How to make an Ayurvedic neem & lavender shampoo bar

Have you ever wondered how to make a shampoo bar? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s post, I’m going to show you how to make a simple yet powerful shampoo bar in just a few steps – all from the comfort of your home.

This isn’t just any shampoo bar. It’s an Ayurvedic-inspired formula designed to gently cleanse and purify your scalp while keeping your ends soft and moisturised. Plus, it’s infused with a luxurious blend of botanicals including neem, shikakai, rice protein, and lavender for a truly indulgent experience.

Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!

What is a shampoo bar?

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to discuss shampoo bars.

Solid shampoos are quickly gaining popularity because they’re a more sustainable option than traditional liquid shampoos. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient, especially on the go, and require little to no packaging. They’re also super easy and fun to make, as you’ll find out in this post!

If you’re interested in learning more about the world of solid haircare, I recommend you check out these posts:

How to make a cocoa shampoo bar

How to make a solid hair conditioner bar

6 solid beauty bars perfect for beginners to make at home

How to use a shampoo bar

To use a shampoo bar, wet your hair and the bar. Rub the bar over your hair, then set it aside. Gently massage the product into your scalp and hair to create a gentle lather. Once your hair is cleansed, rinse thoroughly and follow up with a natural conditioner. Simple and effective.

What makes this bar so special

Now that you know what a shampoo bar is and how to use it, you’re probably wondering what makes this neem and lavender shampoo bar so special. Just to name a few reasons, it’s:

• Suitable for all hair types: Whether you have curly, straight, or textured hair, this bar works great whatever your hair type.
• Cleansing and purifying: The shampoo effectively cleanses and purifies your scalp without drying your ends.
• Aromatic and soothing: The blend of neem, rosemary and lavender creates a soothing, aromatic experience.
• Natural and Ayurvedic: This shampoo is not only natural but also made with Ayurvedic herbs that have been traditionally used for centuries to strengthen the hair.
• Compact and long-lasting: More practical than conventional shampoo, this neem and lavender shampoo bar also lasts longer than a typical shampoo.

Key ingredients

Before we dive into the formulation, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients in this neem and lavender shampoo bar:

Neem

INCI: Azadirachta Indica Leaf Powder

A potent Ayurvedic herb, neem has been traditionally used to purify the scalp and strengthen hair. Its natural properties help maintain a healthy, balanced scalp while promoting overall hair health. Neem also happens to be one of my favourite herbs!

Shikakai

INCI: Acacia Concinna Fruit Powder

Shikakai is another Ayurvedic gem, rich in saponins, which are natural cleansing agents. This traditional ingredient has gentle cleansing properties for the hair and scalp and also helps restore shine and strength, detangles, and leaves your hair silky smooth.

Hydrolysed rice protein

INCI: Aqua (and) Hydrolysed Rice Protein (and) Sodium Benzoate

Packed with moisturising properties, hydrolysed rice protein helps improve hair strength and elasticity, making the hair feel soft and hydrated. Interested in learning more? Check out the post below to uncover rice’s full potential in your formulations:

Rice water: Untap Its potential in your cosmetic formulations

Lavender essential oil

INCI: Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Reputed for its calming and soothing effects, lavender essential oil helps balance oil production, calm the scalp, and add a beautiful natural shine to your hair. It’s the perfect addition to any haircare routine. For more on lavender’s benefits, check out this post:

The ultimate guide to using lavender in cosmetic formulations

Our formulation: Ayurvedic neem & lavender shampoo bar

Makes: 50g

Level: Intermediate

Equipment:

• Spatulas
• Glass beakers
• Scales
• Pipette
• Glass rods
• pH strips or pH meter
• Water bath setup
• Thermometer
• Silicone mould or bar press

How to make a neem & lavender shampoo bar

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

Start by setting up your workspace and laying out your ingredients. Make sure your space and equipment are sanitised. You can learn all about setting up a professional lab space from home in our foundation and award-winning Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation.

Step 2: Weigh the powders, surfactants, water and sodium lactate in a beaker or bowl

Carefully weigh the powders (SCI, SLSA, geogard ultra, shikakai, and neem) along with the liquid surfactants (decyl glucoside and cocoamidopropyl betaine), distilled water, and sodium lactate in a bowl or beaker. Place the mixture in a water bath and heat gently until it forms a smooth paste, typically around 70°C.

