16 Natural shampoo alternatives you should know

There is no limit to what some people will spend on making their hair look beautiful. The health and appearance of your hair can either enhance or reduce your beauty. So it is very important that you take good care of it. Commercial shampoos are made of many toxic chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils and make it dry. Some of these chemicals are even harmful enough to cause deadly diseases like cancer. But luckily Mother Nature has provided us with many alternatives that help in preserving the natural oils in the hair and in keeping it healthy. “No Poo” practices is now followed by many people today who want to avoid harmful effects of cosmetic shampoos.  Here are some of the natural shampoo alternatives that are inexpensive and easy to use:

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is very effective in removing dirt and grease from the hair and in keeping it clean. Although there are several ways to use baking soda for washing your hair, the easiest method is to make a paste of baking soda in water and then applying it on your scalp and then rinsing it off. Another method is to wash your hair with washing soda and then rinse with vinegar. This method is cheap, easy, chemical-free and effective too.

2. Shampoo bars

Shampoo bar is a commonly used natural alternative to commercial shampoo. Similar in appearance to a bar of soap, shampoo bars are specifically made for hair. Majority of them are made with natural ingredients and can be used on any types of hair. They help in reducing dandruff, increasing hair volume, increasing hair growth and reducing frizz. Shampoo bars also help retaining the natural oil and in preventing dry scalp.  In addition to being inexpensive, they are long lasting too. Using shampoo bars is an eco-friendly way to jumpstart eliminating plastic in your bathroom.

3. Soap nuts / Reetha

Soap nuts are used widely for washing clothes, dishes and even hair. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for cleaning hair and also for treating dandruff and hair loss. The shells of soap nut absorb water and releases saponins, which acts as a surfactant, removing dirt and grime.  Washing your hair with soap nuts make it softer and shinier. They promote hair growth and prevent hair loss as well. Soap nuts have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help prevent dandruff, dry scalp and other scalp related problems. To make soap nuts shampoo, add about a dozen soap nuts to 5 cups of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Leave it overnight and in the morning gently crush the nuts so that the saponins in them are released. Strain the liquid and store it in bottles.

[Read more about benefits of reetha]

4. Dry shampoo

Another great option is the dry shampoo that has been gaining popularity over the past few years. Unlike the commercial shampoos, dry shampoo does not require that your hair gets wet. Available in the powder or spray form, dry shampoos absorb excess oils and leaves your hair looking great. Not only do these shampoos clean your hair, they increase the volume of hair and leave your hair smelling great.

5. Rhassoul clay

Rhassoul clay is another perfect substitute for shampoo as it helps in cleansing and nourishing your hair.  It has antimicrobial properties and hence is effective in preventing dandruff and other scalp infections. The high levels of minerals in rhassoul clay nourish your hair and keep it healthy. It is 100% natural and does not strip the oils of your hair. Rhassoul clay can be used to wash hair daily and is safe on any hair type.

6. Fullers Earth

Fullers’ earth or Multani Mitti offers multiple benefits to hair. It prevents hair loss and dandruff. It improves circulation of the blood in the scalp. It is anti fungal in nature and prevents any growth of fungus or bacteria on scalp. It removes dead skin cells from scalps. It serves good conditioning of your hair. It is often used as natural hair straightening agent.

Try out this Fuller’s earth and reetha hair shampoo –Soak reetha seeds and multani mitti overnight. Add more water to make a thick paste to apply to your hair. Reetha has slightly foaming effect and shampoo like properties.

[Read more benefits of fullers’ earth]

7. Eggs

Highly rich in protein and containing the natural cleanser lecithin, eggs are best for cleaning and conditioning your hair. Lecithin eliminates the grease and dirt making your hair absolutely clean. The protein in eggs strengthens the hair shaft and adds volume to the hair. Eggs are also rich other nutrients that promote the healthy growth of hair. All you need to do is whisk an egg in a bowl and apply it on your scalp. Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes. You can also add additional ingredients such as essential oils, aloe vera, henna or olive oil to the egg.

You can also try this Multani Mitti and egg hair pack – Make a smooth paste by mixing white egg with multani mitti and little rice flour. Apply this muddy shampoo to your hair and let it work for 10 minutes. Wash and comb thereafter. You would find your hair straightened.

