how to use shikakai powder for hair wash - #41466
I am trying to figure out how to use shikakai powder for hair wash after hearing my friend rave about it. I’ve had really bad hair days lately—dryness and some frizziness driving me nuts! Last week I went to a salon, and they recommended this shikakai stuff since they said it’s so good for cleansing without stripping natural oils or whatever. I managed to get some shikakai powder from an online shop but honestly, I'm not quite sure how to use shikakai powder for hair wash. Do I just mix it with water or something? Like how much shikakai powder should I use per wash? Should I let it sit in my hair for a bit before rinsing? My friends told me I can mix it with other stuff too, like coconut oil or maybe hibiscus powder? But then I’m confused if mixing is better or just using shikakai by itself is fine. I really want to go for a more natural route but want to make sure I'm doing this right! I don't want to mess my hair up even more, you know? Any tips on how to use shikakai powder for hair wash would be super helpful! Thanks a ton!
Shop Now in Our Store


Doctors' responses
Shikakai powder can indeed rejuvenate your hair, especially if you’re dealing with dryness and frizziness, as it gently cleanses without stripping natural oils. To use shikakai powder effectively for a hair wash, you’ll generally want to start by preparing a paste. Mix about 2-3 tablespoons of shikakai powder with enough warm water to form a smooth, consistent paste. The exact amount of powder may vary based on your hair length and thickness. Aim for a consistency that’s easy to apply and not overly runny.
Before applying the paste to your hair, ensure your hair is damp. Apply the shikakai paste to your scalp and hair lengths, massaging gently to stimulate the scalp and help the herbal components penetrate. You can leave this mixture on for about 5-10 minutes; however, you might need to adjust the timing depending on your hair’s receptiveness. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water afterwards, making sure all the residue is removed.
If you’d like to enhance the beneficial effects or address more specific hair concerns, combining shikakai with other natural ingredients can be advantageous. For instance, adding a teaspoon of hibiscus powder can boost nourishment and shine, while mixing in a tablespoon of coconut oil can provide extra conditioning—especially beneficial if your hair is particularly dry.
However, it’s essential to be cautious and observe how your hair reacts to shikakai initially, using it without additional ingredients at first. This helps establish a baseline before introducing potential variables. If your hair feels great, continues using shikakai alone or introduces add-ins like amla powder for added strength or fenugreek for extra moisture, step by step.
It’s important to note that if you’ve recently had any chemical treatments or have a sensitive scalp, it’s best to do a patch test first to ensure your scalp doesn’t react negatively. Also, while using natural hair care, results might not be instant and could take a few washes before you notice substantial improvement. Remember that Ayurveda often advocates for a patient and consistent approach to natural healing and care. Hopefully, with gradual use, you’ll find a balance that turns those bad hair days around!

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
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.
