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Soap Nuts Shampoo

Katie Wells Avatar
Katie Wells

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Soap Nuts Shampoo Recipe- easy and natural
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Soap Nuts Shampoo

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

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!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

211 responses to “Soap Nuts Shampoo”

  1. Britni Wige Avatar
    Britni Wige

    I’ve been using soap nuts to wash my LOs cloth diapers and absolutely love them! You posted above that you can use the solution as a body wash to soothe eczema. This winter has been brutal on my 4 mos old skin. Do you think it’s gentle enough to use on baby? We have been using water only but since I’ve been applying breast milk to her back and legs, I feel like she needs a little more than water to get her clean. I call her my little buttermilk baby lol! Thank you in advance 🙂

    Reply
  2. Alice Franke Avatar
    Alice Franke

    Random yet related question- Is it safe to also put a little baking soda in with these guys when using it for laundry? Just to be extra certain that smells come out? After reading a ton of reviews, I found that to be the most common complaint; smells remaining.

    Reply
    1. Lacy Avatar
      Lacy

      I use vinegar for smells (we have 6 kids 7 and under and usually use cloth diapers, so we are hard on the laundry). I just got my soap nuts to try (out of options due to crazy allergies) but vinegar and borax or washing soda seem to take care of most smells for us. I put 1/4 cup vinegar in a downy ball and will add that much or up to a 1/2 cup for REALLY stinky stuff. Takes care of diaper smells and most others, including the musty-I-forgot-the-laundry-smell. 🙂

      Reply
    2. Jill M. Avatar
      Jill M.

      Absolutely, we have hard water so I use baking soda in the wash every time. I use about 4-5 soap nuts with about a half cup of baking soda and I fill the fabric softener cup full with vinegar. My laundry smells fine(and my husband calls me the super sniffer as I can smell everything!). You can also use wool dryer balls with essential oils on them, but make sure you rub the dryer balls together where you put the oils on or else they leave oil stains on your clothes. (Just meaning, rub the oils into the balls so they don’t have the wet spots right as you put them in the dryer.)

      Reply
  3. Jenny Pelletier Avatar
    Jenny Pelletier

    Hi there! I tried the no poo method (I agree I need the poo!) and the coconut milk shampoo (left my hair snarly and greasy). Would you recommend I try the soap nuts shampoo? I have very fine, thin hair.

    Reply
    1. Lottie Chaney Avatar
      Lottie Chaney

      I would definitely say give it a go as iv tried no poo and coconut etc and many more but the soapnuts recipe is by far the best. I added xanthan gum to thicken it so its spreads easier. I love it!

      Reply
  4. Chris Sicurella Avatar
    Chris Sicurella

    Hi Katie and all, Think I can help with a few of the comments & questions here. The shells (the dried skin & pulp) are what contain saponin. The saponin is the active ingredient in the soap nuts (soap berries). Mountain Rose sell them with their seeds/pits. Think of them like bing cherries. The seeds/pits have no usefulness, and are half their weight. Keep that in mind when shopping. De-seeded are worth much more. Aritha powder has been used for ages in hair care, & offers many benefits. Many won’t enjoy the experience though of either the liquid or powder when used as a shampoo. (I didn’t at all, except I’ll add some powder to the “pre-made” when I want to exfoliate my scalp. It feels really good! Rinse well.) I usually only recommend them as an occasional treatment for hair & scalp. Just doesn’t cut it as a good shampoo where lather is nice. The “pre-made” NaturOli shampoos are a different ballgame. They are all-in-one shampoos & conditioners. Letting the ingredients tell the tale: “100% Complete and Full Ingredient List: Sapindus Mukorossi Aqueous Extract, Aloe barbadensis Gel, Vegetable Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Saponified Olea europaea Oil (Olive Oil Soap), Panax Ginseng Extract, Japanese Green Tea, Olea europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Nasturtium officinale (Water Cress) Extract, Hibiscus Leaf Extract, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Olea europaea (Olive) Oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, dl-Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Citric acid.” You can see there’s much more to it than just soap nut liquid or powder. Frankly, the formulas are so good, some may need a few washes to “detox” their hair of old residues. If so, either Argan oil, or NaturOli’s serum are helpful as the hair acclimates to “all natural” hair care. There’s tons of reviews on them that folks can read. They truly do restore a beautiful, natural balance to the hair, and leaves the scalp much healthier, too. – HOPE THIS HELPS A FEW OF YOU!!! Happy upcoming holidays! Chris (Author/SoapNuts.Pro, Founder/NaturOli)

    Reply
    1. NancyLu Avatar
      NancyLu

      UPDATE: the MRH soap nuts are now deseeded! I have used both forms & the deseeded seem to be “soapier”. I have washed my dog and horse laudry w/ homemade soap nut detergent and amazed at how clean & fresh it comes out. I am eager to try the shampoo. I am a swimmer so I hope it works. Re: the smell, it is vinegary, but does not leave a vinegar smell after washing.

