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How to Make Shampoo at Home with Natural Ingredients: Herbal Recipes and Benefits
Published on 09/06/25
(Updated on 12/24/25)
3,371

How to Make Shampoo at Home with Natural Ingredients: Herbal Recipes and Benefits

Written by
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
Government Ayurvedic College, Nagpur University (2011)
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
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Why Choose Natural Shampoo Over Store-Bought

Ever wondered how to make shampoo at home with natural ingredients? Let me show you how to make shampoo at home, DIY style! This guide tells you how to make natural shampoo at home, even if you've never whipped up a potion before. And yes, it's your go-to how to make homemade shampoo tutorial that won't break the bank. In a world full of chemicals, fragrances, and hidden nasties, choosing a homemade solution is not only cost-effective but also gentle on your hair and scalp.

Benefits of Homemade Shampoo for Hair and Scalp

  • Gentle Cleansing: Without SLS or parabens, your hair feels softer, cleaner, more alive.
  • Customizable: Tailor your shampoo for oily, dry, curly, frizzy hair— your scalp will thank you.
  • Eco-Friendly: No plastic bottles or synthetic toxins polluting our planet—yay for Mother Earth.
  • Cost Savings: Pantry staples often cost a fraction compared to premium salon brands.
  • Promotes Scalp Health: Herbs, essential oils and milks can soothe irritation, reduce flaking ﹘ basically spa vibes at home.

How to Make Shampoo at Home with Natural Ingredients

Alright, now that we’ve sold you on the idea, let’s dive into how to make homemade shampoo that actually works. I'll cover a homemade shampoo recipe for beginners and then ramp things up with oils, herbs and magic potions.

Basic Homemade Shampoo Recipe

This is the easiest homemade shampoo recipe you’ll ever try. No fuss, just suds!

  • 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap (unscented or your fave scent)
  • 1/4 cup distilled water (tap water sometimes adds mineral buildup)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional, for extra moisture)
  • 10–15 drops essential oil (like lavender or peppermint)

Directions:

  1. Mix water and glycerin in a glass bottle. Gently swirl.
  2. Add Castile soap and slowly mix. Avoid too much shaking, it foams like crazy!
  3. Drop in your essential oils, cap it, and give a gentle swirl again.
  4. Use as you would any shampoo: Apply to wet hair, massage scalp, rinse thoroughly.

See? Super-simple. This basic natural shampoo recipe is great for daily use, but if you want more oomph—keep reading.

Natural Shampoo Recipe with Oils and Herbs

Want something richer? This one’s packed with oils and dried botanicals for shiny, luscious locks. It’s a bit more work, but trust me, your hair will love ya.

  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers (brightens blonde hair)
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary (stimulates growth)
  • 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil (for shine)
  • 1 teaspoon jojoba oil (balances oil production)
  • 15 drops tea tree essential oil (anti-dandruff!)

Directions:

  1. In a small pot, simmer water and dried herbs for 10 minutes. Let steep for 30 min, then strain.
  2. Once cooled, add Castile soap, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil. Stir gently.
  3. Pour into a pump bottle. Label it “Herbal Potion!” – cause why not?
  4. Shake lightly before use. Works wonders on itchy scalps, dryness, or whenever you need a pick-me-up.

How to Make Herbal Shampoo at Home

If you’re loving the herbal vibe, you’ll dig these herbal shampoo recipe formulas. They’ve got centuries-old wisdom, especially from Ayurveda, to nourish your hair from root to tip.

Herbal Shampoo Recipe Using Ayurvedic Ingredients

Ayurveda is all about balance. This how to make herbal shampoo at home approach uses shikakai, reetha and neem—three powerhouses in one shampoo.

  • 2 tablespoons shikakai powder (natural cleanser, prevents greying)
  • 2 tablespoons reetha (soapnut) powder (rich in saponins)
  • 1 tablespoon neem powder (anti-bacterial & helps with scalp issues)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seed paste (optional, for hair strength)

Directions:

  1. Combine powders in a bowl. Add hot water and stir to a paste.
  2. Let sit 20 minutes – it’ll thicken like pudding.
  3. Massage the paste onto wet hair and scalp, leave for 5–10 min.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Finish with your fave conditioner if needed.

Note: This shampoo doesn’t foam much (most herbal ones don’t), but your hair is definitely getting a deep clean.

Homemade Shampoo Recipe for Hair Growth

Got limp, lifeless strands? Try this homemade shampoo recipe for hair growth that’s bursting with natural boosters.

