Herbal Shampoos You Can Make at Home: 20 Natural Recipes Backed by Science

Looking to switch to gentle, chemical-free hair care? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of DIY herbal shampoos, offering 20+ scientifically-backed recipes you can make at home. Ideal for all hair types—whether dry, oily, sensitive, or dandruff-prone—this guide is loaded with natural goodness ✨.

✨ Why Choose Herbal Shampoos?

✅ Chemical-Free: No sulfates, parabens, silicones, or artificial fragrances.
✅ Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, no plastic waste, sustainable ingredients.
✅ Customizable: Tailor to your scalp type, hair goals, and preferences.
✅ Scientifically Supported: Many herbs used have been clinically studied for their effects on scalp health, hair growth, and sebum regulation.

🌿 Scientific Proof:

“Topical application of aloe vera significantly improved scalp conditions in subjects with seborrheic dermatitis” – Journal of Dermatological Treatment (NCBI)

“Reetha (soapnut) contains natural saponins that effectively cleanse the scalp while preserving natural oils.” – Indian Journal of Dermatology

🧰 Ingredients Used in Herbal Shampoos & How They Work

🌼 20 Best Herbal Shampoo Recipes to Try at Home

Each recipe below is tailored for a specific hair concern. Follow the usage steps and apply twice a week for best results.

1. 🧜‍♀⃣ Aloe Vera + Coconut Milk Shampoo (For Dry Hair)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel (fresh)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp castile soap
• 5 drops lavender oil (optional)

Why It Works:

• Hydrates, soothes scalp
• Coconut milk is rich in lauric acid (antibacterial, moisturizing)

Steps:

1. Blend aloe vera with coconut milk.
2. Stir in castile soap and essential oil.
3. Use immediately, or refrigerate up to 3 days.

Side Effects: Patch test for coconut sensitivity

2. 🍃 Reetha + Shikakai + Amla (For Oily Hair)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried reetha
• 1/4 cup dried shikakai
• 1/4 cup dried amla

Mechanism:

• Natural surfactants deep-clean scalp
• Amla strengthens follicles with Vitamin C

Steps:

1. Boil ingredients in 1.5 cups water for 20 mins.
2. Let it cool. Strain and store in glass bottle.
3. Use within 5 days.

Side Effects: Avoid eye contact – mildly acidic.

3. 🌿 Hibiscus + Curry Leaves (For Hair Growth)

Mechanism:

• Hibiscus promotes collagen synthesis
• Curry leaves boost melanin, reduce greying

Steps:

1. Blend 10 hibiscus flowers + 15 curry leaves.
2. Mix with 2 tbsp yogurt and 1 tbsp gram flour.
3. Apply on scalp, rinse after 10 mins.

Side Effects: Mild irritation for sensitive scalp

4. 🌼 Neem + Basil (Anti-Dandruff)

Mechanism:

• Neem’s azadirachtin fights fungi
• Basil improves circulation and reduces itching

Steps:

1. Crush 20 neem leaves + 10 basil leaves.
2. Boil in 2 cups water. Cool, strain.
3. Use as rinse or mix with 1 tbsp multani mitti

Storage: Refrigerate for 1 week

5. 🍀 Green Tea + Apple Cider Vinegar (For Itchy Scalp)

Mechanism:

• Green tea polyphenols reduce inflammation
• ACV balances scalp pH and kills yeast

Steps:

1. Brew 1 cup green tea
2. Mix with 1 tbsp ACV
3. Use as final rinse

Risk: Avoid on broken skin

6. 💆‍♀️ Fenugreek + Yogurt (Anti-Hair Fall)

Why it works: Lecithin in fenugreek deeply conditions while yogurt provides protein and lactic acid.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fenugreek seeds (soaked overnight)
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 1 tsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Grind soaked seeds to a paste.
2. Mix with yogurt and oil.
3. Apply to scalp. Leave 20 mins. Rinse with lukewarm water.

⛔ Risk: Avoid if sensitive to lactic acid.

7. 🪻 Lavender + Oats Shampoo (Sensitive Scalp)

Mechanism: Lavender reduces inflammation; oats calm itchy or red skin.