[Read more about benefits of eggs]

8. Henna

Henna is another natural ingredient that is great for promoting the growth of healthy hair. Not only is it effective in coloring hair but is also helpful in nourishing hair and making it strong and shiny. It also helps in increasing the volume of hair and in repairing damaged hair strands. Henna helps maintain the natural pH balance of the scalp and is also effective in eliminating dandruff and various scalp infections. It is a great conditioner and locks in the essential moisture, leaving your hair looking healthy and beautiful.

9. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is one of the popular essential oils that provide lot of benefits to the hair. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it useful for treating hair problems like dandruff and itchy scalp. Unlike commercial shampoos, natural tea tree oil does not clog the hair follicles and hence do not make the hair dry and brittle. Tea tree oil is also effective in getting rid of head lice.

[Read more about natural food for hair loss]

10. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another great option for washing your hair. It keeps your hair perfectly clean by removing dirt and grime. The acidic nature of the vinegar helps in maintaining the correct pH balance of the hair. It also helps in retaining the natural oil in the hair. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help in treating dry and itchy scalp. It also improves blood circulation, which increases the strength of the hair and stimulates hair growth. To make the hair wash, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water.

11. Beer

Beer is not only a good cleanser, but it also adds volume to your hair. Beer contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and other nutrients that support healthy growth of hair. The protein in beer improves the elasticity and strength of the hair while the carbohydrates moisturize the hair. Using beer to wash your hair gives a shiny and lustrous appearance to the hair.

12. Aloe vera

Aloe vera offers soothing and calming effects to the skin and is a basic ingredient in many skin care products. It is also found to be great for the hair as it helps in cleansing the hair and in nourishing it. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of aloe vera make it an effective remedy for dandruff and other scalp infections. Take some aloe vera gel and gently massage it on to the scalp. It balances the pH levels of the scalp, increases blood circulation, promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. An easy aloe vera shampoo can be prepared by mixing together aloe vera gel, honey and apple cider vinegar. This solution helps in drawing moisture to the hair and keeps it well conditioned.

13. Yogurt

Yogurt has been used as a hair care ingredient since a very long time. It is packed with nutrients that help in repairing damaged hair. Using yogurt is an easy and inexpensive way to replenish dry and dull hair. It has antifungal properties that help get rid of dandruff. Yogurt helps manage frizzy hair and make it shiny and lustrous.  Applying yogurt on the scalp is also found to be effective in preventing hair loss. A shampoo can be made using yogurt, castille soap, lemon juice and honey. First melt the castille soap in hot water. Mix together yogurt, honey and lemon juice and combine this mixture with the melted castille soap. Store this mixture in bottles and use whenever needed.

14. Mayonnaise

Treating your hair with mayonnaise is another safe and inexpensive way to get great hair. It contains eggs and vinegar, which as explained before are extremely good for the hair. The protein and oils in mayonnaise strengthens the hair and increases its volume. It is an excellent moisturizer that keeps your hair well hydrated. It also maintains the pH balance of the hair and prevents damage.  Apply mayonnaise on the hair and scalp and massage it well. Leave it on for about hair and then wash off using soap nut shampoo.

15. Calendula

Calendula is an amazing herb that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. These effects are helpful in healing the skin and in soothing the scalp. Shampoos made with herbs such as calendula helps keeps your hair clean and fresh without the harmful effects. To make this shampoo, add calendula, chamomile, rosemary and stinging nettle to boiling water. Switch off the stove and let the solution stand for half an hour. Strain the infusion and add a few drops of coconut oil, lavender essential oil and castille soap. Give the whole infusion a thorough mixing, pour it in bottles and store in the refrigerator. Only about a tablespoon of this shampoo would be sufficient to cleanse your hair.

16. Coconut Milk

We all know Coconut oil is great for your hair. Coconut milk can be used as shampoo for your hair. It nourishes your hair with essential nutrients. Use coconut milk, along with natural soaping agent like soapnuts along with honey, almond oil and some aromatic essential oil, as a natural shampoo for your hair.

The advantage of using natural hair care ingredients is that they do not contain harsh and toxic chemicals that may cause damage to the hair.  Mother Nature provides us with a whole lot of such ingredients abundantly. All you need to do is to identify these products and use them wisely. When it comes to keeping your hair clean, it is always best to do it with safe and natural ingredients.

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