Shikakai is a household name that has been traditionally used by Indian women for making hair beautiful and healthy. Shikakai, a shrub commonly found in Asia, is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Known for its cleansing properties, it acts as a natural shampoo, without the harmful effects of chemicals and preservatives. Want to know more about the benefits and uses of shikakai? Keep reading:
BENEFITS OF SHIKAKAI FOR HAIR
Prevents Hair Loss:
Hair loss is a common problem and shikakai can be quite effective in combating this issue. Loaded with micronutrients and vitamins, shikakai nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss due to breakage.
Prevents Premature Greying Of Hair:
Shikakai has the ability to neutralize the free radicals that cause damage to your hair. Antioxidants contained in it help treat damaged hair and prevent split ends. Stress, pollution and a variety of chemical treatments meted out on hair lead to premature greying of hair. The dose of antioxidants in shikakai also helps prevent the appearance of grey strands while healing the scalp.
Acts As A Natural Cleanser Free From Harmful Side-Effects:
Shikakai has cleansing properties that make it an excellent natural shampoo for your hair, free from detergent, harsh soap base and harmful chemicals. It helps cleanse impurities, dirt and oil-build up, yet it doesn’t strip your hair dry. READ MORE – AMLA FOR EXTREME HAIR GROWTH – BENEFITS AND WAYS TO USE
Treats Scalp Problems:
Shikakai has a soothing effect on the scalp. It cleanses the scalp gently and reduces scalp inflammation and dryness. It contains anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties that help keep dandruff and itchy scalp at bay.
HOW TO USE SHIKAKAI FOR HAIR?
1.As A Natural Hair Cleanser:
To make shikakai shampoo at home, you need ten grams of shikakai pods, 10 grams of reetha and 5 grams of dried amla. Follow a few simple steps to make an all-natural shampoo that boosts hair growth and nourishes the scalp:
Soak the pods of shikakai with dried amla and seedless reetha overnight in a bowl containing 750ml water. Next morning, boil all these ingredients together till they are soft and mushy. Let it cool down. Gently crush the ingredients with your fingers. Strain the liquid and use it for washing your hair.
2.As A Nourishing Hair Oil:
Mix 2 cups of coconut oil and 1 cup of almond oil. Add 3 tbsp shikakai powder to this oil blend and stir it in. Let the mixture sit for 2 weeks in a dark and cool place (shake the jar once in a while to help the goodness of shikakai infuse into the oil properly). The oil will be ready for use in a couple of weeks. Take the desired quantity and massage the oil on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for at least one hour before you shampoo.
3.As A Conditioning Hair Mask:
To make a hair mask that not only deep conditions your hair, but also helps treat dandruff and dryness, you will need 2 tbsp shikakai powder, 2 tbsp curd and around 3 or 4 drops of vitamin E oil.
Mix the ingredients into a smooth and thick paste. Apply the paste on hair and scalp. Use a shower cap to cover your hair and wait for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with water and use a mild shampoo. READ MORE – HAIR GROWTH POWDER RECIPE