      Reply
  5. Crystal Groves Avatar
    Crystal Groves

    My fiance loves using body wash so I’ve been trying to find a method to try for him. I will try this 🙂

    Reply
  6. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    I make a liquid out of soap nuts and keep some in the fridge (for cloth diapers) to use within a few days and then freeze the rest in ice cube trays. The liquid will become rancid in the fridge after a week or so.

    Reply
  7. Carmen Mobberly Avatar
    Carmen Mobberly

    I’m sorry, but this is new to me. Why would it need to be stored in the fridge between uses?

    Reply
  8. Fride Blindheim Avatar
    Fride Blindheim

    I really want to make this for my mum for christmas, but I’d like for it to be a bit thicker than what I suppose your shampoo with this recipe will be.
    Do you think I can use Arrowroot or a similar thickener to get it to be more gel-like? Would it be a good idea to use aloe vera gel in it?

    I’m thinking I’d love to try to make it with aloe gel and arrowroot as additions to this recipe to get it more gel-like, and because I’ve read that aloe vera gel is fantastic for hair. Do you think that’ll be a success?

    Reply
    1. laura Avatar
      laura

      i bet you could just cook it down to boil out some of the water to make it concentrated and then add those other ingredients after.

      Reply
    2. Becky Avatar
      Becky

      I know this comment is from several months ago but I’ve read a lot about flaxseed gel you can make by boiling the flaxseeds and many people use that on their hair with great results, that may be an option for thickening.

      Reply
  9. meggs Avatar
    meggs

    how long would this keep in the fridge? can this be make with whole soapnuts or does it need to be just the shells?

    Reply
  10. Laura Schulte Avatar
    Laura Schulte

    does it smell very strongly of the nuts? I use them for laundry already and find that the nuts smell horrible. Really wouldn’t want that on my head 24/7

    Reply
    1. Claire Avatar
      Claire

      no it doesnt, I add in essentials oils and it smells amazing wet and wonderful when dry 🙂

      Reply
  11. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Hi Katie. First I want to say how much I love your blog and DIY personal care recipes. I also wanted to pass on this information – Indian stores carry soap nuts in a powder form – it’s called “Aritha Powder” and comes in a small box. I’m Indian by birth and visit Indian stores often for my cooking supplies so I’ve come across Aritha Powder but didn’t ever buy any. I’m going to give your recipe a try! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

    Reply
      1. Misty Avatar
        Misty

        Aritha Powder, also known as Soapnut Powder, comes from the fruit of the Soapnut tree. The pulp of the fruit contains a high level of saponins that act as natural foaming agents. This powder can be used to wash delicate fabrics as well as to wash sensitive skin and hair. Add the powder to a facial mix of milk powder and clay to provide delicate cleansing of the skin. Add Aritha Powder to salt scrubs to add cleansing action. Please note that natural soapnuts (Aritha Powder) have a mild odor. This odor does not transfer to your skin, hair or clothing.

        As a hair and body wash, Aritha Powder is best used in a tea. Add 1 tablespoon of Aritha Powder to a cup of boiling water. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Cool and strain the tea for use as a hair wash or mild cleanser. Aritha Powder can also be combined with amla, neem and shikakai powders for a more nutritive hair wash. Steep all of the herbs in water, and strain the tea. The tea should be kept refrigerated and used within 4 days or preserved with an anti-bacterial preservative.

        Reply
        1. Tam Avatar
          Tam

          thank you Misty! i wan to try the powder rather the nuts and was searching basic simple receipt for shampoo. im also thinking to add essential oils to give it more properties. i was wondering if you know if it is good enough to wash off oily hair mask (e.g. castor and almond oils), maybe 2tb of power for one cup of water

          Reply
    2. Rajol Singh Avatar
      Rajol Singh

      Such a great natural shampoo alternative. My mother used to wash my hair with soapnuts when I was a kid. I’m going to switch back to them because they are really good for hair.
      Thanks for the amazing recipe!

