I’ve written before about how I use soap nuts for laundry, and I’ve gotten several questions since that post about how I also use them for shampoo.
Finding a natural shampoo that works for your hair type can be difficult. Coconut milk based shampoo works great for some people, and some people do great with the no-poo method (not me!). If neither of those has worked for you, this is another that you can try.
According to Mountain Rose Herbs:
Soap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing.
Soap nuts can be used to make a really easy natural shampoo or body wash that is soothing to eczema or psoriasis. Soap nuts shampoo is also incredibly inexpensive to make and completely natural. Tip: If you make a full batch, store in ice cube trays and freeze for individual use sizes or store in a peri bottle in the fridge and just take out when you shower.
If you aren’t up for making it and want a more involved (but still natural) solution, you can buy pre-made Soap Nuts Shampoo.
Soap Nuts Shampoo Ingredients
- 5 soap nuts (I got mine here)
- 3 cups of water
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Soap Nuts Shampoo Instructions
- If you have one, place soap nuts in a small muslin bag.
- Place in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of the water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of water and simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cook.
- Squeeze out the bag until it suds. Rinse with cool water and squeeze in to the pan again.
- Store in a glass jar in the fridge until use.
- To use: Massage a small amount in to hair and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse well. Can also be used as a soothing wash for skin, especially in those with eczema and psoriasis.
Have you ever used soap nuts? How did you use them? Tell me below!
What do you do when you travel and don’t have a fridge for the shampoo? Going to make this today but I frequently travel so wondering what to do. Thanks!
You can buy this shelf-stable version that doesn’t need refrigeration. It also might be possible to pack a few soap nut shampoo ice cubes with you in a leak-proof container, which would last longer, at least for short trips. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P85MAM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20
How can you thicken this shampoo up to a regular shampoo consistency?