How to Make Slime with Shampoo

Reviewed by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: December 13, 2024

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There is no denying it: slime is fun to play with, no matter how old you are! It is icky, gooey, and fun to poke and prod. The most popular recipe calls for glue and borax, but not everyone has that on hand. This doesn't mean you have to skip out on the joy of making and playing with slime. All you need is some shampoo and a few extra ingredients!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Shampoo and Cornstarch

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Thicker shampoos will give you better results. Choose a color and a fragrance that you like.^{[1]
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If the shampoo is white or clear, you could add a few drops of liquid food coloring into the bowl. If you want glittery slime, add some glitter. Stir everything together with a spoon.^{[2]
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Add 2¼ cups (280 grams) of cornstarch. Give it a stir with your spoon.^{[3]
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Research source} If you want a thicker slime, you are done. If you want a runnier, gooier slime, read on!
- If you don't have cornstarch where you live, look for corn flour instead.
You may need up to 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) of water. The more water you add, the runnier your slime will be.^{[4]
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Research source} If you want something more dough-like, you might not need much water, if at all.
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Knead the slime by hand. At one point, the slime will have picked up all the water and cornstarch it can. Once that happens, your slime is done and ready to play with! Scoop it out of its bowl, and let it run through your fingers.
- Store the slime in an airtight container once you are done playing with it.
- You may need to add 1/4 teaspoon of water to the slime to refresh it the next day.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Shampoo and Salt

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You can use any type of shampoo you want, but thicker shampoos work better. Choose a color and fragrance that you like.^{[6]
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Stir in some body wash, if desired. This will help make your slime thicker. Use equal amounts of shampoo and body wash. Stir the two together until there are no more streaks.^{[7]
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- Make sure that your body wash and shampoo are similar colors, or your slime will end up muddy.
There is no set amount for the salt, as each brand of shampoo reacts differently with it. Simply add in a pinch of salt, then give the slime a stir. Keep adding salt and stirring until the shampoo turns into a glob.^{[8]
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Once you have your glob, place the bowl into the freezer. Leave it there for 15 minutes.^{[9]
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Once the freezing time is up, the slime will have set and is ready to play with! When you are done playing with it, put it into an airtight container. You may need to re-freeze (15 minutes) it if it becomes too runny.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Shampoo and Toothpaste

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1
Squeeze some 2-in-1 shampoo into a mixing bowl. The 2-in-1 combo shampoos seem to work the best. Choose a fragrance that goes well with mint.
- You can try plain shampoo as well, but make sure that it is thick.
You can use white toothpaste or gel toothpaste, it does not matter. You will need to use the same amount of toothpaste as you did shampoo.
Keep stirring until the color is consistent and no streaks remain. As you stir, the shampoo and toothpaste will come together and form a putty-like slime.
If the slime is too thick for you, you can add in some more shampoo. If it is too thin, try some more toothpaste. Make your addition, then stir it in well.
This slime is not quite as gooey as the store-bought kind, but it is fun to poke and prod. When you are done playing with it, scoop it into an airtight container.

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Question

What type of toothpaste should I use?

Community Answer

Most types of toothpaste will work. Just remember that the color of the toothpaste will add to or change the color of your slime.

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Will any shampoo work?

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Yes, but thicker shampoo works better.

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What can I do if my slime is runny?

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Add more shampoo. Make sure it is quite thick. It should work, or just get thick toothpaste and add it into the slime.

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Tips

Slime can be messy. Play with it over a table. Don't get it on the carpet or your clothes.

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Store the slime in an airtight container when you are done playing with it.

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Don't give the slime to infants. They might eat it as they don't know what it is, and shampoo-based slime is not edible.

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