Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
how to use shikakai powder
Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #24892
341 days ago
1,451

how to use shikakai powder - #24892

Claire
FREE

I am really confused about how to use shikakai powder. My hair has been super dry and brittle lately, and I heard shikakai might be a great natural remedy. A friend recommended it, but she didn’t really explain how to use it properly. I tried just mixing it with water and applying it, but it felt like a total mess! 😩 I ended up with this weird paste stuck in my hair and it was such a pain to rinse out. I’ve read that shikakai is supposed to be a shampoo alternative and helps with hair health, but honestly, I’m not seeing much improvement yet. Like, does it matter how long I leave it on? And is mixing it with something like coconut oil or aloe vera better? Or am I doing something totally wrong by not getting the ratios right? Ugh, I just need some simple steps on how to use shikakai powder without it turning into this frustrating ordeal every time! Thanks!

Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

Using shikakai powder can indeed be a bit tricky at first, but with the right approach, it can transform your hair care routine. Shikakai, known in Ayurveda for its gentle cleansing properties, can help nourish your hair while maintaining natural moisture. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Start by mixing about 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder with warm water. Aim for a consistency similar to slightly runny yogurt, so it’s easy to spread over your hair. If it’s too thick, it can become difficult to wash out, which is frustrating, as you’ve experienced. You might want to experiment with this a bit to get it just right.

Consider enhancing your shikakai mixture by adding a little aloe vera gel. This can provide extra hydration, which is beneficial for dry and brittle hair. Alternatively, a few drops of coconut oil can also enrich the paste with moisture and nourishment. But, avoid adding too much oil, as it can make rinsing out the shikakai tricky.

Once your mixture is ready, apply it to your scalp and hair. Use gentle circular motions, ensuring to cover all sections. Leave it on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes. Letting it sit longer might dry out your hair rather than condition it.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This step may require a bit of patience as shikakai can be stubborn to rinse out if used in excess. Ensure there’s no residue left, as shikakai particles can adhere to strands if not rinsed properly.

For optimal results, follow this routine about once or twice weekly. Excessive usage might strip natural oils due to its cleansing nature. And remember, shikakai works best when used over time, so give it a few weeks for noticeable benefits – your hair might just need time adjusting to the natural formulation.

If your hair continues to feel dry, consider examining your overall hair care. Check your diet, hydration levels, and any other products you’re using - they all play a role in your hair health. Shikakai can be an excellent natural alternative, but maintaining balance in hair care and lifestyle is crucial too.

15689 answered questions
33% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


