Bồ Kết Guide: How to Use Vietnamese Shampoo Fruits for Healthy Hair
In our mission to practice Laudato Si’ through everyday eco-stewardship, replacing chemical-heavy personal care products with natural alternatives is a powerful way to care for both our health and God's Creation.
Enter Shampoo Fruits — known traditionally in Vietnam as Bồ kết. Used for generations, these raw fruit seedpods contain up to 10% natural saponins, making them a gentle, effective substitute for commercial shampoos and conditioners.
What Are Shampoo Fruits?
Shampoo fruits are natural hair-cleansing seedpods given to us by Mother Earth. The saponins found in their flesh make them a key ingredient in natural hair growth treatments.
Traditional Wisdom: People in Vietnam have relied on Bồ kết for generations to clean and beautify hair naturally.
Scalp & Hair Benefits: Beyond removing dirt, shampoo fruit liquid induces a relaxing mood and offers natural support for those struggling with hair loss or dandruff.
Chemical-Free: Made of 100% natural fruit, it protects you and your family from pollutive synthetic chemicals.
Recipe A: The Brewing Method (For a Single Wash)
Ideal for a quick, one-time wash.
- Prepare Ingredients: Take 2–3 roasted shampoo fruits, break them into small pieces, and rinse with water to remove dirt.
- Add Herbs/Aromatics (Optional): Prepare your choice of natural herbs or fruit skins (e.g., holy basil, lemongrass, mulberry leaves, lime leaves, pandan leaves, mint, rosemary, orange or pomelo skin, flower petals, or essential oil).
- Brew: Place the broken fruits and herbs into a flask or tumbler. Fill with 1 liter of boiling water.
- Steep: Cover and let it brew overnight or for two nights.
- Strain: Filter the liquid before use to remove all sediment.
Recipe B: The Boiling Method (Batch Cooking for Up to 2 Weeks)
Perfect if you want to prepare a batch for multiple washes.
- Prepare & Simmer: Take 50g of roasted shampoo fruits, break them into small pieces, and rinse well. Place them in a pot with 1.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add ½ tsp of salt.
- Add Herbs: Add your chosen herbs or fruit skins and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
- Strain & Cool: Allow the liquid to cool. Squeeze the fruits to extract all the saponin, then filter out the sediment.
- Reuse the Fruits: You can repeat this boiling process 2 more times with the same boiled fruits using 1.5 liters of water each time!
(Use about 300ml of liquid per wash).
Step-by-Step Hair Washing Routine
A Note for Beginners: Give your hair time to transition! It typically takes 1 to 3 months for your hair and scalp to adjust after switching away from commercial chemical shampoos.
- Prepare the Basin: Pour your shampoo fruit liquid into a basin or sink and top it up with warm water until full. Keep a small cup nearby to pour the liquid over your head.
- Wet & Soak: Fully wet your hair with water, then soak your hair in the prepared liquid mixture.
- Massage: Gently lather and massage your scalp and hair from root to tip using your fingers and palms for 5–10 minutes. Do not use your fingernails.
- Rinse: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water for 2–5 minutes until your hair feels fresh.
- Dry: Towel-dry your hair partially, then let it dry using a fan or hair dryer.
Proper Storage Guidelines
Dry Shampoo Fruits: Store in a dry, cool place — preferably in an airtight container if storing for up to a year. Once a month, place them in direct sunlight to dry. You can also store them in the fridge or freezer.
Brewed Liquid (Recipe A): Use immediately after brewing.
Boiled Liquid (Recipe B): Keep in a covered bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to clearly label the bottle so it isn't confused with beverage drinks!