How to make egg shampoo at home: Benefits and side effects

Shampoo is a hair care product that we all use to improve the quality of our tresses. It helps to clean away dirt, and oil from the scalp. There are many types of shampoo that cater to our needs. You can always buy one from a store, but if you are tired of exposing your hair to chemicals, make one at home. Do you know one of the best ingredients for a homemade shampoo is an egg? You probably have it everyday for breakfast, but try to include it in your hair care routine too. Eggs have protein, which is essential for building strong, and healthy tresses. No wonder why raw eggs are widely used in DIY hair treatments. Let us tell you how to make egg shampoo for healthy hair.

What are the benefits of eggs for hair?

Eggs are highly beneficial for hair due to their rich nutrient content. Eggs consist of amino acids that can improve hair health, according to a research published in Menopause Review in 2016. They are full of proteins, vitamins like A, B, and C, and fatty acids that are good for hair, says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal.

Here are some benefits:

1. May reduce hair breakage

A 100 grams of egg consists of 12.6 grams of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The protein in eggs, particularly keratin, helps strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage and enhancing resilience.

2. May promote hair growth

Eggs contain biotin, a B-vitamin, which is essential for hair growth, says the expert. The water-soluble B vitamin is also good for overall scalp health. That is why biotin is a common ingredient in most hair care products.

3. May combat dandruff

The fatty acids in eggs can moisturise and nourish the scalp, which is essential for hair health. This helps in combating dryness as well as dandruff, which can cause itchy, and flaky scalp.

4. May add shine to hair

The lecithin in eggs can help to repair damaged hair, making it smoother and shinier. The vitamins A, and C present in eggs can also improve hair texture and add a natural sheen.

How to make egg shampoo at home?

One of the best ways to use eggs for hair is by making a shampoo.

Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of oil, which can be olive or coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• A few drops of essential oil

Method

• Crack the eggs and beat them in a bowl until well mixed.
• Mix them with the olive or coconut oil to add
  moisture and shine.
• Add honey for conditioning hair, and mix well.
• Add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice.

Wet your hair then apply the egg shampoo to your scalp and hair. After massaging gently, let it stay for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

This natural egg shampoo helps nourish and strengthen your hair, says the expert. Using egg shampoo once or twice a week is ideal for most hair types. Using too much of egg shampoo can lead to protein overload, making hair stiff and brittle. For those with oily hair, once a week might be sufficient. People with dry or damaged hair can benefit from twice-weekly treatments.

Other ingredients for DIY egg shampoo

You can also add other natural ingredients to DIY egg shampoo.

1. For dry hair

• Aloe vera gel can add moisture and soothe the scalp.
• Yogurt can deeply hydrate and condition hair.
• Avocado can nourish and repair damaged hair.

2. For oily hair

• Lemon juice can help reduce excess oil and add shine.
• Green tea can control oil and strengthen hair.

3. For normal hair

• Honey can add shine and retain moisture.
• Banana can soften and smoothen hair.
• Rose water provides a pleasant fragrance and mild conditioning.

4. For dandruff-prone hair

• Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help combat dandruff.
• Neem powder can purify the scalp and reduce flakes.
• Fenugreek seeds can soothe the scalp and reduce itching.

Who should avoid using egg shampoo?

People allergic to eggs should avoid egg shampoo to prevent itching, redness, or scalp rashes, says Dr Mittal.

The following should also not use eggs on hair –

• Those with protein-sensitive hair may experience stiffness and brittleness from protein overload.
• If you cannot stand the smell of eggs, it might not be a good idea to use eggs on hair due to the lingering odour.
• Individuals with very fine hair might find it too heavy, leading to greasy hair.

Eggs have nutrients important for our hair, making them a key ingredient in hair care products. So, you can make an egg shampoo for healthy hair. But if you are allergic to eggs, avoid using them.