I Tried Making My Own Shampoo at Home – Here’s What Happened
A few weeks ago, I started to wonder if I could really ditch store-bought shampoo. I’ve always been curious about natural remedies, but part of me thought homemade hair care might be too messy, too complicated, or just not effective. Still, the idea of cleansing my hair with plants instead of chemicals was too tempting not to try.
When I came across a guide on how to make shampoo at home using soapnuts, amla, and fenugreek (https://ask-ayurveda.com/articles/1439-how-to-make-shampoo-at-home-with-natural-ingredients-herbal-recipes-and-benefits
), I felt inspired. The recipes were surprisingly simple. It wasn’t about creating a perfect salon product—it was about going back to basics. And that idea felt grounding.
What I Learned From My First Batch
I started with the soapnut and amla cleanser. You soak them overnight, boil, strain, and use the liquid. No fancy equipment. The first time I tried it, the lack of foamy lather was strange. My hair didn’t feel “squeaky clean” in the usual way, but it did feel lighter, less weighed down.
Then I tried a fenugreek paste. I found out through Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/895934919627591402
) that combining fenugreek with hibiscus makes a softening mask. My scalp felt calmer, and I didn’t notice as much itching afterward. Aloe vera mixed with coconut milk was another experiment—it’s messy, but for dry hair like mine, it gave more moisture than my usual conditioner.
I also read a really thoughtful conversation on LinkedIn about Ayurvedic hair cleansing (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ask-ayurveda_ayurvedic-hair-care-emphasizes-cleansing-activity-7370841019422257154-4Z3q
?). It made me realize that these methods aren’t just “DIY hacks”—they’re part of a much older tradition of holistic self-care.
Why This Feels Different
Beyond the recipes, what really struck me was the sense of community around natural shampoo. On Facebook, I saw a post about herbal hair care (https://www.facebook.com/885804900366149/posts/1100894965523807
) where people were sharing what worked for them. Over on X, there are even threads where people talk about choosing reetha over commercial shampoos (https://x.com/1857364984759541760/status/1965075232252682427
). And Instagram is full of creative reetha and shikakai blends (https://www.instagram.com/p/DOWKoqJD-hH/
) that make herbal beauty feel fresh and exciting again.
It’s encouraging to see that this isn’t just a trend for a few enthusiasts—it’s becoming part of a broader shift toward conscious living. And honestly, it feels good to be part of it, even in a small way.
Closing Thoughts
Ask Ayurveda emphasizes that true hair care is about balance and nourishment, not just surface-level shine. I’m starting to understand that now. Making my own shampoo has been messy, sometimes frustrating, but also rewarding. My hair feels healthier, and I feel more connected to the process.
What about you? Would you ever give homemade shampoo a try, or does it still feel too “out there”? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.