Steps:

1. Blend 1/4 cup oats into fine powder.
2. Add 1 tbsp castile soap + 4 drops lavender oil + 1/2 cup water.
3. Shake well before use. Use twice a week.

✅ Safe for children 5+.

8. 🍃 Licorice Root + Brahmi (For Irritated Scalp)

Mechanism: Reduces cortisol levels in scalp tissue, soothing inflammation.

Steps:

1. Boil 1 tbsp licorice root + 1 tbsp brahmi powder in 2 cups water.
2. Cool, strain, and use as a hair rinse.

🧊 Refrigerate up to 5 days.

9. 🍋 Lemon + Mint Shampoo (For Greasy Hair)

Why it works: Lemon’s citric acid removes excess oil. Mint gives a refreshing feel and reduces itching.

Steps:

1. Squeeze 1 lemon. Mix with 1 tsp mint paste.
2. Add 2 tbsp castile soap + 1/2 cup water.
3. Mix well. Rinse hair thoroughly after use.

⛔ Avoid on colored hair.

10. 🌾 Multani Mitti + Tulsi (Detox Shampoo)

Mechanism: Fuller’s earth detoxifies scalp while tulsi has antifungal properties.

Steps:

1. Mix 2 tbsp multani mitti with 1 tbsp tulsi powder + water to make a paste.
2. Apply to scalp. Leave for 10 mins.
3. Rinse thoroughly.

⚠️ Use once a week.

11. 🍎 Apple + Cider Vinegar Blend (Shiny Hair)

Mechanism: ACV smoothens cuticles; apple adds shine and antioxidants.

Steps:

1. Grate half an apple, strain juice.
2. Mix with 1 tbsp ACV + 1 cup water.
3. Use as a post-shampoo rinse.

🔁 Use 1x/week only.

12. 🌰 Bhringraj + Aloe (For Thinning Hair)

Mechanism: Bhringraj stimulates dormant hair follicles.

Steps:

1. Mix 2 tsp bhringraj powder with 3 tbsp aloe vera gel.
2. Apply to scalp. Leave for 20 mins. Rinse.

✅ Regular use strengthens roots.

13. 🌿 Basil + Rice Water (Volume Booster)

Why it works: Rice water strengthens strands; basil stimulates blood flow.

Steps:

1. Boil 1 tbsp basil in 1 cup rice water.
2. Let it cool. Use as final rinse.

⚠️ Store up to 3 days.

14. 🧄 Onion + Ginger Shampoo (Hair Regrowth)

Mechanism: Rich in sulfur and circulatory stimulants.

Steps:

1. Extract 2 tbsp onion juice + 1 tsp ginger juice.
2. Mix with 1 tbsp castile soap. Apply and rinse.

⛔ Smell may linger; use essential oil post-wash.

15. 🧴 Castor Oil + Honey Shampoo (Split End Repair)

Why it works: Castor oil boosts hydration; honey seals cuticles.

Steps:

1. Mix 1 tbsp castor oil + 1 tbsp honey + 1/4 cup aloe gel.
2. Apply to lengths. Leave for 15 mins. Rinse.

✅ Use on ends 2x/week.

16. 🌻 Calendula + Chamomile (Soothing & Softening)

Mechanism: Reduces scalp sensitivity and inflammation.

Steps:

1. Brew tea with 1 tsp each dried calendula and chamomile.
2. Cool and mix with 1 tbsp glycerin.
3. Apply as shampoo base or rinse.

🧊 Store in fridge, use within 4 days.

17. 🍃 Tea Tree + Witch Hazel Shampoo (Anti-Acne Scalp)

Mechanism: Anti-bacterial and pore-cleansing.

Steps:

1. Add 5 drops tea tree oil + 1 tbsp witch hazel to 1/4 cup castile soap.
2. Shake well. Use on acne-prone scalp.

⛔ Not for daily use; 1–2x/week.

18. 🌸 Rose + Glycerin Shampoo (Hydrating)

Mechanism: Rose soothes inflammation; glycerin hydrates scalp layers.

