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What are the Different Types of Herbal Shampoo?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

There are a number of types of herbal shampoo that are made with natural products to clean and, in many cases, scent the hair. It has been found that there are some herbs that, when used in hair care products, can offer certain benefits to the follicles, the scalp, or both. Herbal shampoo can be used by people who prefer to use products made with natural ingredients, people with allergies or sensitivities to ingredients found in other kinds of shampoos, and by people who simply appreciate the scent and hair-care benefits of herbal products. In addition to the kinds of herbal shampoo made for humans, there are also herbal shampoos specially formulated for pets.

Just as there are many hair issues that normal shampoo can address, there are herbal shampoos for dry hair, frizzy hair, oily hair, and damaged hair. Instead of using chemicals to create certain effects in the hair, companies that formulate herbal shampoo search for natural products that can create similar effects. There are herbal shampoos that use tea tree oil, a natural ingredient, to help manage excess oil on the scalp and in the hair.

Mangos may be used to create herbal shampoo.
Mangos may be used to create herbal shampoo.

There are also herbal shampoos that are used to help keep hair straight or to promote curls. For example, there is an herbal shampoo made with blackberry, mango, and avocado that is supposed to help boost the volume in curly hair. There are also herbal shampoos that are meant for use on long hair to keep it healthy. Finally, there are herbal shampoos that are used to enhance certain hair colors. Chamomile shampoo is often used on blond hair to keep the color bright and shiny.

Avocados are used to make some herbal shampoos.
Avocados are used to make some herbal shampoos.

Many kinds of herbal shampoo are made with herbs and plants such as lavender, vanilla, or lemon verbena that have floral or bright scents. There is one kind of herbal shampoo, however, that is made with an ingredient that is much more commonly associated with Italian cooking than with fragrance and body products. Garlic herbal shampoo is often used to help treat damaged hair and is also sometimes formulated to help manage hair loss. Companies that make this kind of herbal shampoo advertise that the garlic oil in the product helps to create healthier hair and a healthier scalp. Many shampoos made with garlic, however, are made with ingredients that do not carry the pungent aroma that is associated with the herb.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@ocelot60- You should try an herbal shampoo that contains mint oil. Not only is it soothing, but the aroma is fantastic, especially in the morning when you need a boost to get going.

Rundocuri

@ocelot60- You can't beat a shampoo with tea tree oil if you have a damaged scalp. It is very healing, and is renown for it's benefits to the hair and scalp.

Ocelot60

Of all of the different types of herbal shampoos that are on the market, which one offers the most healing benefits for people who have dry, flaky, and irritated scalps? Some people with these problems are very sensitive to certain products, so they have to be careful when choosing the best type of herbal hair shampoo that won't cause an allergic reaction.

Heavanet

I use an herbal shampoo that contains lavender in the ingredients. Not only does it make my hair look great, the smell is almost like a form of aroma therapy.

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    • Mangos may be used to create herbal shampoo.
      By: volff
      Mangos may be used to create herbal shampoo.
    • Avocados are used to make some herbal shampoos.
      By: oriori
      Avocados are used to make some herbal shampoos.
    • Herbal shampoos can be used to fight dry hair, frizzy hair, and oily hair.
      By: esp2k
      Herbal shampoos can be used to fight dry hair, frizzy hair, and oily hair.
    • Lemon verbena essential oil is a common ingredient in herbal shampoo.
      By: serenacar
      Lemon verbena essential oil is a common ingredient in herbal shampoo.
    • Many herbal shampoos are made with garlic to help treat damaged hair and hair loss.
      By: natalyka
      Many herbal shampoos are made with garlic to help treat damaged hair and hair loss.