
\nSHIKAKAI (Acacia concinna) has been used traditionally for hair care in the Indian Subcontinent since ancient times. It is one of the Ayurvedic medicinal plants. It is traditionally used as a shampoo. In order to prepare it the fruit pods, leaves and bark of the plant are dried, ground into a powder and then made into a paste. While this traditional shampoo does not produce the normal amount of lather that a sulfate-containing shampoo would, it is considered a good cleanser. It is mild, having a naturally low pH, and doesn’t strip hair of natural oils. Usually no conditioner is needed, for shikakai also acts as a detangler. An infusion of the leaves has been used in anti-dandruff preparations.
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\nBenefits of Shikakai for Hair
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\n - The natural ingredients of shikakai make your hair softer and add a beautiful shine to it.
\n - The anti-fungal properties of shikakai nourish your scalp and prevent itching and dryness. Used regularly, shikakai can cure dandruff.
\n - Shikakai strengthens hair roots. The result is stronger and healthier hair, with lesser hair fall.
\n - Shikakai works its magic on a dry scalp by acting as a natural cleanser without washing away essential oils.
\n - If you have curly hair, shikakai is a great way to detangle your locks after a shampoo. Gently run your fingers through your hair while rinsing.
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\n1. Shikakai Hair Pack for Dry Hair
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\n - A blend of shikakai and yogurt is excellent for your hair.
\n - Massage in the blend and wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
\n - Do this every alternate day and see results within a week.
\n - Add half a cup shikakai and one cup amla powder to a cup of lukewarm water.
\n - Let this sit for 1-2 hours.
\n - Apply the paste to your hair and wash it off after 30 minutes.
\n - This is an excellent remedy for dry and dandruff affected hair.
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\n2. Shikakai Hair Pack for Oily Hair
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\n - Oily hair and scalp requires proper cleansing to remove grime and dirt and unclog hair follicles
\n - A cleansing shampoo made of shikakai is ideal in such a situation, as it isn’t as harsh as store bought shampoos and hence you can use it daily
\n - Take 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder, 1 tablespoon of green gram powder, and half a tablespoon of methi powder
\n - Mix this mixture with an egg white and use it as shampoo
\n - Note that it won’t lather like a normal shampoo, however, it will be as effective as a store bought shampoo!
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3. Shikakai Hair Pack for Dandruff
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\n - Shikakai is a miracle ingredient for scalp ailments
\n - You will need shikakai powder, neem leaves, methi powder and amla powder
\n - Mix all the ingredients together and boil them for at least 10-20 minutes
\n - Mash the lumps after it cools down and strain the water
\n - Massage your scalp with this water
\n - Wash it off after 30 minutes with cold water
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\n4. Split ends Hair Pack
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\n - Boil shikakai powder with coconut oil and store this concoction in a cool dry place
\n - Apply this oil twice a week
\n - The mixture of shikakai and coconut oil will nourish your hair and in turn prevent split ends
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\nBenefits of Shikakai for Skin
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\n - It may use the paste as body soap or face cleanser. It acts as a natural scrubber, and deep cleanses the skin.
\n - Its antimicrobial properties help protect the skin from fungal infections.
\n - It doesn’t remove natural oils from your skin. It doesn’t leave it dry, rather it keeps the skin moisturized.
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\n1. Use shikakai to treat spots
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\n - Take half a teaspoon of shikakai powder and mix it with a tablespoon each of cream, almond powder and turmeric.
\n - Add two tablespoons of honey and use it as a body scrub.
\n - This mixture helps in eliminating dead cells and gives your skin a natural glow.
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\n2. Shikakai Body Wash
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\n - To make the body wash, first collect rice kanji. Rice kanji is made by boiling rice with a little bit of excess water than needed.
\n - Once the rice is cooked, strain some the excess water, we call it rice kanji. Let the kanji cool and mix it with shikakai powder and use it as a body wash for your skin.
\n - If you want it to smell good, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it. You will notice a nice difference in your skin.
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