Here is a recipe on how to make homemade soap nut shampoo for hair. These DIY shampoos help clean hair without damage and are eco-friendly.
I have always been interested in finding natural alternatives to commercial products as a cosmetologist and love bringing my discoveries to my readers. Soap Nuts are one such natural, eco-friendly option that can be used to create a homemade shampoo that is gentle on both your hair and the environment.
Making your own Soap Nut shampoo is a simple and cost-effective way to incorporate natural ingredients into your hair care routine. Here’s how!
How To Make Homemade Soap Nut Shampoo?
To make homemade soap nut shampoo, start by acquiring soap nuts, also known as reetha berries. Take a handful of these dried berries and place them in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer it for about 20 minutes until the water takes on a soapy appearance and the berries soften. After cooling, mash the berries to release more saponins and strain the liquid to remove the solids. Your soap nut liquid can now be used as a shampoo. For added benefits, you can infuse herbs or essential oils before straining. Store the shampoo in a bottle and use it within a week or refrigerate to extend its shelf life.
What Are Soap Nuts
Soap Nuts, also known as soapberries, are the fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, which is native to India and Nepal. They have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional cleaning practices.
Soap Nuts contain saponins, a natural surfactant that creates a lather when mixed with water. The oil of the seeds also have “anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities“. (Chen, Chang-Chih et al. “Effects of Sapindus mukorossi Seed Oil on Skin Wound Healing: In Vivo and in Vitro Testing.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,10 2579. 26 May. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijms20102579)
This makes them an excellent alternative to synthetic detergents and soaps that can be harsh on the skin and the environment.
Soap Nuts are also biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. They can be used for a variety of cleaning purposes, including laundry, dishwashing, and even as a natural insect repellent.
Homemade Soap Nut Shampoo Preparation
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start preparing your Soap Nut shampoo, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process much easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you’ll need:
- Soap Nuts: These are the key ingredient for your shampoo. Make sure you have a sufficient quantity for the recipe.
- Distilled water: It’s important to use distilled water to avoid impurities that might affect the final product. You can find distilled water at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
- Essential oils: Choose your favorite essential oils to add fragrance to your shampoo. Lavender, tea tree, and rosemary are popular options.
- Containers: You’ll need a few containers to store your shampoo. Consider using glass jars or bottles to preserve the shampoo’s quality.
- Funnel: A funnel will help you transfer the shampoo into the containers without any spills or mess.
- Sieve or cheesecloth: You’ll need either a sieve or cheesecloth to strain the Soap Nut liquid and remove any residue or impurities.
- Labels: Don’t forget to label your containers with the name and date of preparation. This will help you keep track of the shampoo’s freshness.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the next step: making the Soap Nut shampoo.
Preparing the Soap Nut Extract
Soap Nuts, also known as soapberries, are natural alternatives to traditional shampoos that are often packed with harsh chemicals. By creating your own Soap Nut extract, you can harness the cleansing and nourishing properties of these amazing fruits. Follow these simple steps to prepare your Soap Nut extract:
- Gather the ingredients: To make the extract, you will need a handful of Soap Nuts, distilled water, a saucepan, and a sieve or cheesecloth.
- Crack the shells: The outer shells of Soap Nuts need to be cracked to release the saponin, which gives them their cleansing properties. You can use a nutcracker or a pestle and mortar to gently crack the shells.
- Boil the Soap Nuts: Place the cracked Soap Nuts in a saucepan and add enough distilled water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes to extract the saponin.
- Strain the mixture: Once the liquid has cooled down, strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth to separate the Soap Nut extract from the shells. Squeeze the cloth or sieve to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Store the extract: Pour the Soap Nut extract into a clean, airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Now that you have successfully prepared your Soap Nut extract, you can use it as a natural shampoo that is gentle on your hair and scalp.
Mixing and Preparing the Shampoo
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start mixing and preparing your Soap Nut shampoo. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a successful creation:
- Measure the Soap Nuts: Begin by measuring out the desired amount of Soap Nuts. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to use around 6 to 8 Soap Nuts for shorter hair and up to 12 for longer hair.
- Crack open the Soap Nuts: Using a pestle and mortar or a hammer, gently crack open the Soap Nuts to release their natural saponins. This will help provide the cleaning and foaming properties needed for an effective shampoo.
- Place the cracked Soap Nuts in a pot: Transfer the cracked Soap Nuts into a pot and add water. The ratio should be 4 cups of water for every 6 to 8 Soap Nuts. Adjust the amount accordingly if using more Soap Nuts.
- Boil the mixture: Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the Soap Nuts to release their saponins into the water.
