Plant "shampoo" can refer to several things, so clarifying the intended use is crucial. This answer addresses two primary interpretations: plant-based shampoos for hair and diluted plant shampoo solutions for plants.
Using Plant-Based Shampoos for Hair
Many commercially available shampoos utilize plant-derived ingredients. These are used just like conventional shampoos:
- Wet your hair: Thoroughly wet your hair with warm water.
- Apply shampoo: Dispense a small amount of shampoo (usually a coin-sized dollop) into your palm. Work it into a lather by rubbing your palms together.
- Massage into scalp and hair: Gently massage the lather into your scalp and hair, ensuring even coverage.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair completely until all traces of shampoo are gone.
- Condition (optional): Follow with a conditioner if desired.
Examples include shampoos from brands like Act+Acre (https://actandacre.com/products/plant-based-dry-shampoo), OWAY (https://oway.com/en-eu/products/plant-mineral-refresh-36-gr), and Plantmade (https://www.weareplantmade.com/products/rain-ayurvedic-shampoo-bar). Some plant-based shampoos, like those containing shampoo ginger (https://permacultureplants.com/plants/shampoo-ginger/), may have additional medicinal properties.
Note that while some plants have cleansing properties (like soapwort, https://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-make-organic-soap-using-soapwort.html), making shampoo from scratch is a separate process beyond the scope of this question.
Using Diluted Plant Shampoo for Plants
This refers to using a very diluted solution of a commercial plant shampoo (likely a product designed for cleaning leaves, not human hair) to improve plant health.
- Mix the solution: Mix 2 ml of plant shampoo with water.
- Spray onto plants: Spray the diluted solution evenly onto both indoor and outdoor plants. Ensure coverage on both sides of the leaves.
- Repeat spraying: Repeated spraying is recommended for prolonged effects. This helps remove dust and surface contaminants, improving plant respiration and overall health.
