Ditch shampoos and try these DIY alternatives for long and strong hair

Don’t let the chemical infused shampoos ruin your beautiful mane. Here are 4 ways to wash your hair without shampoos.
rice water for hair growth
See your hair grow and shine with these natural and DIY hair wash ideas. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Manasvi Jain Published: 14 Oct 2022, 14:00 pm IST
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We love our good hair days which come after robust cleaning with shampoos and conditioners which leave our hair smelling fragrant and soft. But this may all just be an appearance. What is actually happening to our hair is not that good. You can nourish your hair from within by replacing your shampoo with some natural cleansers. Let’s take a look at how you can wash your hair without shampoo!

Shampoos are nothing more than detergents for our hair which adds no value to the hair apart from getting rid of the dirt, oil and grim. Instead, the excessive amount of chemicals like sulphates present in the shampoo strips off our hair from its natural oils making it dry and brittle. Even though it looks good after the wash, there is unseen harm done to your hair which one notices eventually. These include loss of hair, increased hair fall, frizz and dryness, etc.

Dermatology experts are known to agree that the characteristics of healthy hair include thickness, volume, luster and resilience of the fiber but a 2015 study shows that shampooing daily cleanses off the protective layer of sebum that covers the hair, causing the shaft to dry out so it easily gets more prone to frizz.

But don’t worry, now that you have realized what shampoos are capable of doing to our hair, you can replace them with some natural home remedies.

How to wash hair without shampoo?

1. Shikakai, amla and reetha

Shikakai, amla and reetha is a power-packed combination that cleans, nourishes and strengthens our hair. A study published in the ResearchGate shows that the saponin present in the pods and bark of shikakai, produces mild lather, has low pH and doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils. The study suggests that shikakai hair wash completely or partially relieves dandruff and it’s symptoms like scaling, itching, dryness and greasiness of the scalp. It also strengthens hair by promoting hair growth and avoiding hair splitting.

Reetha is a natural cleanser which helps remove the oil and dirt from our scalp without any chemicals. While amla again has known benefits for hair growth and strengthening. This combination will clean your hair as good as a shampoo does, so why not give it a try!

amla reetha shikakai
Amla shikakai reetha have the power to strengthen your hair! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Also read: How to make shikakai shampoo

2. Multani mitti

Multani mitti or fuller’s earth is a clay like material which is famous for its quality as an adsorbent of oil and dirt. It is a natural cleanser and using it will eliminate the need for sulphate shampoos. It also hydrates your scalp without stripping the natural oils of our scalp. To wash your hair with multani mitti just make a paste of it by adding water, massage your scalp with it, leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off. Get a step-by-step on how to wash hair with multani mitti here!

benefits of multani mitti
Give your scalp a through exfoliation with natural multani mitti shampoo. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Apple cider vinegar

This is another easily available ingredient which can be used to clean hair. A 2021 study has shown that ACV works as a natural antifungal agent that may inhibit the growth of the dandruff-causing fungus. The study declares ACV as an economic hair shampoo and conditioner, because it can clean and the condition hair making it softer, silkier, and shinier due to the presence of acetic acid in it.  Make sure you use a diluted apple cider vinegar as the pure one can be harsh to your hair.

4. Coconut milk

Coconut milk is extremely moisturizing for the hair. Washing your hair with coconut oil will leave your hair smooth and shiny. Studies have shown that it has cleansing properties which helps it in getting rid of all the oil and dirt accumulated on your scalp. Just massage your scalp with coconut milk, leave it for an hour and rinse it off.

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coconut milk as a shampoo
Coconut milk has magical benefits for hair. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

So, give these natural alternatives a try and let your hair get a breather from the chemicals!

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About the Author

Manasvi Jain is a professional writer with a keen interest in spreading awareness about various health and wellness issues through her articles. She writes well researched articles by connecting with various doctors and health experts. ...Read More

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