beauty
April 9, 2024
Minutes To Read: 2

Shikakai: Alternative to shampooing hair

To take good care of your 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 yarns.

From Ayurvedic therapy, of Indian origin, comes the new hair care alternative. The shikakai, as it is called, is the fruit of the Acacia concinna plant, which is a typical Asian shrub. According to Ayurveda instructor Daniela Navaes, the word means 'fruit for hair'.

In addition to being used for cleansing, shikakai can have other uses for the hair, and every woman can understand the treatments she performs on her hair structure. Check out more about this product and the good it can do for its beauty.

Shikakai Facts and Benefits

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

How to use shikakai

There is not only one correct way to use shikakai on your hair. There are several possible recipes and their effect may differ from person to person (and may be more or less effective).

Shikakai for wire cleaning and treatment

Instructor Daniela Navaes suggests the step-by-step for shikakai hair care:

In an empty container with a lid, mix two tablespoons of shikakai, one tablespoon of 100% natural henna powder and one and a half cups of filtered water.
Cover and shake well until foamed.
Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, shaking occasionally until ready to use.
Wet the hair and apply the mixture gradually, massaging the scalp.
After using all the mixture, let it act on the hair for 5 minutes and rinse normally.
Finally, 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 powerful effect on hair.

One of them is henna. According to Daniela Navaes, “mixing shikakai with henna promotes cleansing and conditioning at the same time, as well as giving more shine. Henna in this context does not change the color of the hair, because the amount is small, as well as the application time is short ?.

Adding the amla herb powder in the shikakai mix can also do your hair good, leaving it softer and shinier. Amla has antibacterial, astringent and antioxidant properties and is also used for dandruff treatment, cleansing, hair strengthening and to brighten the hair.

Where to buy shikakai

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