Shikakai Powder – Natural Hair Cleanser for Strong, Shiny & Healthy Hair

Deeply Cleanses Scalp Without Dryness

Shikakai contains natural saponins, plant-based cleansers that create mild foam when mixed with water. Unlike chemical shampoos, these saponins gently lift away excess oil, dirt, and buildup while preserving your scalp’s natural moisture barrier. The result is hair that feels squeaky clean yet soft - never dry or stripped. Regular use helps maintain scalp hygiene, preventing fungal or bacterial growth and leaving your scalp fresh, balanced, and irritation-free.

Strengthens Roots and Reduces Hair Fall

Rich in vitamin A, C, D, and essential micronutrients, Shikakai deeply nourishes the hair follicles, strengthening roots from within. It improves scalp circulation, ensuring that nutrients reach the hair bulb efficiently. This prevents weakening of strands and significantly reduces breakage and hair fall. Over time, your hair grows thicker, healthier, and more resilient - naturally fortified by the power of plants.

Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

Shikakai is known in Ayurveda as a keshya herb - one that supports the health of hair and scalp. By unclogging blocked hair follicles and detoxifying the scalp, it allows new, stronger hair to emerge easily. The natural vitamins and antioxidants stimulate growth while maintaining scalp elasticity, reducing breakage during combing or styling. Consistent use results in visibly denser, longer, and fuller hair growth.

Fights Dandruff and Soothes Itchy Scalp

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of Shikakai effectively combat dandruff, flakiness, and scalp infections. Its mild acidity helps balance scalp pH, reducing the overgrowth of yeast - a common cause of dandruff. Shikakai also has cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits that calm scalp irritation and relieve persistent itching. With regular use, it restores clarity, comfort, and balance to your scalp.

Adds Natural Shine and Smoothness

Shikakai’s gentle conditioning action coats each hair strand with a thin, nourishing film that smooths the outer cuticle. This helps reflect light, giving your hair a natural glossy shine without any silicone-based products. The vitamins and saponins work together to retain moisture, making your hair soft, bouncy, and free-flowing. The more you use it, the more your hair regains its healthy, youthful texture and lustre.

Prevents Premature Greying

Antioxidants in Shikakai protect the scalp and hair from oxidative stress - one of the leading causes of premature greying. It nourishes the scalp with essential nutrients that preserve melanin, the natural pigment responsible for your hair colour. Over time, this helps delay the onset of greys and maintains your hair’s natural shade longer, giving it a youthful, vibrant appearance.

Maintains Scalp pH Balance

Shikakai naturally maintains a pH close to that of your scalp - slightly acidic yet balanced. This prevents excessive dryness, itching, or oiliness that can result from chemical shampoos. By keeping your scalp environment stable, it supports the growth of healthy hair while reducing conditions like dandruff and inflammation. Balanced pH = balanced scalp = strong, happy hair.

For Hair Cleansing

Mix 2–3 tablespoons of Yumna Herbals Shikakai Powder with warm water or rose water into a smooth paste. Apply evenly to scalp and hair, massage gently, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

For Hair Growth Mask

Mix Shikakai with Amla and Reetha Powder in equal parts. Add curd, aloe vera, or coconut milk to form a paste. Apply for 30–40 minutes before rinsing.

For Dandruff Control

Blend Shikakai with Neem Powder and lemon juice. Apply to scalp, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.

What is Shikakai Powder?

Shikakai Powder is made from the dried pods of the Acacia Concinna plant, long celebrated in Ayurveda as “the fruit for hair.” It acts as a gentle natural cleanser, conditioner, and scalp healer - helping you achieve healthy, lustrous hair without chemicals.

How does Shikakai clean hair without shampoo?

Shikakai contains natural saponins that form a mild foam when mixed with water. These saponins lift away dirt, excess oil, and buildup, gently cleansing the scalp while maintaining your hair’s natural oils - unlike harsh commercial shampoos.

Can I use Shikakai every day?

For most hair types, 2–3 times a week is ideal. It’s gentle but powerful enough that daily washing isn’t required unless your scalp is very oily.

Is Shikakai suitable for all hair types?

It suits dry, oily, frizzy, curly, or straight hair. For dry hair, simply blend it with aloe vera, curd, or coconut milk for extra softness.

Can Shikakai dry out my hair?

Not when used correctly. On its own, it may feel cleansing - but when mixed with Amla, Hibiscus, or Reetha, it provides perfect moisture balance.

Can Shikakai be mixed with Amla or Reetha?

Yes - this is the classic Ayurvedic trio! Reetha cleanses, Amla strengthens, and Shikakai adds shine. Together, they form a complete herbal shampoo and conditioner.

Can Shikakai lighten or darken hair colour?

No - Shikakai doesn’t bleach or dye. It enhances natural shine and tone without altering your hair’s colour.

How long should I leave Shikakai on my hair?

Leave for 10–15 minutes for quick cleansing, or up to 40 minutes for deep conditioning. Rinse thoroughly with plain water.

Can I use Shikakai after applying oil?

It’s the perfect natural way to wash off oil without stripping the hair’s softness or shine.

Can Shikakai be mixed with curd or aloe vera?

Both ingredients add hydration, turning Shikakai into a conditioning treatment for dry or frizzy hair.

Can I combine Shikakai with Hibiscus or Bhringraj?

Adding Hibiscus enhances softness, while Bhringraj supports hair growth - creating a complete Ayurvedic hair-care ritual.

Can Shikakai help reduce lice or scalp buildup?

Regular use removes residue, excess oil, and lice naturally, creating a clean, balanced scalp environment.

How often can I use Shikakai for oily scalp?

For oily scalps, use 2–3 times a week to control sebum production and maintain a fresh, clean feeling.

Can Shikakai Powder be used for beard washing?

It gently cleanses the beard, removes dandruff, and softens facial hair, keeping your beard clean, fresh, and itch-free.