Author: Namratha Gopal
Shampoos are something so important in our hair care rituals. We all spend a lot of money for shampoos and literally try out every shampoo that is new to market or inspired by others. At the end of the day it is that we are harming our hair by using harsh chemicals frequently. We need to understand the fact that mild shampoo is just enough and it is what all we need. It’s not the fancy stuff or brand here that matters. All that matters is that we need a mild shampoo that contains ingredients which balances the scalp pH, provides nutrients, does not strip off natural oils, the one that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and the one that doesn’t cause hair fall. Natural ingredients offer these benefits and much more. So let’s prepare one such mild shampoo recipe using soapnuts.
Soapnuts Shampoo is free of synthetic sulphates (SLS) and does not imbalance natural sebum production-
Everything you need to know about Soapnuts and Soapnuts Shampoo
Soapnuts are the fruits that grow on shrubs in tropical regions i.e., eastern and western hemispheres but are native to India and Nepal. These fruits are picked from the plants boiled and dried. This process releases natural detergent that can be used for washing the hair.
They have recently become so popular and serve as an alternative to chemical detergent as they naturally contain a detergent-like chemical called saponin that is amphiphilic.
The question arises as to how this would serve or can be effectively used in the recipe for making the shampoo? The simple answer to this is that water and oil do not mix. For oil to be successfully removed and effective cleansing to happen, there must be a molecule that attaches to the oil and while at the same time mixing with water so it is effectively rinsed off.
The soap nuts these days have been predominantly used to treat psoriasis and eczema for soothing body washes and deep cleansing natural/mild shampoos.
Recipe for Soapnuts Shampoo
Benefits of the ingredients used in the soapnuts shampoo
Soapnuts
Soap nuts works as a great natural shampoo and are known to treat psoriasis and eczema. They help in preventing dandruff and treats scalp infections. Soapnuts help to improve hair growth by preventing hair thinning and hair fall. Also prevents dry and frizz hair. They are known to promote silky smooth hair and nourish the hair in a way that it looks voluminous, silky, bushy and glossy.
Your favorite essential oil
Use essential oils that are beneficial for hair growth and overall scalp health. You can use rosemary essential oil for its added advantages for this Soap nuts shampoo. If you have dandruff, use tea tree essential oil or/and peppermint essential oil.
Method
Things you need:
- 3 cups of water
- 5 soap nuts
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil (we are using lavender essential oil as per our requirement here)
Procedure
To prepare this soap nuts shampoo:
1. Take a small muslin bag and place 5 soap nuts into it.
2. Take a saucepan and place this muslin bag and add 2 cups of water. Let it boil on high heat.
3. Once the water boils, reduce the flame and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Now add 1 cup of water to the simmering saucepan and let it stand for another 10 minutes.
5. Now remove the muslin bag from saucepan.
6. Squeeze the muslin bag until the suds are seen. And then rinse the muslin bag with cold water and squeeze over again.
7. Take a mason jar and place the solution into it. Now add 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Give a very good mix.
8. Can store it in the refrigerator and use when you are ready for the shower.
9. Once when you are in shower, take a small amount of this homemade soap nuts shampoo and massage the scalp for 5 minutes and rinse your hair thoroughly. Follow up with your regular conditioner.
Note
- Patch test is mandatory before you use this shampoo and check if it works for your hair.
- Use the freshly prepared shampoo as much as possible.
- Discard the usage in case you feel any scalp irritation.
- Do not expect instant results instead give it at least a week or month of time to see the results. Transition period differs from person to person.
- Use organic products/ ingredients for best results and to maintain the scalp health.
- Can adjust the quantity required as per the hair length.
