Gone are the days when our reliance on natural ingredients solely dictated the cleansing routine for our scalp and hair. While the market is now saturated with an array of shampoos, eliminating the need for labor-intensive homemade remedies, it’s crucial to acknowledge that many commercial products contain harsh chemicals that can adversely affect the health and appearance of our hair, impacting our overall well-being in the long run.
However, returning to the simplicity and efficacy of age-old natural ingredients presents a compelling alternative. A concoction of amla, reetha, and shikakai, three time-tested elements, offers a nourishing solution that shields our hair from various damages. In contrast to synthetic counterparts, this homemade hair cleansing remedy acts as a safeguard, promoting both the health and aesthetic appeal of our locks.
Today, we’re excited to share a DIY recipe for amla, reetha, and shikakai shampoo. This formula is straightforward to prepare, and its benefits for your hair are remarkable. So, stay tuned as we guide you through the steps to create a natural, wholesome shampoo that will elevate your hair care routine. Keep reading to discover the transformative power of these three ancient ingredients for your locks.
Why Use Homemade Natural Shampoo?
Understanding the benefits of natural shampoos is a crucial step before making a switch, and that’s where we’ll begin. The majority of synthetic shampoos lining the shelves in stores are laden with potentially harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), parabens, fragrance, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and more. These chemical additives wreak havoc on the scalp, giving rise to many hair issues, including dandruff, dryness, frizz, split ends, premature greying, and hair fall. In some instances, the repercussions extend beyond hair troubles, leading to minor to even significant health problems, some of which can be severe and potentially life-threatening.
Given these concerns, opting for a herbal or homemade natural shampoo is prudent. Going a step further, creating your natural shampoo using authentic herbs, as practiced for centuries in India, elevates the quality of care you provide to your hair. By eschewing chemically-treated alternatives, you protect your scalp and hair from potential harm and tap into the holistic benefits of a concoction of genuine herbs, ensuring a healthier, more nourished mane. Embrace the wisdom of traditional practices for a natural hair care solution that stands the test of time.
Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai shampoo are often considered eco-friendly due to their plant-based origins, contrasting with synthetic shampoos that may contribute to environmental concerns.
What Is Amla Reetha And Shikakai Shampoo?
The Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai shampoo isn’t just a contemporary hair care trend; it’s a timeless herbal blend with roots tracing back to ancient times. Comprising three fundamental herbs—amla, reetha, and shikakai—this concoction boasts a rich history of serving as a natural hair shampoo. Delving into the essence of each component reveals a treasure trove of benefits, making it a staple in holistic hair care practices.
These age-old herbs aren’t just names on a label; they are reservoirs of active components that penetrate hair fibers, offering profound nourishment and stimulating exponential growth. The beauty of this natural trio lies in its ability to strike a delicate balance—effectively nurturing hair while being gentle enough to preserve its natural oils. This ensures the maintenance of your hair’s inherent texture, promoting a healthy shine and a naturally beautiful appearance.
The versatility of Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai shampoo transcends the limitations of hair types—length, texture, and condition become irrelevant. Regularly using this herbal elixir becomes a solution to bid farewell to various hair concerns. Whether you battle dryness and frizz or desire luscious locks, incorporating this natural shampoo into your routine becomes a holistic approach to hair care, promising enduring beauty and vitality. Embrace the wisdom of ancient remedies for a hair care ritual that stands the test of time.
Amla, reetha, and shikakai complement each other and form a very rich combination for hair. So, they are mixed together to get dark, healthy, and lustrous hair.
Hair Benefits Of Amla, Reetha, And Shikakai
Amla, reetha, and shikakai are herbal fruits primarily available in India and widely used for hair combined or separately. But before we make the shampoo at home, we must know about the working procedures and effectiveness of each ingredient for hair’s benefits. Here we go:
1. Benefits Of Amla For Hair
Amla, Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus Emblica) is a berry-like edible fruit obtained from a small to medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family. The spherical fruit of light greenish-yellow color has a smooth and somewhat hard surface with six vertical stripes or furrows. It is pretty fibrous and has an astringent flavor and sour-to-bitter taste (1). Amla has long been used as an effective remedy for hair loss and grey hair. The following properties of the fruit make it highly useful in natural hair care:
- It consists of several essential fatty acids that nourish and moisturize hair. They penetrate the scalp to eliminate dryness and successfully address issues like dandruff, itchy scalp, etc.
- Rich in proteins, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, it provides hair fibers with adequate nutrition. This helps prevent hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth.
- The fruit’s excellent antioxidant properties effectively strengthen the roots of hair fibers. In addition, it repairs damaged hair cells and protects them from further oxidative stress to stimulate the growth of hair fibers.
- It acts as a conditioner that strengthens hair roots and moisturizes them thoroughly. This makes the hair soft and smooth, giving it a natural shine and bounce.
- As it keeps the scalp healthy and improves hair cells’ functionality, premature greying and hair loss can be treated effectively.
Read Also – How Good Is Amla Powder For Your Hair And Skin
2. Benefits Of Reetha For Hair
Reetha, soapnut, or soapberry (Sapindus Mukorossi) is a drupe from the Sapindus genus. The reetha tree belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which has 5-12 species of shrubs and small trees, including deciduous and evergreen ones. The small leathery-skinned, yellow-colored drupe contains 1 to 3 seeds, turning blackish upon ripening (2). Reetha is an effective hair-cleansing agent that keeps the scalp healthy by removing infection-causing microorganisms. Here are all the benefits offered by the fruit:
- The presence of the natural surfactant called saponin makes reetha a fantastic natural cleanser. It removes all dirt, grime, and build-ups from the scalp efficiently and effectively.