How long can I take Trich up tablet for hair growth and what are the side effects?
How to treat eczema and skin issues with Ayurveda for a 35-year-old male with sweating and dryness problems?
What are safe alternatives to Kayyunyadi Keram for hair regrowth and reducing hair fall in a 36F with Pitta constitution?
What are some natural home remedies for hyperpigmentation on my forehead and cheekbone?
What to do for dull and combination skin that darkens with products and causes rashes?
Can I use red onion shampoo with jojoba oil for hair loss and dry scalp at 64 years old?
How to reduce itching and swelling from Lukoskin cream and syrup after 3 days of use?
How to treat male pattern baldness and hair thinning at 27 with oily scalp?
What is the natural remedy for rosacea and what should I avoid in my diet and daily habits?
How often should I use durdurapathradi keratailam for dandruff and severe hair fall?
How to treat male pattern baldness with natural remedies like egg, oil, and aloe vera?
Can I use Manjishtadi Thailam for my acne-prone skin with inflammation and heat?
How to treat high pigmentation around the neck and back with Mahamanjishthadi and Khadirisht?
How to treat extreme oily face and dark spots from acne?
How long will it take for eczema to improve with Mahamanjishtha and Khadirarishta syrup?
How to treat warts on the face with Ayurveda or other methods?
What to do for my son's itchy skin pox and chickenpox in his mouth?
What to do for chronic skin disorder with dry patches, itching on thighs, and swollen face?
How to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation after 15 years of using creams?
How to treat dark raised dermatofibroma spots on my leg?
How to treat melasma on my nose and cheeks that I've had for 4 months?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for itchy, burning scalp and hair loss in a 74-year-old with long-term chemical exposure?
Can I use hair oil and serum together, and is shampoo necessary after using oil before a shower?
What causes yellowish tint and dark patches on my face after taking multivitamins?
How to treat keloids on my chest that are itchy and have pus?
Is it safe to use Multani Mitti overnight on my pimples?
How to treat skin eczema on my palms effectively?
How to treat scarring alopecia from LPP on my scalp with blue patches and no hair?
How to stop hair fall and restore black color to my hair naturally?
How to reduce skin tanning naturally for combination skin with oily nose and dry cheeks?
What are the connections between skin problems and liver health?
What to do for my 22-year-old daughter with excessive hair fall and oily skin?
How to treat eczema-related hyperpigmentation and achieve an even skin tone without heavy metals?
What causes yellowish skin and dark patches on my face with occasional rashes?
Can I apply multani mitti on my pimples overnight for better results?
How to treat keratosis pilaris on my skin with Ayurveda?
How to treat hair fall and grey hair for thicker black hair?
How to treat dandruff and severe hair fall that has lasted more than 6 months?
How to stop hair fall and improve gut health for a vegetarian?
How to treat recurring acne and dark spots on my face?
How to treat acne and lose weight for a 25-year-old female with sensitive skin?
What causes uneven skin tone and excessive dryness on my upper body with on-and-off constipation?
How to treat oily skin on my face to prevent allergies and acne?
How to treat female pattern hair loss with bald spots after vitamin deficiency?
What oil or shampoo should I use for my thin hair to grow long quickly, and how often should I oil it?
What to apply for tiny red and black moles on my breast and arm?
How to treat open pores on my face that have been there for years?
What Ayurvedic techniques can help prevent hair loss and greying for a 29-year-old male?
How to treat persistent eczema behind the ear that keeps weeping and crusting?
Can my 14-year-old daughter with eczema take vidanga, and what remedies do you suggest?
What is the best face wash or syrup for open pores, pimples, and dull skin for a 22-year-old female?
How to treat hair fall and promote hair growth due to stress at age 36?
What are the best Ayurvedic treatments for hair thinning and hair fall on the right side of my head?
How to treat acne and blackheads that have been worsening for 4 years?
What else can I do to improve hair loss treatment after using black sesame seeds and Nilibhringadi oil?
What is the best facewash for hormonal acne and should I apply anything on it?
What Ayurvedic cream can help get rid of Xanthelasma?
How to treat eczema and skin issues with Ayurveda for a 35-year-old male with sweating and dryness problems?
What Ayurvedic treatment can help my 24-year-old daughter with her chronic skin redness and itching?
How to treat premature white hair in a 23-year-old?
What are the best remedies for hair fall and greying in a 43-year-old woman with anemia?
What causes internal burning and itching after skin healing in my mother?
How to use Ayurvedic remedies like surakta and neem guard for Acne inversa and folliculitis?
What is my hair porosity if it absorbs water quickly but floats during the porosity test, and how to treat it with Ayurvedic oils for growth?
Is Lomasathana Thailam good for skin, and should I mix it with carrier oil or apply it directly?
What is causing the itching on my legs between the knee and ankles that is spreading?
How to treat white patches on skin with Bakuchi Churna or oil?
How to treat Lichen Planus and how long will it take to heal?
How to treat excessive hair fall and weight gain with digestive issues and increased appetite?
How to treat hair loss when follicles seem dormant for 2 years?
What are the benefits of using egg and ghee with essential oils for a hair mask on wavy curly hair?
How to use Nalpamaram and Nagarmotha powder for acne on face and body?
What to do for recurring facial acne that keeps coming back for 3 years in an 18-year-old?
How to treat heavy nodular acne and dark spots on face and back for a 29-year-old male?
How to treat genetic hair loss that has progressed over 10 years?
Can Ayurveda treat my Labrador's atopic dermatitis after 3 years of no improvement with medication?
What to do for itching and dryness on my body and face with bumps?
Can I use Murivenna for my 5-month-old baby's skin allergy on the face?
What is the best facewash for hormonal acne and what can I apply on it?
How to reduce itching and swelling from using Lukoskin cream and syrup?
How to treat eczema and skin issues with Ayurveda for a 35-year-old male with a history of skin infections?
How to treat painful pimples on my face that keep coming back for 3 years at 18 years old?
How to treat psoriasis on palms and soles with deep cracks and bleeding?
How to treat alopecia areata and dandruff after 8 months of using minoxidil?
How to treat chronic acne and irregular periods in a 24-year-old with oily skin?
Can I use Nalpamaradi Keram and Manjista Churna for my skin issues and what dosage is safe?
What Ayurvedic foods should I avoid for rosacea and what could bumps on my nails mean?
What is the best Ayurvedic shampoo for severe hair loss and baldness after PRP treatment?
How to treat eczema and achieve an even skin tone after recurring symptoms since 2023?
How to treat keloids at home without steroids and control itching?
Can a 10-year-old take Manjishtadiwati and Khadirarishta for eczema and itching?
How to reduce skin tanning naturally with combination skin and comedones on nose?
How to treat scars after pimples on my back?
Can I use Arjuna Churna on my face for vyanga without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor?
How to treat worsening pimples and skin allergies while taking mahamajisthadii kwadha and khadirarishta?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for pimples and dark spots on my cheeks?
Can I use aloe vera to treat Tinea Versicolor with irritating itchy skin that started 2 weeks ago?
How to overcome itching and oil release on scalp after using ayurvedic mehndi for gray hair?
How to treat dull, pigmented skin and dark circles effectively?
Can a 16-year-old girl with thin and weak hair take Sitaram Narasimha tablets, and how many should she take?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Robert
11 hours ago
This was a super clear and helpful response! It really gave me insight into how Ayurveda could help with CAC scores. Thanks a ton!
This was a super clear and helpful response! It really gave me insight into how Ayurveda could help with CAC scores. Thanks a ton!
Olivia
11 hours ago
I really apprecite the detailed answer. It was clear and made me feel more at ease. Definitely gave me some good insights to consider. Thanks!
I really apprecite the detailed answer. It was clear and made me feel more at ease. Definitely gave me some good insights to consider. Thanks!
Asher
12 hours ago
Thanks for the clear explanation! Put my mind at ease about what my dad's taking, and I'm super grateful for the detailed advice!
Thanks for the clear explanation! Put my mind at ease about what my dad's taking, and I'm super grateful for the detailed advice!
Morgan
13 hours ago
Super thankful for the advice! Finally feel like I got some clear steps to take. Gonna try the stuff you mentioned n see how it goes. 🙌
Super thankful for the advice! Finally feel like I got some clear steps to take. Gonna try the stuff you mentioned n see how it goes. 🙌