Shikakai is a natural Indian herb that provides endless benefits to your hair; from treating various hair problmes like dandruff and hair fall to improving hair health. Derived from shikakai plant, it can be used in various form like shampoo, conditioner, oil or hair mask. One of the most common ways in which shikakai can be used is in the form of powder.
Shikakai powder, derived from the Acacia concinna plant, has been a treasured ingredient in Ayurvedic hair care for centuries. Packed with natural goodness, shikakai powder for hair offers a multitude of benefits for your hair. If you’re wondering how to incorporate this herbal gem into your hair care routine, you’ve come to the right place. Read along to know the various ways to use shikakai powder and enjoy its incredible benefits to achieve healthy, lustrous locks.
1. Shikakai Powder Hair Cleanser:
One of the simplest ways to use shikakai powder is as a natural hair cleanser. Mix approximately 2-3 tablespoons of shikakai powder with water to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair, gently massaging it in. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the powder to work its magic. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This method not only cleanses the scalp but also helps control excess oil and removes product build up, leaving your hair feeling fresh and revitalized.
2. Shikakai Powder Hair Mask:
To deeply nourish and condition your hair, consider using shikakai powder as a hair mask. Combine shikakai powder with ingredients like yogurt, aloe vera gel, or coconut milk to create a thick, consistent paste. Apply the mask to your hair, focusing on the roots and lengths. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the nutrients to penetrate your hair strands. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy the softness and improved texture of your hair.
3. Shikakai Powder with Reetha and Amla:
For an enhanced hair care experience, combine shikakai powder with reetha powder and amla powder. This powerful trio is known as the “three herbal amigos” and works wonders for hair health. Add equal parts of shikakai, reetha, and amla powder. Mix this herbal blend with water to create a paste. Apply it to your scalp and hair, gently massaging for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly to reveal clean, shiny, and nourished locks. This mixture also helps combat dandruff and promote hair growth.
4. Shikakai Powder Hair Rinse:
To add extra shine and vitality to your hair, prepare a shikakai powder hair rinse. Boil approximately two tablespoons of shikakai powder in two cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and strain the liquid. After shampooing, use this concoction as a final rinse. Ensure that the solution reaches your scalp and hair roots. Leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing with water. This hair rinse not only adds shine but also strengthens the hair and helps maintain a healthy scalp.
5. Shikakai Powder Hair Oil Infusion:
To maximize the benefits of shikakai powder, you can infuse it into your favorite hair oil. Mix shikakai powder with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or olive oil in a glass jar. Seal the jar and keep it in a cool, dark place for a week to allow the powder to infuse into the oil. After a week, strain the oil and use it as a nourishing hair oil. Massage it onto your scalp and hair, leave it on for a few hours or overnight, and then shampoo as usual. This infusion provides deep nourishment, strengthens the hair, and promotes hair growth.
There are several shikakai benefits for hair and you’ll get to experience them when you will try it.