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Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #24892
236 days ago
1,096

how to use shikakai powder - #24892

Claire

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!

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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.

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