Have you seen most Indian women have long, thick and lustrous hair? The secret to their hair is this ancient Ayurvedic herbal hair wash recipe. Want to know how to do it?
There are different variations for this recipe. You can add or subtract a few ingredients based on your requirements or preference. The base remains the same, though the herbs and other add-ins can vary. I have listed one other version of this recipe here. Let’s take a look at the recipe shall we?
Ingredients
Acacia Concinna (Shikakai) – 200 Gms.
Soap Nut – 200 Grams.
Orris Root – 50 Gms.
Indian Gooseberry – 50 Gms.
Sandalwood – 10 Gms.
Neem Leaves – 4 Handfuls (Dried)
Arrow Root Powder – Optional, as needed.
Instructions
You will get powdered versions of these ingredients in herbal or organic shops, depending on where you live.
If you don’t get powders, buy the ingredients and grind them.
Mix and transfer the powder to a sterilized jar and use as needed.
Arrow Root Powder is optional and used if you want to add volume, though I have never used it or needed it.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
If you want to make it more fragrant, you can add more Sandalwood, though Orris Root also adds to the aroma.
You can add to or reduce the quantity of the ingredients depending on your requirements or preference.
You can also ingredients of you choice to this recipe – Tanner’s Cassia (Senna auriculata), Vetiver, False Daisy, etc.
You can also add a drop of your favorite essential oil when you are mixing it up for application. I usually add Lavender EO, Argan Oil or Peppermint EO.
How to Use This Recipe?
Add adequate quantity of powder (depending on your hair length) and add warm water (the traditional way to use it using the remanent water from rice cooked in a pot). Apply to hair and scalp and lather it.
Massage your scalp to remove dirt and grime. Wash off with tepid or cold water.
I sometimes follow-up with an ACV rinse. Also, I give my scalp an oil massage before hair wash and wait for 20 – 30 minutes before showering. This enhances the results.
Air dry your hair and style as usual.
Shelf Life
I prepare this once every few months. It lasts good in normal temperature without refrigeration, as long as you use a dry spatula to spoon out the ingredients for use.
Why these Ingredients?
Orris Root – Aromatic and for Hair Growth
Indian Gooseberry – Purification
Sandalwood – Aromatic & Antiseptic
Neem – Antispetic & clears scalp problems including dandruff
Acacia Concinna & Soap Nut – Rich in saponins, detangler and prevents or curbs dandruff! They foam mildly and regulate pH levels if your hair and scalp!
These are just the main benefits, though this herbal shampoo is widely used in India and other Asian countries for their many benefits. While it is sometimes a hassle to wash it off your hair, the efforts are worth it – you hair and scalp will thank you! You hair would grow out stronger, faster and longer.
Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Try our Argan Hair Care Range for healthy, long, manageable and lustrous hair!