- Strain the liquid: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the liquid into a separate container. This will remove any solid debris, leaving you with a smooth shampoo base.
- Cool and store: Allow the shampoo base to cool down completely before transferring it into a suitable container. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness and effectiveness.
Storing Your Shampoo
Properly storing your Soap Nut shampoo ensures its longevity and effectiveness. Follow these steps to keep your shampoo fresh and ready for use:
- Choose the right container: Use an airtight bottle or jar with a secure lid to prevent moisture and air from entering, which can lead to spoilage.
- Keep it in a cool, dark place: Exposure to light and heat can degrade the quality of the shampoo. Store it in a cupboard or closet away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
- Label the container: Clearly label the bottle or jar with the date of preparation to track its freshness. This helps you use the oldest shampoo first and avoid using expired batches.
- Avoid contamination: Use clean hands or a sanitized spoon to scoop out the shampoo. This prevents introducing bacteria or other contaminants into the product.
- Don’t dilute in advance: It’s best to dilute Soap Nut shampoo right before use to maintain its potency. Avoid storing pre-diluted shampoo as it may spoil quickly.
- Monitor for signs of spoilage: Keep an eye out for any changes in color, smell, or consistency. If the shampoo develops an off-putting odor or looks different, it’s time to discard it.
By following these storage tips, you can maximize the shelf life of your Soap Nut shampoo and ensure that it remains effective in keeping your hair clean and nourished.
Benefits of Homemade Soap Nut Shampoo
Here are some of the benefits that I have experienced:
1. Gentle on Hair and Scalp
One of the biggest benefits of using homemade Soap Nut shampoo is that it is gentle on both your hair and scalp. Unlike commercial shampoos that often contain harsh chemicals, Soap Nut shampoo is made from natural ingredients and does not strip your hair of its natural oils. This can help reduce dryness, irritation, and dandruff.
2. Cost-Effective
Making your own Soap Nut shampoo can be much more cost-effective than buying commercial shampoos. Soap Nuts are relatively inexpensive and can be used to make multiple batches of shampoo. Additionally, you can customize your shampoo to suit your hair type and needs, which can save you money in the long run.
3. Eco-Friendly
Commercial shampoos often come in plastic bottles that contribute to environmental pollution. By making your own Soap Nut shampoo, you can reduce your environmental impact by using fewer plastic bottles. Additionally, Soap Nuts are a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested.
4. Versatile
Soap Nut shampoo is versatile and can be used for a variety of hair types and needs. Whether you have oily hair, dry hair, or something in between, you can customize your Soap Nut shampoo to suit your needs. Additionally, you can add essential oils or other natural ingredients to your shampoo to give it a pleasant scent or provide additional benefits for your hair and scalp.
I highly recommend giving homemade Soap Nut shampoo a try. Not only is it gentle on your hair and scalp, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, but it is also versatile and customizable to your specific needs.
Side Effects of Soap Nut Shampoo For Hair
While Soap Nuts are a natural and gentle alternative to chemical-laden shampoos, it is important to note that there may be some side effects for certain individuals.
- Dryness: Soap Nut shampoo has a natural cleansing property that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. This can be mitigated by using a conditioner after shampooing or reducing the frequency of use.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to Soap Nuts, leading to allergic reactions such as itching, redness, and rashes. It is recommended to do a patch test before using Soap Nut shampoo for the first time.
- Buildup: Soap Nut shampoo may leave a buildup on the hair, especially if not rinsed properly. This can make the hair look dull and lifeless. It is important to rinse thoroughly after shampooing.
- Color fading: Soap Nut shampoo may cause color fading for individuals with colored hair. This is because Soap Nuts have a natural bleaching effect. It is recommended to use a color-safe shampoo for colored hair.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Amy Angelos has a degree in Cosmetology from The Salon Professional Academy in San Jose, California with 10 years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As she is adept at styling hair of various textures from straight, wavy to curly and African American, Amy knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. Our Editor Leah Marie Priest has also tested these hair products and processes and fact checked this article to give you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
In summary
After going through the step-by-step process of Soap Nut shampoo preparation, we have learned how to gather the necessary ingredients, create the Soap Nut extract, mix and prepare the shampoo, and properly store it for future use.
Remember that this natural shampoo alternative can be beneficial for your hair due to its gentle cleansing properties and lack of harsh chemicals.
By using the Soap Nut shampoo, you can enjoy a more eco-friendly and sustainable hair care routine.
Also Read:
Rosewater Hair Mask For Frizzy Hair
How to use Micellar Water For Hair
To Summarize