Nourishing solid shampoo

Back 23. 01. 2025

Nourishing solid shampoo for hair without unnecessary packaging

 

 

Nowadays, interest in ecological and natural alternatives in personal hygiene is growing. One of them is homemade production of a nourishing solid shampoo. This simple process not only eliminates plastic packaging, but also allows you to adapt the formulation to the individual needs of your hair. In this article, we will look at the steps for making your own solid shampoo from just a few ingredients. Take a look with us at how you can create a shampoo that is gentle on the environment and at the same time effective for your hair.

 

What is a nourishing solid shampoo made of?


A nourishing solid shampoo will help you take care not only of your hair, but also of your scalp, thanks to the content of inulin, which acts as a natural prebiotic for the skin. In addition to inulin, you will find two mild surfactants in the shampoo, which gently remove grease without a feeling of excessive drying or degreasing. 

 

Phase Raw material name Content in %
A Witch hazel hydrosol 5,00
A Liquid glycerin colour, magenta as needed
B SCI 52,75
B SCS 26,75
B Inulin 4,10
B Shea butter 8,50
C Pentylene Glycol 3,00
C Essential oil, clove 0,90

 

Nourishing solid shampoo - procedure

 

1. Before starting work, put a protective mask on your face and gloves on, because one of the raw materials used, SCI, is easily released into the air in the form of a powder.
2. In the hydrosol, dissolve the colourant, start with one drop, add more if you want a shade stronger than pastel.
3. In a heat-resistant container, ideally made of borosilicate glass, mix SCI, SCS, hydrosol and inulin.
4. Place the mixture of powders and water in a water bath and start heating while stirring constantly.
5. Continue stirring until the mixture unifies into a solid and malleable mass.
6. Remove the container from the water bath and after slight cooling add Pentylene Glycol and the essential oil. Mix thoroughly.
7. Immediately fill the mould with the solid shampoo and let it cool down.
8. After solidifying, your shampoo is ready to use.

 

Nourishing solid shampoo in a circular shape held by a woman's hand in front of a pink background. Create your solid shampoo according to the instructions from Handymade.

Nourishing solid shampoo and its variations

 

If you decide to adapt your own solid shampoo to your colour or fragrance preferences, or if you are looking for ways to simplify the formulation or substitute some raw materials, the following lines will provide answers to these questions.

 

Nourishing solid shampoo - raw materials and their significance

 

Used surfactants


In our recipe, we combined two surfactants. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) represents a cleansing and foaming agent with mild degreasing properties. However, when handling it, it is important to follow precautions, because it is easily released in powder form.

Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) is another surfactant ensuring cleansing and foaming of the solid shampoo. It is a mild surfactant made from coconut oil, which works well with oils and butters.

 

Vegetable butters and oils


In our recipe, we used shea butter, but you have a number of other options to choose from. If you want to experiment, you can choose another vegetable butter or oil. However, it is necessary to take into account that changing the ratio of butter or oil may affect the properties of your shampoo. The shampoo may degrease less or its consistency will be less solid if you choose a higher proportion of oil.

 

Witch hazel hydrosol


Witch hazel hydrosol has nourishing and soothing properties for the skin, therefore it is perfectly suited for a solid shampoo and also adds a delicate fragrance. However, if you have another favourite hydrosol, do not hesitate to reach for it. An alternative is also demineralised water, which is often used in cosmetics for its higher purity. 

 

Liquid glycerin colour - magenta


Liquid colourants are a popular way to quickly and easily adjust the colour of your products. If you want a colourless shampoo, simply omit the colourant, or you can use mica powders for colouring.

 

Essential oil - clove


Clove essential oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it ideal for a nourishing solid shampoo. Its stimulating scent also contributes to relaxation and stimulation of the scalp. As an alternative, you can consider essential oils of peppermint or rosemary, which have similar effects, or omit the fragrance ingredient altogether.

 

Pentylene Glycol


Pentylene Glycol is often used as a humectant in cosmetic products. Its ability to bind water helps to maintain the moisture of the skin and hair. In case of unavailability, you can consider glycerin as a substitute; however, glycerin does not have the antibacterial properties that Pentylene Glycol imparts to products.

 

Silicone mould


For making the shampoo, we used a silicone mould, but if you do not have one, you can also form shampoo balls by hand.

 

Warning


When working with cosmetic raw materials, it is important to know their properties and safe use. If you have sensitive skin or any allergies, we recommend consulting a doctor before using a new product. Each raw material has the potential to cause an allergic reaction, therefore it is important to be careful.