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.
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.
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.
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.
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.