---
title: Shampoo Powder Recipe with Shikakai
description: Learn how to make a shampoo powder recipe for a sustainable, inexpensive alternative to liquid shampoos.
---

[Mountain Rose Herbs Blog ](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com)

# [Shampoo Powder Recipe with Shikakai](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/shampoo-powder-recipe-with-shikakai)

 Written by [Jessicka](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/author/jessicka) | August 14, 2024

<https://mountainroseherbs.com/soap-pod-powder>

One of the many perks of working at Mountain Rose Herbs is that I am always being introduced to new ingredients. As a person who loves making sustainable and cost-effective DIY recipes, I was intrigued when I began learning about [organic soap pod powder](https://mountainroseherbs.com/soap-pod-powder). At first glance, I thought this was a powdered form of deseeded soap nuts, from which I make my semi-famous [liquid laundry soap](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/homemade-laundry-detergent-recipe?hsLang=en-us). But upon a closer look, I realized it was an entirely different plant!

Soap nuts come from Sapindus trifoliatus, which is a tall tree that grows in temperate and tropical regions of the world. (Fun fact: Soap nuts are not a nut at all, but rather a berry! It gets its namesake from its appearance after it is dried.) Soap pods, on the other hand, come from *Acacia concinna*, which is a climbing shrub that grows in the warm plains of central and southern India. While completely different plants, both contain saponins, making them great ingredients for crafting [pure and natural soaps. ](https://mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/natural-body-products/natural-bath-products)

<https://mountainroseherbs.com/soap-pod-powder>

I was really interested in learning more about soap pods and after many research rabbit holes, I learned that this prized ingredient is often used for traditional Indian haircare and is referred to as shikakai. Just as Korean culture is famous for its carefully crafted [skincare routines](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-k-beauty?hsLang=en-us), many cultures in India are known for their expert haircare routines. With this in mind, I set out to craft a recipe that would cleanse and nourish my hair in a sustainable way.

A few trials, errors, and bad hair days later, I came up with a waterless shampoo recipe that worked really well. I will admit, I did not craft this recipe with a bouquet of intoxicating fragrances in mind. My goal was to formulate a natural and functional shampoo that worked well and would cut out a lot of wasteful packaging and cost associated with hair care. 

I hope this sustainable self-care swap will help make your shower time as green as it is clean!

## Waterless Shampoo Recipe with Shikakai

*Makes about 1/2 cup. (About 8 washes)*

Ingredients

- 4 Tbsp.[ organic soap pod powder](https://mountainroseherbs.com/soap-pod-powder) (Also known as shikakai, Acacia concinna)
- 1 Tbsp. [organic soap nut](https://mountainroseherbs.com/soap-nuts-deseeded) powder (Sapindus trifoliatus)
- 1 Tbsp. [organic amla powder](https://mountainroseherbs.com/amla-powder)
- 2 tsp. [organic fenugreek powder](https://mountainroseherbs.com/fenugreek-powder)
- 2 tsp. [organic rosemary powder](https://mountainroseherbs.com/rosemary-powder)

Directions

1. Add all powders together.
2. When ready to use, add about 2 tablespoons of powder and enough water to make a watery paste.
3. Starting at roots and working your way down, massage the mixture into hair.
4. Rinse completely and follow with conditioner of your choice.

Pro Tips:

- Soap nut powder is hard to find, so I make my own by blending [deseeded shells](https://mountainroseherbs.com/soap-nuts-deseeded) in a blender or food processor to make powder.
- This recipe does require a little extra rinsing after use. It's perfectly okay if a slight amount of the powder remains, as it helps to add body in a way similar to "dry shampoo". 

 

### Looking for other DIY hair care recipes?

## [Check out these Natural Scalp Treatments!](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/natural-scalp-treatments-and-recipes?hsLang=en-us) 

You may also enjoy:

- [Dry Shampoo Recipes for Dark and Light Hair](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-dry-shampoo-powders?hsLang=en-us)
- [Rosemary Mint Hairspray Recipe](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/salt-spray-for-hair?hsLang=en-us)
- [Best Essential Oils for Hair Care](https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/essential-oils-for-hair-care?hsLang=en-us)

<https://www.pinterest.com/mtnroseherbs/>

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