      Reply
  12. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Finally a natural shampoo that does not make my hair completely unmanageable, greasy-looking and clumpy-feeling! I have tried various no-poo recipes and although lots of baking soda initially worked well for my hair, after my apartment complex got a new water heater, the no-poo just left my hair looking greasy and tangly (It also didn’t work at my mother’s house or at a hotel, so water really matters!). I also tried your coconut milk-castile soap recipe for about two weeks and the results were rather unpleasant (in a totally weird way. I don’t even know how to describe it).
    But this really worked wonderfully. I am super happy.

    Reply
    1. Becky Avatar
      Becky

      I’ve been trying some different natural shampoo methods and have had bad results as well. About to try soap nuts but I was curious if you use anything to condition at all?

      Reply
      1. Debellen Avatar
        Debellen

        I’ve gone back to using bar soap and vinegar rinse. The soap gets out the oils and the vinegar gets out the mineral deposits leaving hair soft and shiny. My hair is no long dry looking like straw. It looks and feels healthier.

        Reply
          1. Stephanie Avatar
            Stephanie

            Hand-made natural Cold Process soap from a local craft soap-maker (not made from a “Melt and Pour” kit). Real soap is the ultimate, soothing, cleansing non-drying luxury.

      2. Cassie Avatar
        Cassie

        I have thick hair down to my bottom and all I use is soap nuts and an ionic brush. Soap nuts are naturally conditioning. My hair is always soft and manageable with nothing more than the soap nuts and my brush. I also use soap nuts to clean my laundry and I do not need to use any fabric softeners. I also use soap nuts liquid in a spray bottle for general household cleaning and I am very happy with it. I will never buy cleaners or soaps from the grocery store again.

        Reply
        1. Jacque Avatar
          Jacque

          Hi, i was wondering since yiu gave done it for a while and it works..How do you use it in you hair? Do you use the same recipe as this or another way?

          Reply
      3. Bhavya Avatar
        Bhavya

        We have always used soap nuts to wash our hair growing up in India. We used to soak soap nuts in warm water and my mom used to crush fresh hibiscus leaves in the soap nut water. Hbiscus leaves act as a natural conditioner.

        Reply
        1. Feli Avatar
          Feli

          Hi Bhavya,
          I’d love to hear, how many leaf you use to this shampoo?
          Thanks.

          Reply
          1. Leela Avatar
            Leela

            You can just use a couple of hibiscus leaves cos i normally make this liquid fresh for everytime I use .. It hardly takes ten minutes for the prep..

      4. Jane Avatar
        Jane

        Used soap nuts since Christmas, occasionally using bi-carb (never again) and do not use anything else now. I have long wavy hair, best thing has been a natural boar bristle brush every night to move the wax (sebum) down the hair shaft, now have shiny low tangle low hair loss hair 🙂

        Reply
      5. Basmah Avatar
        Basmah

        i am no poo for almost 12 months, im about to use soap nuts, i have always used coconut oil with lavender oil, or argan oil to condtition my hair, i have waist length hair im 58 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jen A. Avatar
      Jen A.

      I have also tried castille soap for shampoo and had some undesirable results. It made my hair feel very filmy and kind of clump together. I immediately washed my hair with conventional shampoo to strip the film off of it. I’ve also tried the no-poo method and had about the same results. But I’m determined to keep trying! I’m about to try this recipe for the first time and have high hopes. Wish me luck!

      Reply
      1. Jen A. Avatar
        Jen A.

        Update: I’ve detoxed my hair a few times now with bentonite clay and followed up with coconut milk castille shampoo and had awesome results! It did take a while to detox, but I’m so glad I did! I was determined to be done with conventional shampoos & I have really noticed a difference. I have used Nexxus products for years thinking they were the best thing out there. Little did I know that they were actually making my hair fall out! Since switching to homemade shampoos my hair loss has actually decreased by about 80%. Thank you so much for your awesome recipes!

        Reply
    3. Barb Tocci Avatar
      Barb Tocci

      The coconut/Castile H M shampoo formula needs some “tweaking”…. Is a great kick off place. A lot of guinea pigs and bad hair days later……I’ve added 2 very light wt oils,(Apricot Kernal, Jojoba ) raw honey, rosemary/soap nut infused water (basically cutting the Coconut milk in half 50/50 ratio, and a few other goodies… my hair loves it…I’m selling Sweet Dew~ Shampoo under my 7 Springs Farm company. sevenspringsfarm.biz

      Kudos and blessings to Wellness Mama, I love to see people/WOMEN breaking the molds, doing what is healthy and best for themselves and their family!! Marching to a different beat.

