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What is Nettle Shampoo?

D. Poupon
D. Poupon

Nettle shampoo is a hair cleanser made with extracts from the stinging nettle plant. Nettle extract is commonly found in organic shampoos used to cleanse oily hair. The nettle leaf has an astringent quality, deep cleaning the hair and leaving it with lots of body. Using either a store-bought or homemade nettle conditioner will enhance the effects of nettle shampoo. Natural shampoo made from nettle root encourages new hair growth.

There are a variety of uses of nettle in beauty products, natural medicine, and even cooking. Nettle’s jagged leaves are covered with tiny hairs that sting if touched. They contain high quantities of formic acid and histamines that react with human skin. Once the leaves are dried, boiled, or cooked, they no longer sting. Yet they retain a special astringent quality that can help many ailments, from eczema to lackluster hair.

Nettle shampoo is frequently used to wash oily hair.
Nettle shampoo is frequently used to wash oily hair.

There are a few specialized shampoos that specifically harness stinging nettle’s acidic potential. Typically, nettle shampoo is formulated with other natural elements to control oily hair from getting greasy for at least 24 hours. It is often packaged as unisex shampoo and has more of a woodsy than flowery scent that will appeal to both genders. Nettle shampoos are often expensive and can be either ordered online or purchased in natural food stores.

Nettle leaf extract may be added to shampoo to provide treatment for eczema.
Nettle leaf extract may be added to shampoo to provide treatment for eczema.

The formic acid in nettle leaf shampoo deeply cleans each strand of hair and the scalp, providing effective oil control. It can be used weekly as a clarifying shampoo or daily if hair is extremely greasy. Although nettle shampoo is not usually recommended for normal hair, it will not over-strip hair or dry it out. It will soften hair, leaving it very manageable, full of body, and soft to the touch.

A tonic made of boiled nettles can be applied after shampooing to enhance the effects of the nettle leafs.
A tonic made of boiled nettles can be applied after shampooing to enhance the effects of the nettle leafs.

In order to enhance the effects of nettle shampoo, a nettle conditioner or a nettle hair rinse may be used. Complementary conditioners are available for most brands of nettle shampoo. Another solution is a homemade hair tonic made from boiled stinging nettle leafs. Fresh or dried leaves are boiled and strained. Once the liquid has cooled, it can be applied after shampooing for extra oil control and shiny hair.

Nettle shampoo may help promote hair growth in those who are balding.
Nettle shampoo may help promote hair growth in those who are balding.

The root of the nettle plant also has important qualities that help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Concentrated treatments are available that are made from nettle root, but nettle root shampoo is a cheaper alternative to pricey supplements. For many people, it will naturally thicken hair and prevent hair from thinning.

Discussion Comments

anon267608

I found that Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo helped immensely with hair loss. The argan oil stimulates growth and makes the strands more resilient. One extra plus is increased shine.

ddljohn

@burcidi-- I think the tonic is meant to be left in the hair. I use both the nettle shampoo and conditioner. I haven't tried the tonic but if you already have nettle at home, why not?

I have benefited a lot from nettle shampoo and conditioner. I had dandruff and was losing a lot of hair. It solved my dandruff problem entirely and my hair loss has really slowed down. Nettle shampoo helps revitalize the hair and increases blood circulation. It makes my hair healthier, so there is less hair loss.

I think it beats all other hair products on the market. The price might be higher than regular shampoos but it's actually low when compared with shampoos and treatments for hair loss.

burcidi

We learn something new everyday! My mom grows nettle in her garden because she uses it in one of the dishes she makes and also dries them for nettle tea. I've always hated dealing with nettle because they sting so bad and I've not cared for nettle tea either.

I had no idea though that nettle is also beneficial for hair! If I had known before, I would have used it for sure because I have very oily hair and I'm always on the lookout for new effective products.

I'm going to make the hair tonic with my mom's dried nettle leaves tomorrow. Can you clarify something for me? After I apply the tonic, do I leave it in like that? Or do I wait for a while and do a final rinse?

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    • Nettle shampoo is frequently used to wash oily hair.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Nettle shampoo is frequently used to wash oily hair.
    • Nettle leaf extract may be added to shampoo to provide treatment for eczema.
      By: Scisetti Alfio
      Nettle leaf extract may be added to shampoo to provide treatment for eczema.
    • A tonic made of boiled nettles can be applied after shampooing to enhance the effects of the nettle leafs.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A tonic made of boiled nettles can be applied after shampooing to enhance the effects of the nettle leafs.
    • Nettle shampoo may help promote hair growth in those who are balding.
      By: maska82
      Nettle shampoo may help promote hair growth in those who are balding.
    • Nettle may be applied to the scalp to provide healthy, shiny hair.
      By: edwardderule
      Nettle may be applied to the scalp to provide healthy, shiny hair.
    • Typically, nettle shampoo is formulated with other natural elements to control oily hair.
      By: Andriy Petrenko
      Typically, nettle shampoo is formulated with other natural elements to control oily hair.
    • Nettle may be helpful in treating eczema.
      By: Jingling Water
      Nettle may be helpful in treating eczema.