DIY Herbal Shampoo Recipe for Healthier, Shinier Hair

IIf you’ve ever wanted a DIY herbal shampoo recipe that gently cleanses the scalp and strengthens your hair, this is for you!

This gentle shampoo recipe uses Ayurvedic herbs and is rich in nutrients, naturally cleansing, and free of synthetic ingredients. It helps reduce hair fall, soothes scalp irritation, and leaves your hair soft, shiny, and conditioned. I didn’t invent this formula (it’s a beautiful tradition passed down for generations in India). However, this DIY herbal shampoo recipe has become a staple in my holistic haircare routine because it’s so nourishing, effective, and simple to make.

🌿 Why These Herbs Are So Powerful

Shikakai – Known as “fruit for the hair,” shikakai gently cleanses without stripping natural oils and supports hair strength.
Reetha (Soapnut) – Naturally sudsing and detoxifying, reetha helps remove buildup and leaves the scalp fresh.
Amla – A powerful source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, amla supports hair growth and shine.
Fenugreek – Soothes inflammation and helps reduce shedding while deeply conditioning the hair shaft.

Together, these herbs form a well-balanced shampoo that supports scalp health and promotes stronger, glossier hair over time.

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✨ What You’ll Need

• 6–8 pieces of dried Shikakai pods
• 7–8 pieces of dried Reetha (soapnuts)
• A few pieces of dried Amla fruit
• 1–2 tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds
• 3 cups of filtered water

Shop all my haircare essentials here

How to Make This DIY Herbal Shampoo Recipe

1. Soak
   Place all your herbs in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Add 3 cups of filtered water. Cover and let the mixture soak overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
2. Simmer
   In the morning, transfer the mixture to a small pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the herbs release their nutrients and makes the shampoo more concentrated.
3. Mash & Strain
   Once cooled, mash the herbs with clean hands to extract all their goodness. Then strain the liquid through a mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag into a clean bottle or jar.
4. Bottle It Up
   Pour the shampoo into a squeeze bottle for easy use in the shower. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to Use This DIY Herbal Shampoo Recipe

• Apply to your scalp and massage gently. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
• Follow with your favorite herbal rinse or conditioner if needed.
• Use 1–2 times per week as part of your holistic haircare routine.

Additional Tips & Notes

• For light-colored hair: Shikakai and Amla may slightly darken hair over time, so take care if you’re blonde.
• Avoid contact with eyes: This DIY herbal shampoo recipe is gentle on the hair, but it can sting if it gets into your eyes. Rinse well with cool water if that happens.
• Freeze for later: Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze. Just thaw a cube when you’re ready to use it.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Prefer to watch me make it? You can see the full process in my video here: