In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become hotspots for DIY beauty hacks. Among them, herbal shampoo recipes have gained immense popularity, with influencers claiming benefits like reduced hair fall, increased shine, and even accelerated hair growth. But do these recipes actually work? To find out, we’ve dived into some of the most viral DIY herbal shampoo recipes, analyzing their ingredients and testing their efficacy.
Why Go Herbal?
Herbal shampoos appeal to those seeking natural alternatives to store-bought products laden with chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Advocates suggest that herbal ingredients are gentler, environmentally friendly, and can promote long-term scalp and hair health. While the benefits sound enticing, the effectiveness of these recipes often depends on their formulation and compatibility with individual hair types.
Viral Recipe #1: Aloe Vera and Coconut Milk Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons castile soap
- A few drops of essential oil (optional)
Claimed Benefits: This shampoo is praised for its hydrating properties. Aloe vera is said to soothe the scalp, while coconut milk nourishes and strengthens hair.
Testing Results: Upon testing, this shampoo delivered on hydration, leaving hair soft and manageable. However, the castile soap—while a natural cleanser—can be too alkaline for some hair types, leading to slight dryness over time. Using a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse afterward can help balance the pH.
Viral Recipe #2: Reetha, Shikakai, and Amla Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons reetha (soapnuts)
- 2 tablespoons shikakai powder
- 1 tablespoon amla powder
- 2 cups water
Claimed Benefits: This traditional Ayurvedic recipe is touted for its ability to cleanse without stripping natural oils, promote hair growth, and reduce dandruff.
Testing Results: This recipe provided a thorough cleanse and left hair feeling light and bouncy. Regular use over three weeks also resulted in a noticeable reduction in dandruff. However, preparing this shampoo requires boiling the ingredients and straining the mixture, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, those with very dry or colored hair might find it too drying.
Viral Recipe #3: Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 cup water (for baking soda solution)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water (for ACV rinse)
Claimed Benefits: This minimalist recipe claims to detox the scalp, remove product buildup, and restore shine.
Testing Results: While this method does effectively remove buildup, the high alkalinity of baking soda can damage the hair’s cuticle layer, especially with frequent use. Hair felt clean but slightly coarse after the first wash. The ACV rinse helped restore some smoothness, but this method is not suitable for long-term use as it may lead to dryness and breakage.
Viral Recipe #4: Rice Water Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fermented rice water
- 1/4 cup castile soap
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Claimed Benefits: Rice water is rich in inositol, a carbohydrate said to repair damaged hair and strengthen roots. The addition of castile soap offers a gentle cleansing action.
Testing Results: This shampoo left hair shiny and noticeably smoother after a few uses. Fermented rice water has a strong smell, which may be off-putting for some, but adding a few drops of essential oil can mask it. While effective for most hair types, those with extremely oily scalps may find it less cleansing.
Viral Recipe #5: Banana and Honey Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Claimed Benefits: This recipe is said to deeply moisturize dry, brittle hair and improve elasticity.
Testing Results: This shampoo indeed provided intense hydration, making it ideal for curly or dry hair. However, rinsing out banana residue can be challenging, even with thorough washing. Using a fine mesh strainer while blending the banana can help avoid chunks.
Factors to Consider Before Trying DIY Shampoos
- Hair Type and Condition: Not all recipes are suitable for every hair type. For instance, oily hair may not benefit from intensely moisturizing ingredients like banana and honey.
- Allergies: Always patch-test ingredients to avoid adverse reactions.
- Time and Effort: DIY shampoos often require preparation and have a shorter shelf life due to the absence of preservatives.
- pH Balance: Many viral recipes overlook the importance of maintaining the scalp’s natural pH, which is slightly acidic (around 5.5). Ingredients like baking soda and castile soap can disrupt this balance if not used carefully.
Final Thoughts
While some viral DIY herbal shampoo recipes do live up to their claims, others might be less effective or even potentially damaging in the long run. Recipes like the reetha, shikakai, and amla blend or the rice water shampoo tend to provide consistent benefits when prepared correctly. However, it’s essential to understand your hair’s unique needs and consider the effort involved in making these shampoos.
For those looking for natural alternatives without the hassle, many brands offer pre-formulated herbal shampoos that are pH-balanced and enriched with botanical ingredients. Whether you choose to DIY or buy, the key to healthy hair lies in regular care, a balanced diet, and a bit of patience.
So, are you ready to embark on your DIY herbal shampoo journey? Start with one of these recipes and let us know which one works best for you!