The scientific name of shikakai is Acacia Concinna. It is also widely known as the soap pod. This climbing shrub comes from the. Shikakai is originated from Asia. It is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant traditionally used as a natural hair care product. The soap pod has been widely used across the Indian Subcontinent for ages.
The fruit pods of tree Acacia genus, leaves, and bark contain very high levels of ‘saponins’. These elements are known for contributing to its foaming and mild hair cleansing properties. Shikakai may not be able to produce large amounts of lather as sulfate-rich shampoos available commercially, these days. However, it will effectively cleanse with its naturally low pH. This property will make your hair look beautiful without stripping its natural oils.
Shikakai Powder and Hair Care
Shikakai plays an important role in hair care regime. It has been one of the top ingredients in hair care since ages. With several hundreds of cosmetic giants offering many thousands of products, the present generation is having a hard time maintaining hair health. Application of harmful chemicals on hair weakens the strands and scalp. Resorting to Mother Nature is the best way to ensure good hair health.
Preparing shikakai powder at home will guarantee natural hair care. This will help you to avoid preservatives, additives, and harmful chemicals present in Ayurvedic and herbal hair care products available in the market, these days.
Here is how you can prepare natural and safe Shikakai powder at home. This recipe has been widely used for hair care with amazing results:
Things Required for making Shikakai powder:
- Shikakai – 1/2 kg
- Tulsi Leaves – 1 bunch
- Fenugreek – 1/4 kg
- Reetha – 100gm
- Greem Gram – 1/4 kg
- Curry Leaves – A bunch
Preparation Method
Preparation of shikakai powder is very easy. No hard steps are involved in the making. All you need to do is dry all of the ingredients in hot sun for around 12 hours. Once the mixture is completely dry and crisp, grind in to fine powder in small batches. The Shikakai hair wash is ready for use.
Store this home-made shikakai powder in air-tight container. It will last for good 6 months. Use of this powder on a regular basis will give you healthy long shiny and thicker hair.
How to Use Shikakai Powder for Beautiful Hair?
You simply need to mix natural homemade shikakai powder with enough curd to make a paste. Use this paste instead of shampoo once or twice a week. Another way to use it is as a hair mask. Apply this paste on clean hair and cover with a hair wrap. Wash with water. You can also apply a mild shampoo after applying the pack.
How Much Powder to use for hair wash?
The actual amount of powder to be used for washing hair will depend on thickness and length hair. You can use more amounts for long hair. The paste prepared should be enough to cover the entire scalp and length.
Benefits of Shikakai Powder for Hair
Here are some amazing benefits of applying shikakai on hair:
Cleaner Healthier Scalp
Shikakai is very helpful in cleansing dirt, excess oil, and dandruff accumulated on the scalp. It is very helpful in cooling the scalp down while preserving the natural oil of the hair.
Nourishes Hair Follicles
Rich in vitamin C and vitamin D, shikakai contains good amount of micronutrients. These work towards nourishing hair follicles to boost overall hair health.
Natural Conditioner
Shikakai acts as a natural conditioner for hair. Apart from strengthening the root of each strand, this powder also imparts softness to hair fibers. This is essential for luxuriant hair growth.
Thicker Longer Hair
Yes, Shikakai Powder will help with hair growth! It provides ample nourishment to the hair follicles which helps with stimulation of hair growth. The powder is rich in vitamin C content which boosts collagen on scalp encouraging hair growth.
Minimizes Hair Loss
This natural hair mask powder can significantly improve scalp health by cleaning it gently and nourishing it with nutrients. Regular application of shikakai powder on scalp and hair can help you manage issues such as hair fall or severe hair loss.
Beautiful Shiny Mane
Shikakai powder is great for dull, under nourished, tangled, and thinning hair. Regular application of this powder can make your hair healthy from the inside. It will become more manageable, longer, bouncy and shiny.
Other Benefits
Using homemade masks regularly will repair damages, prevent greying, and stop hair fall. Regular application will help you to regain its natural health.
In a Nutshell
Applying shikakai on hair strands and scalp can help in cleansing hair and promoting new hair growth. Regular application of shikakai powder on hair as hair mask or shampoo will keep hair healthy, long, shiny and beautiful.