  • 1 cup aloe vera gel (nourishes, reduces breakage)
  • 1/4 cup castile soap
  • 2 tablespoons fenugreek seed paste (soak seeds overnight, grind to paste)
  • 1 tablespoon onion juice (yes, it smells onion-y but it works!)
  • 10 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil (stimulates blood flow)

Directions:

  1. Blend aloe vera gel and fenugreek paste until smooth. Add onion juice and stir.
  2. Mix in castile soap and essential oils.
  3. Massage onto scalp in circular motions for 3–5 minutes to boost circulation.
  4. Let it sit for another 5 min, then rinse. Use once a week for best results.

How to Make Dry Shampoo at Home

Sometimes you’re in a rush, or you wanna stretch your wash days. Enter: how to make dry shampoo at home. This quick fix absorbs oil, refreshes roots, and adds volume—no water needed!

  • 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for brunettes)
  • 5–10 drops essential oil (lavender or lemon for fresh scent)

Directions:

  1. Combine powders in a jar, mix well.
  2. Add essential oil drops, close lid, and shake.
  3. Sprinkle onto roots from a distance, let sit 2 min, then brush through.
  4. Voilà—second-day hair looks fab again without a shower!

How to Adjust Shampoo for Different Hair Types

Your hair is as unique as you are, so tweaking your natural shampoo recipe is key. Here’s a quick cheat-sheet:

  • Oily Hair: Reduce oil-rich ingredients, add more cleansing herbs (rosemary, peppermint).
  • Dry or Damaged Hair: Boost moisturizing agents like coconut oil, glycerin, honey.
  • Curly or Coily Hair: Incorporate creamy milks (coconut milk, almond milk) and they help define curls.
  • Fine Hair: Lighter oils (grapeseed, jojoba) and less heavy but still nourishing ingredients.
  • Sensitive Scalp: Use soothing oats, aloe vera, chamomile, leave out fragrance if needed.

Feel free to experiment—tweak oil amounts, herbs, or essential oils until you find your holy grail mix. Yes, it can take a couple tries, but isn’t that half the fun?

Conclusion

Switching to a natural shampoo recipe is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift towards cleaner, healthier hair and a happier planet. From the simplest basic homemade shampoo recipe to complex herbal shampoo recipe with Ayurvedic roots, there’s an option for everybody. Give these recipes a whirl, experiment, and discover the magic of ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Ready to ditch the store-bought bottles and pamper your hair the natural way? Grab your jars, powders, and oils—your crowning glory awaits. If you try any of these recipes, drop a comment or share a pic. I'd love to see your DIY shampoo in action!

FAQs

How to make ayurvedic shampoo?
Combine Ayurvedic powders like shikakai, reetha and neem with hot water to form a paste. Massage onto scalp, let sit, then rinse. It cleanses gently without foam, but deeply purifies your hair and scalp.

Which plant makes natural shampoo?
Soapnut (Reetha) is a classic—its saponins create natural foam. Shikakai, amla, and hibiscus can also be used for cleansing and strengthening properties.

How to make dry shampoo at home quickly?
Mix arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) with a bit of baking soda and optional cocoa for color. Add essential oils, shake in a jar, sprinkle on roots, wait 2 minutes and brush out.

What is the healthiest most natural shampoo?
The healthiest option is one you make yourself! A blend of Castile soap, aloe vera, a bit of oil, and essential oils of your choice is gentle, free of harsh chemicals, and fully customizable.

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Questions from users
Is there a way to adjust this dry shampoo recipe for sensitive scalps or skin?
Miles
15 days ago
What tools or equipment do I need to make this homemade shampoo effectively?
Dylan
21 days ago
How can I make a homemade shampoo that actually works for oily hair?
Lucas
35 days ago
What essential oils work best for making dry shampoo with this recipe?
Addison
43 days ago
How do I know which essential oils are best for my hair type?
Aubrey
48 days ago
What essential oils work best for homemade dry shampoo, and are there any to avoid?
Brooklyn
53 days ago
How do I know which essential oils are best for my hair type in this shampoo recipe?
Thomas
59 days ago
What are some essential oils that work best for making homemade shampoo?
Natalie
64 days ago
What natural ingredients can I use to make a homemade shampoo that promotes hair growth?
Carter
69 days ago
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making homemade shampoo for the first time?
Claire
74 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
13 days ago
When making homemade shampoo, it's easy to use too much baking soda or essential oils, which can throw off your hair's natural pH. Also, avoid super hot water while mixing ingredients; it can degrade the beneficial properties of herbs like amla or hibiscus. Keep a balance in mind: gentle cleansing, without stripping the hair of its natural oils!
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