Hair20 min
Reetha, shikakai and amla: a traditional herbal hair wash
Long before bottled shampoo, Indian families washed hair with soapnuts (reetha), shikakai pods and amla. The trio cleans gently, leaves hair soft and is still loved by people who want a milder wash.
The Ayurvedic view
Reetha (soapnut) contains natural saponins that foam lightly in water. Shikakai (literally ‘fruit for hair’) is mildly cleansing and traditionally used to keep hair smooth and tangle-free, and amla adds its reputation as a hair tonic. Together they wash away dirt and oil without stripping the scalp as harshly as strong detergents — a good choice for dry scalps or people sensitive to fragrances.
Ingredients
- 5–6 reetha (soapnuts), seeds removed
- 5–6 dried shikakai pods (or 1 tablespoon shikakai powder)
- 4–5 dried amla pieces (or 1 tablespoon amla powder)
- 3 cups water
How to prepare
- Soak everything in water overnight in a steel or glass vessel.
- In the morning, boil for 10–15 minutes, cool, then mash with your hands and strain. The liquid will foam lightly.
How to use
- Wet the hair and pour the liquid over the scalp in parts, massaging gently. Rinse and repeat once.
- Rinse thoroughly with plain water. Use once or twice a week.
- The liquid keeps for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Helpful habits
- Oil the scalp an hour before the wash for extra softness.
- Don't expect the rich lather of commercial shampoo — less foam doesn't mean less clean.
Precautions
- The liquid stings badly if it gets into the eyes — keep eyes closed and rinse with plenty of water if it does.
- Patch-test on the inner arm; some people are sensitive to reetha.
- Very oily scalps or heavy styling products may need a regular shampoo occasionally.
- Keep away from children's eyes; use a much milder dilution for kids.
