SHIKAKAI (Acacia concinna) has been used traditionally for hair care in the Indian Subcontinent since ancient times. It is one of the Ayurvedic medicinal plants. It is traditionally used as a shampoo. In order to prepare it the fruit pods, leaves and bark of the plant are dried, ground into a powder and then made into a paste. While this traditional shampoo does not produce the normal amount of lather that a sulfate-containing shampoo would, it is considered a good cleanser. It is mild, having a naturally low pH, and doesn’t strip hair of natural oils. Usually no conditioner is needed, for shikakai also acts as a detangler. An infusion of the leaves has been used in anti-dandruff preparations.

Benefits of Shikakai for Hair

The natural ingredients of shikakai make your hair softer and add a beautiful shine to it.
The anti-fungal properties of shikakai nourish your scalp and prevent itching and dryness. Used regularly, shikakai can cure dandruff.
Shikakai strengthens hair roots. The result is stronger and healthier hair, with lesser hair fall.
Shikakai works its magic on a dry scalp by acting as a natural cleanser without washing away essential oils.
If you have curly hair, shikakai is a great way to detangle your locks after a shampoo. Gently run your fingers through your hair while rinsing.

1. Shikakai Hair Pack for Dry Hair

- A blend of shikakai and yogurt is excellent for your hair.
- Massage in the blend and wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
- Do this every alternate day and see results within a week.
- Add half a cup shikakai and one cup amla powder to a cup of lukewarm water.
- Let this sit for 1-2 hours.
- Apply the paste to your hair and wash it off after 30 minutes.
- This is an excellent remedy for dry and dandruff affected hair.

2. Shikakai Hair Pack for Oily Hair

- Oily hair and scalp requires proper cleansing to remove grime and dirt and unclog hair follicles
- A cleansing shampoo made of shikakai is ideal in such a situation, as it isn’t as harsh as store bought shampoos and hence you can use it daily
- Take 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder, 1 tablespoon of green gram powder, and half a tablespoon of methi powder
- Mix this mixture with an egg white and use it as shampoo
- Note that it won’t lather like a normal shampoo, however, it will be as effective as a store bought shampoo!

3. Shikakai Hair Pack for Dandruff

- Shikakai is a miracle ingredient for scalp ailments
- You will need shikakai powder, neem leaves, methi powder and amla powder
- Mix all the ingredients together and boil them for at least 10-20 minutes
- Mash the lumps after it cools down and strain the water
- Massage your scalp with this water
- Wash it off after 30 minutes with cold water

4. Split ends Hair Pack

- Boil shikakai powder with coconut oil and store this concoction in a cool dry place
- Apply this oil twice a week
- The mixture of shikakai and coconut oil will nourish your hair and in turn prevent split ends

Benefits of Shikakai for Skin

It may use the paste as body soap or face cleanser. It acts as a natural scrubber, and deep cleanses the skin.
Its antimicrobial properties help protect the skin from fungal infections.
It doesn’t remove natural oils from your skin. It doesn’t leave it dry, rather it keeps the skin moisturized.

1. Use shikakai to treat spots

Take half a teaspoon of shikakai powder and mix it with a tablespoon each of cream, almond powder and turmeric.
Add two tablespoons of honey and use it as a body scrub.
This mixture helps in eliminating dead cells and gives your skin a natural glow.

2. Shikakai Body Wash

To make the body wash, first collect rice kanji. Rice kanji is made by boiling rice with a little bit of excess water than needed.
Once the rice is cooked, strain some the excess water, we call it rice kanji. Let the kanji cool and mix it with shikakai powder and use it as a body wash for your skin.
If you want it to smell good, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it. You will notice a nice difference in your skin.

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