Step 3: Weigh the cetyl alcohol and the jojoba and neem oils

In a separate beaker, weigh the cetyl alcohol along with the jojoba and neem oils. Heat the mixture to approximately 70°C.

Step 4: Combine the oil mixture with the surfactant paste

Once both mixtures are heated, carefully combine the oil mixture with the surfactant paste. Blend thoroughly.

Step 5: Add the heat-sensitive ingredients

Once the mixture cools to around 50°C, carefully add the heat-sensitive ingredients (hydrolysed rice protein, vitamin E, and essential oils). Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and forms a smooth, mouldable paste.

Step 6: Measure the pH

Take a 1g sample of the mixture and create a 10% water dilution (which you can also learn all about in our Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation). Measure the pH, which should ideally fall between 5 and 6. If the pH is outside this range, consider adjusting it with a pH adjuster in future batches.

Step 7: Shape the paste into your chosen mould

Once the paste is ready, shape or press it into your chosen mould. Place the mould in the fridge to allow it to harden.

Step 8: Remove your shampoo bar from the mould 

Finally, carefully remove the shampoo bar from the mould and let it sit in a cool, dry place for several days. This ensures the bar fully dries and hardens before use. And that’s it! I hope you enjoy using it.

Formulation notes & tips:

• The formulation process is easy, but patience is key to achieving the perfect consistency for moulding. The paste must be neither too hard nor too liquid.
• If necessary, adjust the formula by adding more water to achieve the desired paste consistency.
• I decided to add the heat-sensitive ingredients at 50°C to keep the paste with a mouldable texture. Alternatively, you can experiment using a cold process method. In this case, remove the cetyl alcohol and adjust the formula accordingly.
• I used a mould open on both sides to make de-mould easier.
• Both SCI and shikakai powders can irritate the respiratory tract and eyes. I recommend you wear a mask and safety glasses when working with these powders.
• I’ve included a heat-stable preservative in this formula, as the shampoo bar will come into contact with water during use. The preservative helps protect the product from bacterial, yeast, and mould contamination, ensuring it remains safe and effective.
• For optimal durability, store the shampoo bar in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow it to fully dry between uses to maintain its longevity.

Learn how to make your own haircare

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you loved making your own shampoo and want to take your formulation skills further, why not check out our Diploma in Organic Haircare Formulation? This online course will teach you how to create a professional range of organic and natural haircare products, helping you become a confident haircare formulator.

Alternatively, if you’re just starting out, our free online foundation course is the perfect way to dip your toes into formulation and discover how fun and easy it is to make your own skincare products.

FAQ

• What is a shampoo bar?

A shampoo bar is a solid alternative to traditional liquid shampoo, offering the same cleansing benefits in a more eco-friendly and concentrated form.

• How do you use a shampoo bar?

To use a shampoo bar, simply wet your hair and the bar. Then, rub the bar directly onto your hair, then set it aside. Gently massage the product into your scalp and hair to create a soft lather. After cleansing, rinse thoroughly and follow up with a natural conditioner for the best results.

• How long does this shampoo bar last?

With proper care (stored in a dry place), this shampoo bar can last for several months. It’s suitable for all hair types, offering a long-lasting and effective solution.

• Can you customise this bar?

Yes, you can easily customise this shampoo bar by adding your favourite essential oils or oils to suit your needs. If you have very dry hair, try substituting the oils with rich butters and increasing the oil phase content. You can also adjust the formula to reduce the surfactants for a more moisturising effect.

Suggested suppliers

INKI Ingredients (UK)

Aroma-Zone (EU)

Aromantic (UK)

Alexmo Cosmetics (EU)

Manske (EU)

The Soap Kitchen  (UK)

Ellemental  (EU)

Lotioncrafter (USA)

Essential Labs (USA)

Go Native NZ (New Zealand)

Naturally Balmy (UK)

O&3 – The Oil Family (UK/EU)

Soap & More (Canada)

Handymade (EU)

Formulator Sample Shop (USA)

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Monika Tagliari

Monika Tagliari is a grading tutor at Formula Botanica. She is also a pharmacist, beauty brand owner, and university lecturer. Find out more about the Formula Botanica Team.