Feel the softness of your hair produced by the gentle cleansing of Shikakai Powder.
Acacia concinna (known as Shikakai or Satla) is known to promote hair growth by nourishing the scalp at the glandular level. It also can strengthen hair roots. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin D, along with other nutrients that nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It can be used by itself or mixed with other natural ingredients in powder form, along with water to form a paste that is then applied to the hair.
Shikakai has been used in the Indian Subcontinent since ancient times for hair growth and maintenance.
In fact, it is one of the Ayurvedic medicinal plants. It’s also known as, “fruit for hair” and is used as a mild cleansing shampoo in India. In modern times, the tree is now grown commercially in India and Far East Asia and the extract is used in natural shampoos and hair powders. The bark contains high levels of saponins, which are foaming agents that have a long history of use as mild cleaning agents.
While Shikakai doesn’t produce the amount of lather a sulfate-containing shampoo would, it is an excellent cleanser for the hair. It’s very mild with a naturally low pH. It doesn’t strip hair of natural oils and it also acts as a detangler, so usually it doesn’t need to be followed up with a conditioner.
Traditionally, prior to washing the hair, the user massages the scalp with coconut oil or castor oil. (You can also use olive oil.) Follow up with a paste of 2-3 tablespoons of Shikakai powder mixed with water, apply to damp hair and leave on for approximately 10 minutes; then rinse out. (If you have excessively dry hair, then it’s better to apply oil treatment to damp hair and wrap in plastic wrap or cover with plastic cap for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing with Shikakai powder.)
After rinsing out the Shikakai powder, if you prefer to use a conditioner, I recommend using Imbue™ Natural Conditioner by Saba Botanical of USA.
Acacia concinna or Shikakai is available in natural powder form from Saba Botanical of USA. Currently: Only 4.99 per 100 gram package.
Contact Saba Botanical of USA to order this wonderful “fruit for hair”.
Read other real customer testimonials.
Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)
©2011. L.J. O’Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.
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*Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.
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