Shikakai: alternative to washing hair without shampoo

To take good care of hair, product options are not restricted to perfumeries and cosmetics stores. A new, more natural option is already on the market and promises great results for the hair.

The new hair care alternative comes from ayurveda therapy, of Indian origin. The shikakai, as it is called, is the fruit of the Acacia concinna plant, which is a typical shrub from Asia. According to ayurveda instructor Daniela Navaes, the word means “fruit for the hair”.

In addition to cleaning, shikakai can have other uses for the wires and each woman can understand the treatments it performs on her hair structure. Check out more about this product and the good it can do for your beauty below.

Shikakai facts and benefits

• Shikakai has been used for thousands of years by Indian women. It also appears in the composition of various beauty products.
• The product has the power to get rid of dandruff.
• It is good for both hair and scalp. Hair infections and lice problems can also be treated with shikakai.
• Shikakai has a low pH, which helps maintain the hair’s natural hydration and does not strip essential oil during cleansing, which ensures that the hair stays beautiful.
• According to Daniela Navaes, shikakai also contains saponins, “which have a mild detergent action; anti fungal properties and are rich in vitamins C and D”. These combined properties are what reduce hair loss and favor cleaning in a gentle way, “cleansing the accumulated fat, but without removing the lipid layer that protects the hair”, explains Daniela.

How to use shikakai

There is not just one correct way to use shikakai on hair. There are several possible recipes and the effect of it can be different from person to person (it can be more or less effective).

Shikakai for cleaning and treating wires

Instructor Daniela Navaes suggests the step by step to take care of hair with shikakai:

1. In an empty container with a lid, mix two tablespoons of shikakai, one tablespoon of henna powder (100% natural) and one and a half cups of filtered water.
2. Cover and shake well until foamy.
3. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes, shaking occasionally until ready to use.
4. Wet hair and apply the mixture gradually, massaging the scalp.
5. After using all the mixture, let it act on the hair for 5 minutes and rinse normally.
6. To finish, dilute apple cider vinegar in water to close the hair cuticles, massage the scalp and ends and rinse again.”

Shikakai and its effects combined with other herbs

In Ayurvedic therapy, shikakai can be combined with more herbs to have an even more potent effect on the hair.

One of them is henna. According to Daniela Navaes, “mixing shikakai with henna promotes cleaning and conditioning at the same time, in addition to giving it more shine. In this context, henna does not change the color of the hair, as the amount is small and the application time is short”.

Adding amla herb powder to the mixture with shikakai can also be good for your hair, making it softer and shinier. Amla has antibacterial, astringent and antioxidant properties and is also used to treat dandruff, cleanse, strengthen hair and add shine to the hair.

where to buy shikakai

Shikakai is not yet a popular product in Brazil, so it is still not easy to find it on sale in the country. But it is possible to buy online on some specific sites:

Shikakai has several hair benefits and can make your look even more amazing!