Shikakai Herbs शिकाकाई -250gm

Shikakai is a magical herb for our hair. It has been used since centuries for long, strong and beautiful hair.

Today, however, the chemical filled shampoos have taken over.

But if you want to grow healthy and gorgeous hair, look no further than shikakai. Why? Well, check out the amazing benefits of shikakai for hair here in this article.

Plus, we are going to share few simple ways to incorporate the same to your hair care regime.

Shikakai, in itself, can be a little drying for our hair, hence, one must use this herb in combination with other natural ingredients to enjoy all the benefits of shikakai for hair. 

What is Shikakai?

Scientifically known as Acacia concinna, shikakai is a herb native to Asia. The word ‘shikakai’ literally translates into ‘fruit for hair’ in English. This is used as an alternative for shampoo, specially in combination with ‘reetha’ or soapnut. The main reason that shikakai is used as a natural hair cleanser is because it contains saponin, which works as a great cleansing agent. It helps in cleansing the hair thoroughly but without being harsh. Along with this, shikakai also contains vitamins, including vitamin A, C, D, E, K and also other antioxidants which make it extremely beneficial for hair care.

Shikakai powder is what we normally use for hair care. The leaves of the plant, as well as the bark and the fruit pods are dried and then grind into powder, which is known as Shikakai powder. So, what are the benefits of shikakai for hair? Well, find out below.

Benefits of Shikakai for Hair

1. Good for Scalp

Its not a secret that a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Shikakai not only offers awesome benefits for hair, but it is equally good for our scalp health as well. This herb comes with antiseptic properties, which help in calming down an irritated scalp. It also helps to maintain the ideal pH balance of the scalp, which is essential for a healthy scalp.

2. Natural Hair Cleanser

Since ages, shikakai has been used as a natural hair cleanser. Still now, many women prefer to wash their hair with shikakai rather than using any store-bought shampoos. Shikakai contains ‘saponin’, which is a natural cleansing agent and it provides deep cleansing effect to the scalp as well as hair. However, the best part of using shikakai for hair cleansing is that it is not at all harsh on the hair and doesn’t strip hair off its natural oils in the process of cleansing.

3. Fights off Dandruff

Dandruff is a common hair problem, but it can get severe for those suffering from chronic dandruff. If not treated on time, dandruff not only damages the scalp, but leads to uncontrollable hair fall. If nothing seems to work for you, do try shikakai. It comes with anti fungal as well as anti septic properties, which work together to combat dandruff. Moreover, the amazing cleansing benefits of shikakai for hair help to unclog the hair follicles and remove the white flakes completely.

4. Nourishes Hair Follicles

Shikakai contains a number of nutrients, such as vitamin A, C, D, E, K, etc. When used on the hair regularly, shikakai provides a boost of nourishment to the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. The vitamin C content of shikakai boosts collagen production and aids in hair growth. Moreover, shikakai comes with anti oxidants, which prevent free radical damages and improve hair health.

5. Gets Rid of Head Lice

Many of us are not aware of this benefit of Shikakai for Hair. Head lice can cause lot of discomfort on the scalp and if not treated on time, it can damage our scalp severely. One of the best natural remedy for head lice is shikakai. It has low pH value, which makes it difficult for the head lice to survive. Moreover, shikakai comes with anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, which work together to prevent the growth of head lice.

6. Conditioning Properties of Shikakai for Hair

Shikakai works exceptionally well to condition dry hair. It comes with vitamins and other nutrients, which work effectively to nourish dry and brittle hair and make them soft and shiny once again. Shikakai contains vitamin E, which is known for its moisturizing properties and it helps in adding softness to the dry locks.

7. Prevents Gray Hair

If you are suffering from premature graying of hair, then try shikakai. Shikakai comes with anti oxidant benefits, which help in reversing the damage done by free radicals and treats hair problems like premature gray hair.

8. Gives Stronger and Thicker Hair

If you wish to have longer, stronger and thicker hair, then do replace all your commercial hair products with shikakai. Regular use of shikakai helps in promoting hair growth and adds bounce, thickness as well as strength to our hair. This herb comes packed with essential nutrients, which effectively repair hair damage and prevent brittle hair.

9. Reduces Hair Fall

Free radical damage is one of the main reasons behind hair fall. Shikakai, being rich in anti oxidants, prevent the activities of free radicals and reduce the oxidative stress, which in turn help in curbing hair fall. Along with anti oxidants, shikakai contains a number of vitamins, which further provide additional nutrition to the hair follicles, rejuvenate them and stop hair fall.

10. Repairs Split Ends

Split ends is one of the main signs that our hair is damaged. Excessive dry hair can cause split ends. And free radicals present in our body are often responsible for the dryness of hair. The anti oxidants present in shikakai help to neutralize the free radical activities and repair split ends over time.

So here are the major benefits of shikakai for hair. Below we are going to discuss how we can use shikakai in combination with other ingredients for our hair care.