Steps:

1. Mix 1 tbsp rosewater + 1 tsp glycerin + 2 tbsp aloe gel.
2. Massage gently, rinse after 5 mins.

✅ Suitable for dry climates.

19. 🍃 Holy Basil + Fenugreek Rinse (Anti-Itch)

Why it works: Combats dandruff and itch with antioxidants.

Steps:

1. Boil 10 tulsi leaves + 1 tbsp soaked methi seeds in 1 cup water.
2. Strain and use post-wash.

✅ Anti-inflammatory. Refrigerate up to 3 days.

20. 🌰 Walnut Hull + Amla (Strengthening + Natural Dye)

Mechanism: Adds strength and color, reduces hair breakage.

Steps:

1. Boil 1 tbsp crushed walnut hull + 1 tbsp amla powder in water.
2. Cool, strain, and rinse hair post-cleanse.

⛔ May darken light hair colors.

⚖️ Herbal vs Commercial Shampoos

🧡 Expert Quotes

“Natural surfactants like saponins from reetha are effective in removing dirt and excess oil without disrupting the skin microbiome.”
— Dr. Priya Mehra, Ayurvedic Dermatologist, AIIMS New Delhi

“Neem and hibiscus extracts have proven antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for long-term dandruff control.”
— Dr. Sahil Raj, MD (Trichology), NCBI Published Researcher

📆 Hair Care Routine with Herbal Shampoos

👉 Daily: Gentle scalp massage (3-5 mins) using aloe or brahmi oil
👉 Weekly: Use your herbal shampoo 2x/week, deep condition once
👉 Monthly: Apply strengthening mask (e.g., hibiscus + yogurt)
👉 Seasonal: Switch to amla-based shampoo in winter, neem-based in monsoon

📊 Summary Table: Best Herbal Shampoo by Concern

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 🧴 Can herbal shampoos clean as well as commercial ones?

Yes. Ingredients like reetha and shikakai contain natural saponins that cleanse the scalp effectively without stripping natural oils.

2. 🧪 How long do homemade herbal shampoos last?

Most last 3–7 days in the fridge. For longer shelf life, add natural preservatives like vitamin E or store in airtight containers.

3. 💆‍♀️ Can I use herbal shampoo every day?

Most herbal shampoos are mild, but it’s best to limit usage to 2–3 times per week for optimal scalp balance.

4. 🧴 Will these shampoos work for colored or chemically treated hair?

Yes, many herbal shampoos like aloe vera, hibiscus, or chamomile are gentle enough. Avoid acidic options like lemon or vinegar immediately post-coloring.

5. 🌾 Which herbal ingredients boost hair growth fastest?

Hibiscus, fenugreek, bhringraj, and onion juice are known to activate dormant hair follicles and improve thickness.

6. ❌ Are there side effects to using herbal shampoos?

Some users may experience allergic reactions. Always do a patch test first—especially with essential oils, citrus, and ACV-based blends.

7. 👶 Are herbal shampoos safe for children?

Yes. Recipes with oats, aloe vera, lavender, or chamomile are safe for kids over 5. Avoid essential oils for toddlers.

8. 🌿 Do these shampoos lather?

Reetha and shikakai-based blends lather naturally. Others may not foam much but still cleanse effectively.

9. 🧖‍♀️ What if I don’t have castile soap at home?

Use soapnut (reetha) decoctions or fermented rice water as a natural alternative for gentle cleansing.

10. ⏱️ How soon will I see results?

Expect visible improvement in 3–6 weeks of consistent use. Results vary depending on your scalp condition and hair goals.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This guide is for educational purposes. Always consult a dermatologist before switching to herbal solutions if you have pre-existing scalp or skin conditions.

🚀 Final Takeaway

Switching to homemade herbal shampoos can be transformative for your hair and health. With natural ingredients, science-backed efficacy, and zero toxins, you can nourish your scalp, reduce hair fall, and boost overall hair vitality — all from your kitchen shelf 🏡.

🔗 Bookmark this guide, try one recipe weekly, and let your hair thank you! 😊