- It does not irritate the scalp and is more beneficial for hair than other chemical-based cleaning agents used in commercial shampoos.
- The anti-microbial properties of reetha help remove microorganisms from the scalp, thereby preventing scalp infections and itchiness.
- It has various active components, including antioxidants, which nourish and keep the hair healthy and smooth.
- Regular use of reetha adds shine to the hair and returns its natural texture while adding lots of volume to it naturally.
- Because of its cleansing properties, you can also eliminate dandruff and lice over time.
Read Also – How To Wash Hair Using Reetha (Soapnut)
These three ingredients work synergistically to provide holistic hair care. Amla nourishes, Reetha cleanses, and Shikakai conditions, offering a comprehensive solution for various hair concerns.
3. Benefits Of Shikakai For Hair
Shikakai (Acacia Concinna), the ultimate ‘fruit for hair,’ is derived from a climbing shrub native to Asia. Since ancient times, this Ayurvedic medicinal plant has been used in hair care across the Indian Subcontinent. The extracts of shikakai are used in traditional natural shampoos and hair powders and added to their synthetic Ayurvedic counterparts. Those are made by drying different parts of the plant (bark, leaves, and pods) under the sun, grinding them into a fine powder, and adding water if required (3). Shikakai helps take great care of our hair, and there are multiple reasons to use it in haircare remedies. We have listed them below:
- Being a mild component with a naturally low pH value, shikakai retains the hair’s natural oils while cleansing it gently.
- It is rich in antioxidant vitamin C and many essential phytonutrients that nourish the hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
- As it nourishes the scalp and the hair roots, the dryness and itchiness of the scalp go down.
- Shikakai acts as a powerful anti-dandruff agent that protects the scalp from other types of infection.
- It is also effective in strengthening the hair and conditioning it deeply. As a result, the hair fall is controlled and gets excellent volume.
- Consistent use of shikakai makes the hair healthy, soft, lustrous, and bouncy naturally.
Read Also – Make Shikakai Hair Wash Powder At Home
Homemade Amla Reetha And Shikakai Shampoo Recipe
Making this excellent natural shampoo at home is far easier than you think. Check out the recipe below:
- Soak 5-6 reetha pods, 6-7 pieces of shikakai, and a few freshly chopped amla in 500 ml. of water overnight.
- The following day, heat this mixture. When it begins to boil, turn the heat off.
- Allow the mixture to cool, and then, using a blender, squash the ingredients to a pulp.
- You will notice a lot of foam is being produced during the process. This is when you know that your shampoo has acquired all the goodness of these ingredients.
- Strain the mixture, discard the ingredients’ residue, and use the liquid concoction as a shampoo.
Amla reetha and shikakai shampoo cannot be produced in large batches and stored in the refrigerator as the concoction turns bad after a few days. But you can freeze it into your ice trays and make use of 2-3 ice cubes (based on the length of your hair) whenever required.
How To Use Amla Reetha And Shikakai Shampoo?
Once you are ready with your natural amla reetha and shikakai shampoo, apply it properly to get the most out of it. Make your hair wet, and apply the required amount of shampoo to your scalp. Massage gently using your fingertips for 3-4 minutes, and slowly move towards the tips of your hair. Let it sit for a few more minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with plain water. This shampoo does not lather well but beautifully cleanses the scalp and hair. Ensure you rinse out all the bits and pieces of herbs while washing your hair. If your hair is dehydrated, you can use some hibiscus powder or a mild conditioner.
What To Expect After Using The Shampoo?
Your mane will probably need months to adjust to this paraben and sulfate-free mild hair wash. But you can still experience its goodness from the very first use. First, you will notice that the hair you usually lose during each wash has reduced significantly. All dirt, dust, grime, and excess oil will ultimately be removed from your scalp. Also, the hair strands will separate from each other instead of staying limp, making your hair look much more voluminous. The hair will also look healthier and shinier.
This shampoo does not offer the smoothness provided by chemically-treated shampoos during the hair wash. Rather, you will feel like the shampoo is tangling your hair. However, once you wash it off, your hair will feel normal again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use This Shampoo On Oily Hair?
Amla reetha and shikakai shampoo suit all types of hair quickly. But if you feel your hair is too oily for this, add 1-2 tablespoons of Fuller’s earth or bentonite clay to the mixture. This will remove all excess oil from the scalp effectively.
Can I Use This Shampoo On Dry Hair?
You can use this shampoo on dry and damaged hair without any worry. However, if your hair is too dry, add a tablespoon of marshmallow root or fenugreek seed powder to the shampoo mixture. These super moisturizing natural ingredients will hydrate your hair deeply.
Should I Condition The Hair After Shampooing?
The natural conditioning power of shikakai will keep your hair soft, smooth, and manageable. So, there is no need to apply a conditioning product right after shampooing. But if your hair is very curly, you can use a pea-sized amount of coconut oil for the lower third part of your hair.
From Where To Get The Shampoo Ingredients?
You can buy amla, reetha, and shikakai from any Indian grocery store, offline and online. These are available as whole dried herbs or herb powders. It is always good to opt for entire herbs as they come in the purest forms. If you purchase herb powders for convenience, find a reputed brand.
References:
- “Phyllanthus Emblica,” Wikipedia.org
- “Sapindus,” Wikipedia.org
- “Acacia Concinna,” Wikipedia.org
