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What Is Chamomile Shampoo?

Solomon Branch
Solomon Branch

Chamomile shampoo is shampoo made from the chamomile flower, which is known to be a gentle herb with soothing properties. Due to its gentle nature, chamomile shampoo is often used to wash hair that has been dyed or color-treated, particularly if hair has been dyed blond as chamomile shampoo gives hair a lighter color. It is also a popular shampoo to use on kids because it is so gentle.

There are two types of chamomile flower: Roman chamomile and German chamomile. Worldwide, German chamomile is the more popular, although both have similar healing properties. Traditionally, chamomile has been used to treat a variety of issues, including insomnia, digestive issues, skin conditions, burns, ulcers and other inflammatory conditions. It is often used in the form of a tea, particularly for digestive issues.

Chamomile shampoo is commonly used to wash dyed hair.
Chamomile shampoo is commonly used to wash dyed hair.

Making a simple chamomile shampoo entails employing a similar process as the making of chamomile tea. It starts by steeping the head of the flowers in boiling water. The steeped solution is then mixed with soap flakes, usually made of oil, and glycerin, which is used to add bulk and an as congealing agent. It is often combined with other herbs that have similar soothing and relaxing properties, such as lavender.

Some shampoos add chamomile to help get rid of lice and mites.
Some shampoos add chamomile to help get rid of lice and mites.

In addition to enhancing the color of hair or leaving blond streaks, chamomile shampoo can also potentially help with skin problems, such as dry skin or eczema on the head, although studies on its effectiveness for this purpose are limited. Due to the soothing nature of chamomile shampoo, it tends to leave hair shiny and silky, as it doesn’t strip off many of the natural oils. Some shampoos also add chamomile to help get rid of lice and mites.

Chamomile shampoo is especially effective in improving the brightness of blond hair.
Chamomile shampoo is especially effective in improving the brightness of blond hair.

It is easy to find chamomile shampoo in health stores and online, but it is also relatively simple to create at home with the right ingredients. The advantage of this is that it allows for the use of the flowers in the natural state. Some chamomile shampoos sold commercially use chamomile oil or other extraction methods, which are convenient but don’t always have the same effect as using fresh flowers does.

Use of chamomile shampoo results in silky, shiny hair.
Use of chamomile shampoo results in silky, shiny hair.

Using chamomile shampoo is relatively safe, but those allergic to certain types of flowers should avoid it. Common flower allergies that might cause a reaction to chamomile include allergies to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed. Typical allergic reactions can include sneezing, dry skin, congestion and difficulty breathing. In some cases, people who weren’t allergic to other flowers have been found to have a reaction specifically to chamomile, although it is not common.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I'm using a chamomile shampoo as well. I like it for the most part. I just wish that it would lather more. I don't feel like my scalp is clean when my shampoo doesn't lather.

ysmina

I don't have very fine hair or hair loss but my hair doesn't grow quickly and breaks easily. I was on the lookout for a mild shampoo that might help my hair grow faster. I came across a chamomile shampoo at the organic market and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did.

I think that chamomile shampoo is the best shampoo I have ever used. It cleans my hair and removes build-up but it's not harsh or drying. My hair stays clean and shiny for days. The best part is that my hair is growing faster! I'm not sure how chamomile promotes hair growth. It might be because it replaces moisture in the scalp. But my hair is growing! I'm so happy and I recommend chamomile shampoo to others who are trying to grow their hair.

candyquilt

As far as I know, German chamomile can lighten hair if hair is rinsed with it before being exposed to sunlight. And I think it can be used for all hair tones, not just blonde hair.

I tried it once with chamomile tea when I was young, but I wasn't persistent enough to see results. I wonder if the same thing could be done with chamomile shampoo though.

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    • Chamomile shampoo is commonly used to wash dyed hair.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Chamomile shampoo is commonly used to wash dyed hair.
    • Some shampoos add chamomile to help get rid of lice and mites.
      By: Africa Studio
      Some shampoos add chamomile to help get rid of lice and mites.
    • Chamomile shampoo is especially effective in improving the brightness of blond hair.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Chamomile shampoo is especially effective in improving the brightness of blond hair.
    • Use of chamomile shampoo results in silky, shiny hair.
      By: edwardderule
      Use of chamomile shampoo results in silky, shiny hair.
    • Chamomile may be added to shampoos to treat lice and mite infestations.
      By: corinne matusiak
      Chamomile may be added to shampoos to treat lice and mite infestations.
    • Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of issues, including digestive issues.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of issues, including digestive issues.
    • Excessive itchiness may be a sign of an allergic reaction to shampoo.
      By: starush
      Excessive itchiness may be a sign of an allergic reaction to shampoo.