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That’s it…I finally have gone NO POO! ‘No poo’ is a natural alternative to shampoo that does not use soap or other lathering ingredients.
Commercial soap-based shampoos use harmful chemicals, like sodium lauryl sulfate, to achieve the rich lathering effect. While most of us have grown accustomed to the suds-effect, its not necessary for clean hair and it introduces harmful chemicals to our system. Additionally, soap strips the hair of its natural oils, which can lead to brittle, damaged strands.
Which dangerous chemicals are lurking in conventional shampoos?
Sodium lauryl sulfate is commonly added to shampoos (and even toothpaste) for its foaming effect. It is actually made from coconuts, but harmful byproducts are added during the manufacturing process – this results in a link to organ toxicity and even cancer risk.
Parabens are a known endocrine disruptor – they mimic estrogen and have been associate with an increased risk of breast cancer. They may also be responsible for exacerbating hormone imbalances that lead to PMS and conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
Diethonalamine has been linked to increased cancer risk in animal studies, yet you can still find it in many store-bought shampoos!
Instead of exposing yourself to these toxic chemicals at worst, and stripping your hair of its natural oils at best, make your own natural hair wash!
Soap Less shampoo recipe Ingredients
Dried soapwort root is derived from the soapwort plant, which has an ancient reputation for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. As the name suggests, it does give a little lather but don’t expect big bubble like a commercial shampoo. The bubbling effect is the result of naturally occurring saponins – these are anti-inflammatory to the scalp and help to remove excess oil and dirt from the hair shaft. Soapwort does irritate the eyes so avoid eye contact.
Dried sage is another dried herb that can be added to this recipe for dark hair. The natural tannins in sage have a darkening effect that can make your hair color richer, and it can even help to cover grays. Sage also boosts hair shine and its antioxidants keep the hair strands young and supple. Dried sage should be mixed in in powder form.
Dried chamomile or hibiscus flowers are dried powders made from either type of powder. Chamomile has a natural lightening effect and can be used for blonde hair. Hibiscus flowers impart a pinkish, red tone and can be used for red hair.
Liquid honey is made by bees. Its nutrient-rich and high in antioxidants, which helps it to have an anti-aging effect on hair. It’s also a natural humectant, which adds moisture to the hair and is great for boosting your hair’s radiance and can help to improve shine. Look for unrefined or raw honey for the best effect. While honey has a sticky texture, it acts as a natural clarifier and rinses out well.
Apple cider vinegar is a probiotic vinegar made from apples. This liquid is anti-inflammatory to the scalp and a natural toner for hair, helping to remove excess oil and dirt. Apple cider vinegar has also been used to treat dandruff. For the best results, by an organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar – this will have the most medicinal effects on your hair and scalp.
Xantham gum thickens this recipe and makes the no poo a bit easier to use. It is obtained from corn sugar and it is one of the most common thickening or stabilizing agents used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines. You can find it at your health food store or on amazon here.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of dried soapwort root
- 1 tablespoon of dried sage for dark hair or of chamomile flower for blond hair and hibiscus flowers for red hair I have used hibiscus flowers for this recipe; it gives a nice pink color to the shampoo. Lavender and rosemary are good for all type of hair.
- 3 cup of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon of liquid honey
- OPTIONAL: 1 TABLESPOON OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
- ½ teaspoon or more of xantham gum*
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions
- Boil the dried soapwort root and chosen herbs and simmer for 20 minutes. Cover the pot to avoid losing too much water. Let infuse and cool for 5 minutes and strain. Add the honey and the apple cider vinegar.
- Mix well.
- Add the xantham gum, and start whipping with an electric mixer, after a few minutes, the liquid will turn into a thick gel. If it is still too liquid after 5 minutes, add a little more xantham gum.
- Once cool, add the essential oils.
- Use tea tree if you have an itchy scalp or dandruff.
- Pour it in a glass bottle and keep in the fridge for a maximum conservation.
- This can keep about 10 days.
- *If you are allergic to corn do not use xantham gum.
*If you are allergic to corn do not use xantham gum.
Word of wisdom: Soapwort can irritate eyes, avoid contact with eyes.
I hope you have enjoyed my recipe, please share the love and rate ***** in the comments below!
I’m Eve, a DIY organic skincare recipe creator since 2010 that loves to make a big mess in the kitchen!
I’ve embarked on a journey to empower women to ditch all the chemical-filled commercial beauty products and to share how to make your own organic beauty recipes at home towards a healthier lifestyle.
Homemade face & body creams, body butter, lips balms, face masks, shampoos, and all-natural perfume will have no more secret for you!
I am self-taught, read many books, and spend many hours in the kitchen creating brand new homemade beauty recipes. All my recipes are unique and are tested on humans!
In 2016, I studied Aromatherapy and became certified by the School of Natural Health Sciences.
Hi Eve,
I also had the same problem as Vnoor where it did not change into a gel. I added a total of 2tsp of xantham gum, but it never became gel. It stayed as a whipped cream texture. The volume doubled/tripled, but never deflated like if making butter from heavy cream as an example. Would an immersion blender have worked better? I took a picture if it helps, then I can send it.
Thanks!
Hi Eve,
I’m very interested in your vegan recipes and wondered before I make this one, if it would make a difference to leave out the liquid honey or is there an alternative replacement? Thanks
Author
Hi Annita, you could replace honey by maple syrup or agave syrup if you are vegan or just skip this ingredient!
Hello! Can I substitute xantham gum with arabic gum?
Author
arabic gun is a thickener so it may work, but you will have to try and test because I have not used it yet!
Hello! What about Guar gum, is also a thickener…?
Hi Eve
I am from India and we could not find soap-wort root. Pl suggest an alternative ingredient to this.
Author
sadly, I do not know any alternative!
in İndia they use amla powder for hair.
hi eve,
can this shampoo be used for atleast 3months?
Author
Hi, no it will not last long and you have to make small batch every week.
Hi Eve,
I was wondering if perhaps the shampoo could be frozen in ice-cubes and taken out the day before use? Freezing the mixture would preserve it for longer, however I am not sure if freezing it would change the consistency? Just a thought 🙂
Rachel
Author
Interesting thought, freezer should work! let me know when you try 🙂
Can u share how liquid shampoo for long how to make can be used for 3months without presavative
How much does this make? Curious because it only lasts 10 days. Thank you!
Author
Hi Karen, depending on your hair length, it can be used for 2 or max 3 applications.
Hi, thank you for the recipe. I used soapwort root and dried sage powder with xantham gum. My shampoo did not turn into a gel. What do you suggest that I do? The shampoo was great, I dont have hair fall now and my dandruff decreased by 70%. I loved it!
Author
Hi Vnorr, try adding more xantham gum and make sure you whip it with an electic mixer!