Shikakai, also known as Shika in Tamil, Seekaaya in Telugu, and Soap pod in English, is a highly effective ayurvedic treatment for healthy, long hair. The pods, leaves, and bark of the Shikakai tree are high in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. It can be used to clean hair, produce hair oil, and even manufacture hair masks to nourish and speed up hair growth. Shikakai also includes vitamins that promote hair growth. 

Shikakai encourages hair growth, decreases hair loss and breakage, and adds bounce and gloss to the hair. Shikakai is also used in many Ayurvedic shampoos and soaps, and its bark contains a high concentration of saponins, which act as a foaming agent in many shampoos. Saponins are a gentle cleansing agent that helps to keep the scalp clean and healthy. 

Shikakai fruit pods are sun-dried and ground into a powder. To make a hair-washing paste, mix shikakai powder with water and additional herbs like amla and reetha powder. Shikakai powder is frequently used to treat a number of hair and scalp conditions. Shikakai, which has cleaning and antibacterial properties, can be taken alone or in combination with reetha and amla to help reduce hair loss and prevent dandruff. It gives shine to the hair and prevents greying. 

Why is Shikakai Good for Your Hair?

I believe it is safe to say that we have proven that shikakai is really beneficial to your hair, but what exactly does it do for your hair? Let's look at all of the advantages shikakai offers for your hair. 

Makes Your Hair Soft and Shiny 

Shikakai's critical nutrients and natural components are quite excellent at improving hair texture, especially in the winter. It washes the hair follicles, decreases greasiness, and softens and shines the hair as a natural surfactant. Shikakai also includes vitamins that promote hair growth.

Shikakai encourages hair growth, decreases hair loss and breakage, and adds bounce and gloss to the hair. Shikakai is also used in many Ayurvedic shampoos and soaps, and its bark contains a high concentration of saponins, which act as a foaming agent in many shampoos. Saponins are a gentle cleansing agent that helps to keep the scalp robust and clean. 

To make a semi-liquid paste, combine 2-3 tbsp of shikakai powder with 2 cups of water. To taste, add more water and honey. After applying this combination to your hair, rinse it with water. Use this solution twice a week to achieve beautiful, glossy hair. 

Soothes a Dry Scalp 

Shikakai works wonderfully on a dry scalp as an organic disinfectant that does not strip vital oils. It is really beneficial in restoring hair shine and length. It strengthens the hair from the roots, preventing thinning, damage, and hair loss.

DIY Home Remedy: Massage your scalp and hair with a mixture of shikakai powder and fresh yoghurt. Allow for a 20-30 minute soak before washing with cool water. Regular use leads to a thicker, stronger mane. 

Helps Get Rid of Stubborn Dandruff

Shikakai's potent antifungal and antimicrobial qualities, much to our relief, play a significant role in removing dandruff from the scalp and hair. It effectively reduces dandruff without removing the scalp's natural oils, preventing dry scalp conditions that lead to flaking and dandruff.

DIY Home Remedy: Boil shikakai pods in water. Filter it and add half a lemon. Wash your hair with this water on a regular basis to get rid of dandruff and lice. 

Aids Hair Growth

Shikakai has active chemicals that provide critical oils and vitamins to the scalp, resulting in healthy hair development. Shikakai powder secures the hair roots and protects them against split ends, breakage, and hair loss.
Shikakai can help you accomplish your goal of long, healthy hair.

DIY Home Remedy: Massage your hair and scalp with a mixture of shikakai powder and fresh yoghurt. Allow for a 20-30 minute soak before washing with cool water. Regular use leads to a thicker, stronger mane. 

Slows Down Greying of Hair

Grey hair is a normal aspect of ageing and is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, it should be welcomed at the appropriate age. However, premature grey hairs can be produced by a variety of factors, the most common of which is stress, and the desire to get rid of them is quite understandable. Shikakai can actually slow and postpone the occurrence of grey hair, allowing you to maintain the shine of your hair for a longer period of time. Shikakai powder easily penetrates the hair, imparting a natural, darker, thicker, and more glossy appearance.

DIY Home Remedy: Soak shikakai in water in an iron jar at night. Boil the water and use it to rinse your hair in the morning. Make this a routine.
 

Helps Get Rid of Hair Lice

Who wants horrible lice crawling through their hair? We surely do not. Shikakai has a low pH, making head lice difficult to survive. Furthermore, shikakai has antibacterial and antifungal properties that work together to prevent the development of head lice.

Take around half a cup of camphor oil. 2 teaspoons neem leaf powder, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon shikakai powder. Combine everything, and if it's too thick, add a few more drops of sesame oil. Apply it to the scalp, concentrating on the hair roots. Wait 20-30 minutes before using a nit comb to remove the dead lice and nits. Then, using cool water and a gentle shampoo, rinse your hair. Repeat two or three more times until the lice are gone. 

Soothes an Itchy Scalp 

Your scalp may itch incessantly owing to dandruff, excess oiliness, lice, or even a lack of nourishment. But don't worry, shikakai can help with that as well. When paired with considerable anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, shikakai provides a relaxing and tranquil solution for irritated and itchy scalps.

Make your own home remedy by combining 2-3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon fresh, plain yoghurt. Stir in two teaspoons of shikakai powder to get a homogenous paste. Massage it into your hair and scalp for a few minutes. Wear a shower cap and leave the mask on your hair for 40 to an hour. Repeat with a gentle wash at least once or twice a week.