Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai: Benefits and Side Effects for Hair Care
Indian society has evolved in many ways. Women now share the responsibility of contributing to household finances. The diverse lives we lead influence our eating habits, sleep cycles, priorities, and even movements. This modern-day lifestyle comes at a cost and may take a toll on our health in one way or another.
Many women struggle to maintain their hair health nowadays. We want an easy solution, and getting a chemical treatment seems effective and faster. One common side effect that almost everyone has faced is hair fall. So before you even think of going for such treatments, try natural methods first and see the results yourself.
Amla, Reetha & Shikakai: These three ingredients have been the backbone of Indian hair care rituals. You surely would have heard from your grandma talking about these, and your mother might have used them. Despite being overlooked, this centuries-old tradition remains as effective as ever.
If you ask, is there any scientific proof of its effectiveness? Well, yes. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicinal practice, uses naturally occurring ingredients to treat each body ailment or problem. The world now recognizes and accepts Ayurvedic practices, known as "The Science of Life" in Sanskrit.
Indian hair needs an Indian solution. These ingredients can become your best friends once you spend enough time together.
Amla
Called 'The Indian Gooseberry' in English, have numerous health benefits, including promoting healthy hair growth. Hair care products such as shampoo and oil widely use it as a highly respected ingredient.
Extraordinary features
- Rich in Vitamin C & Antioxidants
- Antibacterial & Antifungal
How to use
Oil - Amla powder is used with coconut oil to fight premature greying.
Mask - Amla powder mixed with water to form a paste nourishes and provides a natural sheen.
Soaked Amla Water - Dried pieces soaked in water overnight are also said to be nourishing.
Juice or Tonic - Amla juice provides a nutritional supplement for all your concerns and improves quality.
Deals with
- Hair fall
- Dandruff
- Premature greying
- Dryness & frizz
Reetha
Extraordinary features
- Rich in phenolic acids and fatty acids
- Anti-inflammatory
How to use
Shampoo - sun dry reetha fruit and boil it without seed in water until the water turns slimy. Then cool it down and use it regularly just like your usual shampoo.
Mask by adding water to form a thick paste.
Oil-dried fruit can be boiled in coconut oil on a low flame to extract its benefits into the coconut oil.
Deals with
- Hair dryness
- Early hair loss
Shikakai
Shikakai, also known as soap pod in English, is an age-old medicine for healthy long hair. The Shikakai root, stem, leaves, and bark are rich in vitamins that provide nutrition and promote healthy hair.
Extraordinary features
- Rich in vitamins A, C, D, F, and K & antioxidants
- Antibacterial & Antifungal
How to use
Shampoo - sundried shikakai can be boiled in water to form a slimy texture. Cool down to use it as a shampoo. Like Reetha, it also contains surfactant - Saponin making it a natural soap.
Oil - Shikakai can be mixed with coconut oil which promotes healthy hair growth.
Mask - It can be mixed with Reetha powder and applied as a hair mask.
Deals with
- Dandruff
- Oily Scalp
- Hair Fall
- Premature Greying
Reaping the benefits of Amla, Reetha & Shikakai in one go!
Their benefits for hair care include - lustrous, strong and healthy tresses. All three combined, balance out each other's features and nutrients which provides the required nourishment.
Making or purchasing the triple-ingredient powder benefits you in many ways:
- Use it as a hair mask
- Mix it with coconut oil or any carrier oil of choice
- Combine it with water to create an instant shampoo.
Things to remember: Using this natural remedy will take longer than a month to show the desired result than your usual shampoos, oils, masks/ lep etc.
Why? These ingredients are natural and gentle, while regular shampoos contain strong, harsh chemicals that provide immediate results but are harmful in the long term.
Do not freak out! Your hair may become dry after the first use. So, it's natural to experience dryness as this trio will remove all the chemical buildup and gradually return them to their natural form but better. They will have a natural sheen to them while becoming thicker & stronger with each use and combat premature greying.
Side Effects of Amla, Reetha and Shikakai
These Ayurvedic herbs have natural properties that make them common ingredients in hair care products. However, like any ingredient, they can have side effects. Therefore, always perform a patch test behind the ear before using any remedy or product, whether natural or cosmetic.
- Excessive Dryness: Since these herbs are usually dried for longevity and ease of use, overusing them can strip moisture from your scalp and your tresses, leading to dryness and frizz. Limit use to twice a month for optimal results.
- Allergic Reactions or Irritation: Even natural ingredients can trigger allergic reactions. Patch testing is essential. If you notice irritation, redness, or itching, discontinue use immediately.
- Not Safe for Consumption: While Amla is edible in its raw form the combined powder of Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai is not meant for ingestion. It may cause severe health issues.
- Eye Irritation: If the powder gets into the eyes, it can cause burning or irritation due to the saponins in Reetha. It is best to avoid using it on your eyebrows.
- Scalp Sensitivity: Overuse can lead to an overly sensitive or itchy scalp, especially in individuals with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema.
- Colour Alteration: Prolonged use may slightly alter hair colour, especially if you have undergone chemical treatment or dyed them.
FAQs
How can I grow my hair faster?
Regular use and consumption of natural and healthy ingredients in your diet and hair care products will help you grow them faster. Moreover, Ingredients like Amla, Reetha, Shikakai, Neem, Dashmool, and many more, will help you. Protecting your hair from environmental pollutants and stress can help you achieve your haircare goals.
How can I stop my hair loss?
Ingredients like Amla Reetha Shikakai in your routine products will help you with your hair loss as they are powerful ingredients of Ayurveda. Also, regular intake of Amla in your diet nourishes your body from within, which helps stimulate blood circulation to the scalp making roots stronger and healthier.
Does Amla Reetha Shikakai Regrow Hair?
Yes. This trio powder has the potent ingredients of Ayurveda that provide essential nutrients leading to healthy growth.
How can I use Amla Reetha and Shikakai for Hair growth?
Opt for Natural Products that contain Amla Reetha Shikakai Neem and other powerful ayurvedic ingredients. Shikakai Oil also helps to regrow hair by stimulating blood circulation and eliminating dirt, impurities, excess oil, and dandruff from the scalp.
Are there any side effects of Amla Reetha Shikakai?
Yes, there may be a few irritants present even in natural Ingredients. So, one should always perform a patch test as people can also show different reactions even to natural products.
