DIY Rejuvenating Aritha Shampoo Recipe for 4C Natural Hair

Updated: June 16, 2021

Ever since I started my Ayurvedic hair journey, I’ve been looking for new ways to incorporate all-natural, Ayurvedic, and DIY products into my hair care regimen. That’s why I’m so excited to share what I’ve learned about Aritha and its benefits for natural hair.

Fortunately, making the transition from store-bought products to DIY whipped shea buttercreams, infused Ayurvedic oils, and Aloe Vera juice as a leave-in was rather easy.

However, finding a good natural ingredient to use as shampoo for my high porosity, extremely dry 4C hair was more of a challenge. As I did more research, thankfully, I found clay-washing, which I’ve explained in detail here. Afterward, I learned to use African black soap as a shampoo and even made this amazing DIY recipe!

Finally, I’m happy to share yet another DIY shampoo recipe I’ve come up with that incorporates the powerful ayurvedic herb: aritha. I’ll also be talking about the benefits of aritha for natural hair and why you shouldn’t ignore it as a natural hair cleanser! 

What is Aritha?

Aritha is a dried fruit shell that is harvested from soapberry trees in India. This Ayurvedic herb goes by many names reetha, soap nut, or ritha are the most common names. Aritha is rich in saponin, a natural surfactant cleanser, and is antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and naturally conditioning. 

Soapnuts are a natural all-purpose cleanser so you can feel free to use them on your hair, skin, and even your clothes as a detergent! It is also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K that nourish your hair and scalp.

Aritha has been used to make natural hair products for centuries, and because of its many benefits, it makes a great alternative for people with sensitive scalps.

What are the benefits of Aritha or Soapnuts for Natural Hair

1. Antimicrobial and antifungal

From what we know about natural hair care and natural hair ingredients, antimicrobial and antifungal create a healthy scalp! And as we know, a healthy scalp is the best environment for healthy hair growth.

2. Combats dandruff and scalp infections

Because aritha is antimicrobial and anti-fungal, it can help prevent and combat dandruff. This as well as any other irritation on the scalp that could hinder your hair’s health and growth.

3. It is a conditioning agent

Aritha helps to condition natural hair by making it softer, more manageable and less dry and frizzy.

DIY Aritha Shampoo Recipe for Natural Hair

Using whole soap nuts

What you will need

• 2-3 soapnut berries
  
• 1 tbsp shikakai
  
• 1 cup of water 
  
• ½ cup of coconut milk
  
• 2 tsp neem oil (read the benefits here)
  
• 1 tsp sweet avocado oil 
  
• 1½  jojoba oil 
  
• Rosemary essential oil (10 drops)
  
• Tea tree essential oil (10 drops)
  
• Lavender essential oil (10 drops) 

Instructions

1. Add the soapnuts to the water and bring to a boil.
   
2. Once the water is boiling, mash the soapnut berries in the hot water to release the saponins.
   
3. Let the mixture boil for another 30 minutes, then turn off the heat.
   
4. Add the shikakai while the water is hot, then let the mixture cool.
   
5. Once the mixture is cool, strain out the berries and shikakai with a cheesecloth. 
   
6. Add the coconut milk.
   
7. Next, add the neem oil, sweet avocado oil, and jojoba oil.
   
8. Finally, add all the essential oils.
   
9. Pour your mixture into an applicator bottle and shake vigorously! 

Using soap nut powder

What you will need

• 2 tbsp aritha (powdered)
  
• 1 tbsp fenugreek
  
• 1 tbsp shikakai
  
• 1 cup of water 
  
• ½ cup of coconut milk
  
• 2 tsp neem oil
  
• 1 tsp sweet avocado oil 
  
• 1½  jojoba oil 
  
• Rosemary essential oil (10 drops)
  
• Tea tree essential oil (10 drops)
  
• Lavender essential oil (10 drops)

Instructions

1. Heat a cup of water on the stove.
   
2. Once the water is boiling, pour it over the powdered herbs. 
   
3. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
   
4. Once the mixture is cool, strain out the herbs with a cheesecloth. 
   
5. Add the coconut milk.
   
6. Then, add the neem oil, sweet avocado oil, and jojoba oil.
   
7. Finally, add all the essential oils.
   
8. Pour your mixture into an applicator bottle and shake vigorously!

Disclaimer

As usual, when it comes to introducing new ingredients to your natural hair care regimen, you should always do a strand test or a sensitivity test. Apply the soap nut shampoo to the inside of your elbow and watch the area for any irritation or allergic reactions in the following 24 hours. 

Soapnuts don’t usually cause side effects on the hair or scalp but you want to do this test, just in case.

Soapnut shampoo should be ideally used within 72 hours of making it, and stored in the refrigerator. This recipe does not contain preservatives so we do not recommend using it after this timeframe.

How to Use Aritha Shampoo for Natural Hair

1. Apply the aritha shampoo directly to the scalp and scrub with the pads of your fingers.
   
2. Next, apply the shampoo directly to your hair strands in a downwards motion, along the length of your hair strand.
   
3. Rinse your hair thoroughly and repeat until your hair and scalp are sufficiently clean.
   
4. Follow up with a deep conditioner of your choice, and continue your washday as usual.

Read Next: Washing Your 4C Natural Hair Wrong might be Ruining Your Progress!