Limited Time Offer 40% off The Touselled Wavy Hair Routine. Use code: Wavy-Girlie
DIY Gentle Soapwort & Herb Hair Cleanser (Mild Shampoo)
DIY HAIRCARE
Go back to basics with this traditional herbal hair wash. Using the natural cleansing power of soapwort root, this mild liquid gently lifts dirt and oil without stripping your hair's natural moisture barrier, leaving it clean and soft.
Serves
• Grams: approx. 950 g • Ounces: approx. 33.5 oz • People: 3-4 washes
Difficulty
Easy
Prep time
5 minutes
total time
20 minutes
IN THIS RECIPE
Recipe at a glance
This recipe is for informational purposes. If you have a serious scalp condition, consult a dermatologist. Patch test for allergies before use. Avoid contact with eyes.
Dislacimer
diet & lifestyle
requirements
• Vegan • Vegetarian • Gluten-Free • Dairy-Free • Egg-Free
Is this recipe for you?
This is perfect for anyone looking to escape modern detergents. It's ideal for those with very sensitive scalps, fine hair that gets easily stripped, or for people following a "no-poo" or low-poo hair care routine.
Recipe is best for hair type
Excellent for fine hair (Type 1, 2a) as it provides gentle cleansing with zero residue to weigh hair down. Very suitable for all hair types as a gentle alternative to harsh shampoos.
Sensitive scalp, Fine hair, Reaction to commercial shampoos, Desire for a 100% natural cleanser.
INGREDIENTs highlight
This cleanser can help with hair growth.
How this recipe works
This cleanser works by creating a simple herbal infusion. The boiling water extracts the soap-like saponins from the soapwort root. These saponins are natural surfactants, meaning they can bind to both water and oil, allowing them to gently wash away dirt from the scalp and hair. The chosen herbs infuse the water with their own beneficial properties for the scalp.
caution: before you begin
Be careful when handling boiling water. Only use herbs sourced from a reputable supplier to ensure they are clean and correctly identified. Perform a patch test on your skin before use.
CAUTION: Allergens
None of the 14 major allergens are present, but be aware of potential sensitivities or allergies to specific plants like chamomile (ragweed family).
Tools & UTENSILS
what you will need
• Soapwort Root: Nature's soap. It contains saponins, which are natural compounds that create a low, gentle lather to cleanse the hair and scalp without harsh chemicals. • Chamomile/Rosemary/Horsetail: These herbs add therapeutic benefits: chamomile soothes, rosemary stimulates and is great for oily hair, and horsetail provides silica to strengthen.
ingredients
• Crushed soapwort root • Chamomile flowers OR Rosemary leaves OR Horsetail • Boiling water
• 14 g / 0.5 oz • 14 g / 0.5 oz • 950 g / 33.5 oz
how to make it
1. Combine Herbs: Place the crushed soapwort root and your chosen herb (chamomile, rosemary, or horsetail) into a large heatproof bowl. 2. Steep: Carefully pour the 2 pints of boiling water over the herbs. 3. Infuse: Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to infuse into the water. 4. Strain: Once cooled to a comfortable temperature, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar, discarding the herbs. 5. Wash: To wash your hair, slowly pour about a cupful of the warm liquid over your wet hair. Massage it into the scalp and hair, then rinse thoroughly.
Pro-tip
Herb Choice: • Chamomile: Best for soothing the scalp and for fair hair. • Rosemary: Excellent for oily hair and stimulating the scalp. • Horsetail: Rich in silica, believed to help strengthen hair. You can also use this as a final conditioning rinse after your normal shampoo.
a quick note
How to store it
CRITICAL: THIS IS A FRESH INFUSION. It contains no preservatives. It must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the liquid in an ice cube tray and thaw a cube as needed.
budget
Extremely cost-effective, especially if you buy herbs in bulk. It is 100% biodegradable and creates no plastic packaging waste.
Frequently asked questions
Dislacimer
Dislacimer
Will this lather up like my regular shampoo?
No. Do not expect big, bubbly lather. Soapwort creates a very low, slight sudsing or slippery feeling. The cleaning action is much milder, so be sure to use your fingertips to massage your scalp well to manually lift dirt.
Dislacimer
Where can I buy soapwort root?
You can find dried, crushed soapwort root (sometimes called Saponaria officinalis) from online apothecaries, herbal suppliers, or at some local health food stores.
Dislacimer
Do I need to use a conditioner after this?
It depends on your hair type. Because this wash is so gentle and non-stripping, many people find they don't need a conditioner. If your hair feels tangled or dry, you can follow up with a light conditioner or an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Dislacimer
Can I use other herbs?
Yes. Other great herbs for hair include lavender (soothing), sage (for dark hair and oiliness), and nettle (nutrient-rich and strengthening).
Ask a question
Have a burning question about hair care? Submit your query, and our experts will provide the answers you seek.
Share a tip!
We love to hear from you. If you have a burning tip you are eager to share with our community just reach out to us!
Meet our expert
Madeleine
Director
Madeleine is an expert hair stylist dedicated to the art and science of hair care. Her work empowers individuals to understand and embrace their hair's true potential, transforming routine care into a ritual of natural beauty.