      Reply
  13. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Hi, is it okay to put straight essential oil into the soapnut liquid water?

    Reply
  14. sandra richard Avatar
    sandra richard

    How about using this soap nut base as a replacement for the liquid castille soap in your coconut milk based shampoo?

    Reply
    1. sam Avatar
      sam

      wellness mama, would like to know the answer for this. Can we replace castille soap with soap nuts from the earlier coconut milk shampoo recipe? This is because the coconut milk recipe did not work and i do not want to waste the coconut milk. Pls reply, thanks in advance!

      Reply
  15. Justine Byers Avatar
    Justine Byers

    I love soap nuts! I have recently started using them to wash dishes (a few nuts in a sock with the end tied up and to do my laundry, they do a great job. I tried using them as a shampoo too, with a few drops of tea tree oil, and liked the results. After washing my hair I used the remaining liquid to clean the shower, worked well!

    Reply
  16. Lisa D Avatar
    Lisa D

    I also have a basic question. I bought soap nuts but all I received were shells. Is that correct? All the soap qualities are in the shells, not in the nuts themselves?

    Reply
    1. Claire Avatar
      Claire

      yes, its the shells 🙂 I use 15-20 in 6 cups of water and leave it on low/medium heat and get a dark colour and then store in big bottles, I use a cup in my laundry with some baking powder and essential oils and it smells great and everything is clean, I love it on my hair, so many options for scents!

      Reply
    2. Wayne Avatar
      Wayne

      Soap nuts are technically berries. Thou the term soap nuts stuck over soap berries.

      Reply
  17. Anni Wilkko Avatar
    Anni Wilkko

    Could this be made into a solid shampoo bar? Would this be good for oily hair? Or would you have some other ideas for oily hair?

    Reply
      1. Joy Davey Avatar
        Joy Davey

        You can use the powder to make shampoo bar. add butters and oils and if you want suds, add some synthetic detergent like sodium cocoyl isethionate. I make natural shampoo bars without the harsh chemicals. Best thing that ever happen to me. No more dry, itchy head from store bought shampoos

        Reply
  18. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    I’ve tried soap nuts as a washing up liquid (not the best idea) and body wash, but never thought of using them as shampoo. I’ll be giving this a go 🙂

    Reply
  19. Jessi K Avatar
    Jessi K

    Be still my heart! I have some of these from MRH and while I haven’t been brave enough yet to completely replace my homemade laundry soap, I am thrilled to find another use for them. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  20. Amber Finkelstein Avatar
    Amber Finkelstein

    I’m sorry to be obtuse, but do you use the water only, and discard the nuts? I’ve never worked with them (a lot of the concepts you bring up are new to me, but I enjoy reading them because I have a crazy amount of allergies). I often feel like I need instructions meant for a toddler!

    Thanks!

    Reply
      1. Leela Avatar
        Leela

        Hi wellness mama… Thank you so much for this recipe… Can we use ACV did water as a conditioner cos mine is a thin fine hair…thanks in advance

        Reply
        1. jemma Avatar
          jemma

          My daughters and I use a rinse of cider vinegar diluted in water . Make sure you rinse it well, but it’s fantastic for all hair types x

          Reply
      2. Cheryl Avatar
        Cheryl

        I have just followed you shampoo recipe. I brought it to a boil and turned it down to simmer. I was unable to keep the cover on due to it wanting to flood. This was true even when I had it very low. I left the top ajar and cooked it for the length of time you state, adding the water after 20 minutes. After the 10 minutes for the 2nd simmering I found close to no liquid left. I had to add more liquid and bring it back to a boil or nothing would be there for me to use. What am I doing wrong? Please let me know how to correct it in the future.
        Also is there a way to thicken it to make it more user friendly in the shower?
        How often do you shampoo your hair with it?
        Thanks for your input.

