In ancient China, hair was more than just a style—it was a sacred gift from one’s parents. The saying “身体发肤，受之父母” (“One’s body, hair, and skin are received from one’s parents”) was taken very seriously. This meant that men often kept their hair long, tying it into elegant topknots, while women took pride in their luxurious locks. But hair was not just about appearance—it could even change destinies! Take Wei Zifu, for example. According to the Taiping Yulan, Emperor Wu of Han was captivated by her flowing hair, and she soon became empress!
With such importance placed on hair, it’s no surprise that washing it was a big deal. The term “沐浴” (muyu), which now means “bathing,” originally referred to washing one’s hair. In Han Dynasty China, officials were given a day off every five days just to wash their hair, a break known as “休沐” (xiumu).
Now, modern readers might be horrified—washing hair only once every five days? But let’s not forget, ancient hair-washing was a full-on project. Gathering firewood, heating water, washing, drying, and combing—it was a labor-intensive ritual. The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) tells a tale of Duke of Zhou being so devoted to meeting talented individuals that he would rush out mid-hair-wash, his wet hair in hand, if someone came seeking an audience. Clearly, washing hair was a time-consuming affair!
Ancient Hair Washes: From Plants to Potions
So, what did the ancients use for shampoo?
- Soap Pod (Zaojia, 皂荚) – The most common natural cleanser was the soap pod. Crushed and soaked in water, it created a thick, foamy liquid that cleaned the scalp and even nourished the hair. It was essentially the original all-natural herbal shampoo!
- Rose of Sharon Leaves (Mujinye, 木桐叶) – These were a popular alternative to soap pods, offering a gentler and fresher scent. A legend even associates them with the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day)—it was believed that using them to wash one’s hair on that day would bring blessings from the Weaver Girl (Zhinü), helping unmarried women find their perfect match. Even today, some regions in southern China maintain this charming tradition.
- Tea Seed Residue (Chakubing, 茶柄饼) – Made from the remnants of oil tea seed pressing, tea seed residue was an effective natural detergent with antibacterial properties. Even as late as the 20th century, many women in southern China continued to use it.
- Plant Ash (Caomuhui, 草木灰) – An early form of alkaline shampoo, plant ash was great for absorbing excess oil. Rich in potassium carbonate, it worked well for people with oily scalps, leaving hair clean and grease-free.
- Rice Water & Vinegar – Some ancient people, even as early as the pre-Qin period, discovered that washing with fermented rice water could soften hair and improve its shine. Vinegar rinses were also used, though as anyone who has tried this method can attest, the smell was not for the faint of heart!
Ancient Haircare in a Modern World
While modern shampoos have long replaced these traditional methods, the desire for natural haircare is making a comeback. Many people are turning to sulfate-free shampoos, herbal treatments, and even rice water rinses for healthier hair—proving that sometimes, ancient wisdom still holds the key to modern beauty.
Who knew that the secrets to great hair had been around for thousands of years? Maybe it’s time to ditch the chemicals and take a leaf (literally) out of history’s book!