5 awesome benefits of shikakai for your hair, and how to use it for a magical shine

Shikakai is a natural herb that has a special place even in Ayurveda. It’s a fruit with anti-fungal qualities and is high in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, and D. Together, all of these vitamins support and nourish the hair’s health. Shikakai is good for both the skin and the hair and helps in improving both and eliminating problems. Hair issues mostly become more prevalent in the winter, but summer comes with excessive perspiration that can take a toll on your hair. Therefore, using shikakai for hair care is something you can benefit from greatly.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Vidushi Jain, trichologist, medical head, Dermalinks, Ghaziabad, who sheds light at the excellent advantages of using shikakai.

Here are 5 benefits you can reap by using shikakai for hair care:

1. Eliminate dandruff

Shikakai possesses anti-fungal qualities that aid in battling dandruff. Additionally, it avoids issues like the buildup of dead skin cells and hair-root flaking. The issue of dryness and irritation in the hair is resolved by using shikakai every week.

2. Reduce hair loss

“Shikakai fruit contains a lot of alkaloids, which prevent hair loss by promoting a healthy scalp. It can successfully get rid of issues including scalp itchiness, pore congestion, and irritation. The only real approach to stop hair loss is, in the majority of cases, to maintain a healthy scalp,” says Dr Jain.

3. Promotes healthy scalp

New hair growth highly depends on a healthy scalp. Both bacterial and fungal infections can be treated by using shikakai for hair care. The health of the scalp is improved, inflammation is reduced, and the pH level of the scalp is maintained, which also promotes voluminous hair.

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4. Prevents grey hair

Shikakai is a natural shampoo with qualities that slow down hair ageing. Your scalp will get healthier with continuous use, and greying of hair will also be delayed. “In addition to all of these home cures, maintaining a healthy diet is also important for maintaining beautiful hair,” advises Dr Jain.

5. Makes hair lustrous

Shikakai’s astringent qualities help to increase the lustre of hair. Using shikakai for hair care can make your tresses glossy and beautiful by removing sweat and debris from the hair.

Dr Jain lists 2 easy ways to use shikakai for hair care:

You may choose from many ingredients from your kitchen pantry to combine with shikakai to get a lustrous and long mane. Listed below are 2 shikakai hair packs you should try.

1. Combine 1 teaspoon each of ghee, amla, reetha, and shikakai thoroughly. Apply it to your head and hair length. Keep it on for 30 minutes. Rinse the hair with cold water.This hair pack works effectively in removing dandruff and making your locks shiny and black.
2. You can also create another hair pack for hair using shikakai and curd. To begin, combine the shikakai powder and curd in a bowl. Apply this paste thoroughly to the hair and scalp. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing. After rinsing it off, follow with a gentle shampoo to get a healthy shine in your hair.