What could be more appealing than having gorgeous, shiny, and healthy hair? However, your hair requires a great deal of attention and patience. Not everyone is willing to commit to frequent haircuts, hair products, and other therapeutic interventions. Not to forget choosing what to put and what not to put in your hair. Using natural substances that are not chemically damaging to your hair will help make this job easier. Shikakai, the hair fruit, has been utilized for ages as a hair care treatment. In addition, due to its strong cleansing effects, this Ayurvedic plant is commonly used as a shampoo alternative. Shikakai also carries vitamins A, C, K, and D and antioxidants that replenish and take care of hair health. The fruit, particularly in powdered form, is readily available. Here’s how it can help you grow your hair faster. Keep reading!
Benefits Of Shikakai For Hair Growth
1. Induces Hair Growth
Research shows that shikakai exhibits hair growth-promoting activity (1).
2. Soothes Your Scalp
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Shikakai has antibacterial and antifungal properties (2). It can soothe an inflamed scalp and restore its health (3). It also helps maintain the optimum pH level of your scalp.
3. Fights Dandruff
Shikakai has antifungal properties that help curb dandruff (1), (2). This prevents issues like follicle clogging and aggravation, leading to unhindered hair growth. It can also help reduce dryness and itching.
4. Nourishes Your Follicles
Shikakai is a great source of essential vitamins. Its vitamin C content can help promote hair growth by giving your scalp a collagen boost (4). It is also a great source of antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage.
5. Cleanses Your Hair
Shikakai is a natural mild cleanser, which means that it cleanses your hair without stripping away the natural oils from it. This keeps your hair clean and conditioned.
6. Adds Shine
Shikakai helps add shine to your hair while also making it much more manageable. If you have a tangle problem, it would be a good idea to include this ingredient in your hair care routine.
7. Prevents Grays
Using shikakai can help put off your hair’s natural graying process. It can also effectively deal with issues like premature graying. Washing your hair with shikakai before you dye it will also allow your hair to absorb the dye better.
8. Curbs Hair Loss
Shikakai can help curb hair loss by restoring scalp health. It effectively deals with issues like an aggravated scalp, follicle clogging, dandruff, and itching (1), (2), (3). In many cases, curbing hair fall is as simple as restoring scalp health.
9. Prevents Lice
There is nothing more annoying than head lice. Anecdotal evidence suggests that shikakai may be a natural solution to a head lice problem. Not only does it curb the problem, but it also keeps the head lice away for good with regular use. However, there are no scientific studies to prove these effects. Here’s how you can use shikakai to reap its benefits.
How To Use Shikakai For Hair Growth
1. Shikakai Shampoo With Amla And Reetha
Shikakai is an inexpensive and healthier alternative to store-bought shampoos that are laden with harsh chemicals. Studies show that amla may promote hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase of hair growth (5). Reetha can help cleanse the scalp and remove dirt and oil build-up (6). This natural shampoo helps nourish the scalp with nutrients while also cleansing it.
5 shikakai pods 5 reetha pods 1 tablespoon of amla powder 750 mL water
(You can also use the powdered forms of these ingredients.) 8 hours+20 minutes 5 minutes 2-3 times a week.
2. Shikakai And Curd Hair Mask
Curd can help soothe the scalp and condition your hair. It can also effectively deal with issues like dandruff and flaking while making your hair soft and healthy (7).
2 tablespoons shikakai powder 2-3 tablespoons curd 2-3 drops vitamin E oil (optional) Shower cap
5 minutes 20 minutes 1-2 times a week.
3. Shikakai And Egg
This is one of the most nourishing hair packs you could use. It is packed with egg proteins and Ayurvedic ingredients that improve hair health (8). Using this pack once a week will ensure that your hair grows out to be strong and healthy. This is also a brilliant remedy for hair fall.
2 teaspoons amla powder 2 teaspoons shikakai powder 2 teaspoons fenugreek powder 2 teaspoons triphala powder 2 teaspoons brahmi powder 2 whole eggs Shower cap
5 minutes 40 minutes Once a week.
4. Shikakai Oil For Hair Growth
Shikakai hair oil helps boost hair growth by improving the circulation of blood in your scalp. It also keeps your follicles nourished and hair conditioned.
1 tablespoon shikakai powder 1/2 cup basil/coconut/avocado oil
2 weeks 45 minutes-overnight 2-3 times a week.
5. Shikakai And Honey Hair Rinse
Use this rinse to add instant shine to your hair. Honey is an emollient and can condition your hair and enhance its luster (9). If you have dry hair, this rinse also makes for a good shampoo replacement. With regular use, it makes your hair shiny and soft while also strengthening your roots and hair shafts.
1 tablespoon shikakai powder 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 cup filtered water
20 minutes 5 minutes Once a week. The advent of shampoo has not been able to eradicate the use of hair soaps altogether, and for a good reason. With how busy our lives have gotten, it can be hard to give your hair the care and attention that it deserves. Here is a list of the top shikakai soaps you can use for the days when you cannot seem to catch a minute for yourself. These shikakai hair soaps are definitely among the best cleansing products you could use for your hair. How long can I leave shikakai on my hair? You can leave shikakai oil in your hair overnight and wash it off in the morning. Does shikakai powder expire? Yes. Shikakai powder can lose its effectiveness over time. If stored properly in a fridge or in a cool, dark place, shikakai powder lasts up to 2 years. If the powder starts smelling odd, it is time to throw it out. Does shikakai darken hair? No. Shikakai does not dye the hair. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it moisturizes the hair enough to prevent premature graying and retain darker hair color for a longer time.