        Reply
        1. Stephanie Avatar
          Stephanie

          In my experience you don’t need to cook soapnuts, just put a few in an old shampoo bottle, add hot/warm water to the half way mark and leave to soak for a day or a few days. When you want to wash your hair, top up with warm water so it is comfortable to use. Squirt the whole contents of the bottle over your hair, tipping your head back. Leave it on for a few minutes; you can massage your scalp with fingertips and use flat hands to work it in with a bit more warm water, but don’t muss your hair up too much or you will get tangles. YOUR HAIR AT THIS STAGE WILL FEEL LIKE CRUNCHY STRAW: BUT DON’T GIVE UP – IT WILL FEEL WONDERFUL WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED. Repeat with more shampoo if this is the first time you have used soap nut shampoo because there will be residues of old shampoo/conditioner to remove. Rinse off, then use an apple cider vinegar rinse (a bit of apple cider vinegar in another old shampoo bottle, topped up with water and squirt through your hair). Comb with a wide tooth comb, then rinse again with clear water. You can use the soap nuts again for your next shampoo, or add more when needed. I have found that thickening soap nut shampoo just means there is thickener to be washed out of your hair. Good luck. When you get used to the routine it is easy.

          Reply
          1. Amélie Avatar
            Amélie

            Hey Stephanie, hope you read this. Great tips! Do you apply the shampoo on dry hair? Also, how many times can you use the nuts this way before they stop working? Cheers!

          2. Stephanie Avatar
            Stephanie

            Reply to Amelie.

            Hi, I apply to dry hair and add more water, but you can try applying it to wet hair. As to how many times you can use the nuts, it depends how long they have soaked for – just try it out and see what works best for you. Best wishes, Stephanie

      3. Stephanie Avatar
        Stephanie

        Yes I agree, the used shells can go into the compost with vegetable peelings etc.

        Reply
      4. Alexandra Avatar
        Alexandra

        Hello,
        I started adding rye flour shampoo (rye flour plus water) to the soap nut liquid ( I use Aritha powder instead of whole nuts) to wash my hair. Does anyone tried it as well and how were the results?
        I started experimenting with this combo 3 weeks ago and my hair feels amazing. The rye flour mix just adds that thickening effect that soap nuts lack. I also mix in shikakai powder, egg yolk, and sometimes mustard powder for softening effect.

        Thank you!
        Alexandra

        Reply
      5. Nicole M. Avatar
        Nicole M.

        Hello, I was wondering if you happen to know the ph of this recipe?

        Reply
    2. Claire Avatar
      Claire

      hi for your washing you can get a sock and tie a knot in the top with 5-6 nuts in the sock and wash your clothes and use the sock up to 3-5 time with the same nuts 🙂

      Reply
    3. Stephanie Avatar
      Stephanie

      Just shake a few broken up soap nuts in an old shampoo bottle with warm water and leave to soak. You can use it the next day refll with warm water/ more soap nut shells as required. All this cooking and big quantities and adding other stuff is unnecessary.

      Reply
      1. Jane Avatar
        Jane

        Agreed, I add warm water to the nuts and give it a shake to ensure there is still saponin in the nuts (you’ll get a little foam if they’re still good). Used this since Christmas, brush every night with a bristle brush (loose my curls though) and now use a wooden comb, just about there, shiny hair, healthy scalp – hard work but worth it.

        Reply
          1. Jane Avatar
            Jane

            I only wash weekly and only with soap nuts. Hopefully almost there 🙂

          2. Jane Avatar
            Jane

            Down to washing with soapnuts every nine days, hoping to increase that time by a day a month. My hair is so healthy with a shine I can’t remember before. I have some curl back too 🙂

      2. Christy Avatar
        Christy

        Although you are correct, many of us greatly enjoy the process itself! 🙂 There’s just something about taking the time to prepare new and healthy recipes and putting love into creating personalized scents and combos for your family! I’m so thankful for this blogger and the many other ones who have trialed and errored their way through the world of homemade cleaning products and were then brave enough to share it with the world!! Thank you for all the hard work and time it must take to do this! <3

        Reply
        1. Stephanie Avatar
          Stephanie

          Yes, fine. I was just making this remark for the people who were asking if there was a quicker and easier way. I agree that making things is fun but it would be a shame to put people off soapnuts who are too busy to have time for a longer process. 🙂

          Reply
      3. Cynthia ORLANDI Avatar
        Cynthia ORLANDI

        Thank you for your comments as my shower is upstairs and my fridge is downstairs . I’m glad to use some nuts in a squirt bottle and add warm water just before using. I wash my hair once a week and use vinegar to rinse and that brings out my curls. I’m 67 and I do not perspire and my hair smells fine all week. Thanks for being down to earth Stephanie!

        Reply
    4. teresa barquet Avatar
      teresa barquet

      You could use the nutshells as fertilizer or you can make bracelets, necklaces, or any handcrafts with de nuts…. they also can be used to mix it with the soil.

      Reply
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