Shikakai is an Ayurvedic cleansing and conditioning herb that is effective for all types of scalp problems. It strengthens, stimulates hair growth, adds shine and combats dandruff.
What is Shikakai?
Shikakai is one of the most widely used Indian medicinal herbs for body care due to its balancing properties.
Shikakai is the Indian name for Acacia Concinna, a climbing shrub native to Asia, common in the warm plains of central and southern India.
The dark beige powder is obtained by drying and subsequently reducing to powder the fruits, leaves and bark of this plant.
The bark is the part richest in saponins, with excellent cleansing properties.
Cosmetic Properties of Shikakai
This powder has a strong sebum-regulating power as well as a delicate cleanser and is therefore mainly indicated as a treatment and cleanser for greasy or dandruff-prone hair, and for combination and acne-prone skin.
The main properties are:
- Detergents: thanks to the saponins contained
- Sebum-regulating: its delicate and soothing cleansing action regulates the production of sebum
- Soothing: soothes irritation of the skin and scalp, reducing redness and itching.
- Polishing and Strengthening for the hair: thanks to its slightly acidic pH which closes the hair cuticles making it shinier, less frizzy and more resistant to environmental stress
- Disciplining and conditioning: hair is silky and easily detangled
- Anti-dandruff: dandruff is effectively compacted and its onset is reduced.
- Purifying, antibacterial and antifungal: washing with shikakai deeply purifies the skin
- Astringents for the skin : thanks to its slightly acidic pH
How do you use Shikakai?
Shikakai powder is a product suitable for various uses. It can be used alone or you can add it to other Indian herbs such as Amla and Aritha , vegetable oils and other natural ingredients.
Shikakai for hair
It can be used as a shampoo , mixing 1-2 tablespoons of powder with hot water and stirring until you get a smooth cream. Apply it all over your hair, massage well and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Also excellent as a sebum-balancing hair pack if left on for a longer time, at least 40 minutes.
Ideally, a spoonful of Amla and one of Shikakai would be used for the pack: Amla strengthens and remineralizes the hair, Shikakai rebalances.
Used consistently, it helps delay the appearance of white hair because it strengthens the pigment!
!! Attention blondes, shikakai can darken light hair!!
Shikakai for the face
An excellent sebum-balancing mask for oily and impure facial skin is obtained by mixing shikakai powder with hot water and 1 or 2 drops of essential oils with an astringent effect to normalize sebum production and purify the skin.
If you liked our article on Shikakai, you might also find our guide to Neem, properties and how to use it interesting!
Find out all about Ayurvedic herbs and their amazing properties in our blog section henna and natural dyes !
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