Shikakai, natural powder for hair wellness

Shikakai is the most common Indian name of the Asian plant Acacia Concinna, whose powder is obtained by crushing bark, pods and fruits.

Rich in saponins and nutrients, from time immemorial this precious product and gift of nature is used above all by Indian women for the care and cleaning of skin and hair .

In fact, Shikakai means "fruit for the hair", also known in the Ayurvedic tradition, this powder has foaming and detergent properties, it helps to clean the scalp in a non-aggressive way and to regulate the production of sebum, counteracting dandruff and stimulating the roots at the same time and promoting healthy hair growth.

Used successfully by those who have oily or oily hair, shikakai powder can be mixed with others - for example amla, methi or kapoor - for those with dry hair instead .

Basic shikakai wrap: how it's done

Ingredients:

> Shikakai powder (three spoons per medium length);

> hot water as needed

Preparation

Put the natural shikakai powder in a bowl, add hot water to the mix, until a homogeneous and creamy mixture is obtained. Once it has cooled, apply it by spreading it on dirty hair, leaving it in a damp environment or wrapped in a film for at least 10 minutes, without becoming dry. Rinse the wad carefully and dry the hair as usual.

Variations of the shikakai wrap

Anyone with dry hair can still use this natural shampoo. The advice is to do like Indian women, who, before proceeding to spread the pack, leave on the hair for at least a couple of hours of vegetable oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or castor.

For those who wish to give a touch of natural reflection to their hair, know that the constant use of shikakai can give a slightly darkening effect to hair, which is especially noticeable on light ones.

To wash your hair in a natural way without having the annoying problem of the dust that does not come off and remains attached to it, you can also proceed by doing a lavage infusion of shikakai, which is left to rest for at least a quarter of an hour in boiling water and then filtered with gauze or a very fine mesh colander. It is used as a normal liquid shampoo, massaging and rubbing the skin.

Finally, here is a useful video to make an ayurvedic mask for the hair, based on Shikakai, amla, and rose water.