breakage.
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and nutrients.
- Protect your hair from excessive environmental exposure.
- Avoid constantly changing your routine based on social-media trends.
For a complete routine covering these basics, see our detailed guide to healthy hair care and growth.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
DIY hair care is not a substitute for professional evaluation when you have an ongoing scalp or hair problem. Consider consulting a dermatologist if you experience persistent itching, severe dandruff, scalp redness, sores, unexplained hair loss, sudden thinning or other unusual changes.
Repeatedly changing homemade remedies may not solve an underlying scalp or hair condition. A dermatologist can help determine what may be contributing to the problem and whether specific treatment is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make herbal shampoo at home?
Yes. Ingredients such as amla, reetha and shikakai can be prepared as traditional hair washes at home. However, homemade mixtures should be prepared hygienically and used carefully because natural ingredients can still cause irritation or contamination.
Which herbal shampoo is best for hair?
There is no single herbal shampoo that is best for everyone. Your hair texture, scalp condition, oiliness and sensitivity should determine which routine works best for you.
Is amla, reetha and shikakai good for hair?
Amla, reetha and shikakai are traditional Indian hair-care ingredients and are commonly used together as a hair wash. However, individual results can vary, and reetha or other ingredients may irritate some scalps.
Can I use baking soda as shampoo?
Baking soda is sometimes used in DIY hair-care recipes, but it should not be considered a regular shampoo replacement. Frequent use may cause dryness or irritation for some people.
Can rice water be used on hair?
Rice water can be used as a hair rinse by some people. It should be prepared hygienically, used appropriately and rinsed well. If your hair becomes dry, stiff or irritated, stop using it.
How long can homemade shampoo be stored?
It is better to prepare small quantities and use them promptly rather than storing water-based homemade mixtures for long periods. Without appropriate preservation and testing, it is difficult to guarantee the stability and microbiological safety of a homemade cosmetic preparation.
Final Thoughts
Making herbal shampoo at home can be an affordable and interesting way to explore traditional hair-care practices. Amla, reetha, shikakai, rice water and other simple ingredients can be incorporated into a personal routine, but natural does not automatically mean harmless or suitable for everyone.
The safest approach is to keep homemade recipes simple, prepare them hygienically, avoid harsh ingredients, watch how your scalp and hair respond, and stop using anything that causes irritation. For long-term hair care, a balanced routine of gentle cleansing, conditioning, nutrition and protection is more important than any single homemade recipe.
Disclaimer: This article is for general hair-care information only and does not replace professional medical or dermatological advice. If you have persistent scalp irritation, significant hair loss or another ongoing hair or scalp concern, consult a qualified dermatologist.