Hair Care Routine

Hair Wash Before shampoo

Before shampoos became a staple in hair care routines, people relied on natural ingredients to keep their locks healthy, shiny, and strong—whether they had curly or straight hair. The question often arises: What secrets did our ancestors use to achieve such luscious tresses before the era of shampoo and conditioner? Let’s dive into the natural hair care practices of the past and uncover the traditional ingredients they used for hair washing before shampoos took over.

Soapnuts

Soapnuts

Soapnuts are a fruit containing saponins, a natural compound that creates a soap-like lather. For centuries, people have used soapnuts to clean their scalp and hair. They’re particularly popular among those who prefer natural alternatives to commercial shampoos. Soapnuts promote hair health, cleanse the scalp, and are beneficial for overall hair well-being.

How People used ‘Soapnuts’ for Hair Wash?

  • They actually take the required amount of soapnuts for hair wash
  • Smash them with a hard object to release their saponins
  • Mix the smashed soapnuts with water to create a lather
  • and then use this natural cleanser to wash their hair every time

Benefits

Chemical-free nourishment: Soap nuts contain natural agents that protect and nourish hair without any harsh chemical-based ingredients
Rich in essential vitamins: They are a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which support overall hair health and well-being
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: Soap nuts have properties that help cleanse the scalp, remove impurities, and regulate oiliness, promoting a healthy scalp environment

Shikakai

Hair Care Routine

Shikakai, similar to soap nuts, contains saponins that effectively cleanse the scalp. Traditionally, people would dry Shikakai and grind it into a powder to use as a natural shampoo. This ancient practice has given way to modern Shikakai-based shampoos, which have become popular for their benefits. Our ancestors leveraged the advantages of Shikakai, and its popularity endures today.

How people used ‘Shikakai’ for Hair Wash?

  • They would dry the Shikakai fruits thoroughly
  • Once dry, they’d grind the Shikakai into a fine powder
  • This powder would often be combined with other natural ingredients, like soap nuts or other herbal powders
  • Finally, they’d mix the powder with water and use it as a natural shampoo to wash their hair

Benefits

It has Essential vitamins: It’s a natural source of vitamins A, C, D, and K, which nourish and support healthy hair growth
Collagen production and protection: Shikakai promotes collagen production, strengthening hair follicles, and shields hair from environmental stresses
Reduces hair fall and dandruff: It helps prevent hair loss and dandruff by moisturizing the scalp, keeping it healthy and hydrated

Gram Flour

Gram Flour

Yes, soap nuts were indeed used to wash hair in the early days due to their saponin content, which gently cleanses the hair and scalp. In fact, soap nuts were used for full-body cleansing, from head to toe, thanks to their numerous benefits. It might surprise some, but this practice remains true even today in certain areas where soap nuts continue to be a popular choice for hair washing.

How people used ‘Gram flour’ for Hair Wash?

  • They’d mix gram flour with a little water or oil to create a paste
  • The paste would be applied to the hair and gently scrubbed all over
  • It would be left on for a few minutes before proceeding with a full-body wash
  • Finally, they’d rinse their hair and body with water, completing the cleansing process

Benefits

Nourishes and cleanses: It gently nourishes hair follicles, removing impurities without causing irritation
Rich in essential vitamins: Gram flour is a good source of vitamins that support hair health and promote growth
Soothes dry scalp and dandruff: It’s particularly beneficial for people with dry scalp issues or dandruff, and can be mixed with other powders for enhanced cleansing benefits.

Hibiscus and Tulsi leaves Paste

Hibiscus and Tulsi leaves Paste

Hibiscus and Tulsi leaves paste is a natural remedy that some people still use today for hair care. This ancient practice involves mixing the paste with Shikakai powder to create a nourishing hair wash. Inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, people would apply this mixture to their hair, leave it on for a few minutes, gently scrub, and then rinse. This blend is believed to promote healthy hair, and its natural ingredients make it a popular choice for those seeking chemical-free hair care.

How people used ‘Hibiscus and Tulsi’ for Hair Wash?

  • They’d collect Hibiscus leaves, add a little water, and grind them into a paste
  • Mixing with Shikakai or soap nuts*: The paste would be mixed with a small amount of Shikakai powder or soap nuts, and some more water would be added to achieve a liquid paste consistency
  • After wetting their hair, they’d apply the paste, scrub it all over, and then rinse it off with water.

Benefits

Keratin-rich Hibiscus: Hibiscus contains keratin, a protein that’s great for hair and commonly found in modern shampoos.
Tulsi’s antioxidant properties: Tulsi is packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins that promote hair health, growth, and a pleasant fragrance.
Hair benefits: This natural remedy is said to help prevent grey hair, dandruff, and leave hair feeling fresh and vibrant.

Conclusion

These are some of the traditional methods people used to wash their hair, varying across countries and cultures earlier. Ayurvedic powders like Shikakai, Hibiscus, and Tulsi were popular choices before modern shampoos. These ancient practices laid the groundwork for today’s hair care products, which often draw inspiration from natural ingredients. Now, we see a wide range of products bearing names like Hibiscus, Tulsi, Shikakai, and soap nuts, showing how traditional wisdom continues to influence modern hair care.

Check here to find 👉🏾 Naturally made ‘Orange peel powder’ face packs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 thought on “How did people wash hair before shampoos? Hair Care Routine”

  1. Pingback: Viral Korean Face Mask Recipes for Glowing and Hydrated Skin

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top