Radico Organic Shikakai Seed Powder 100g

The softening half of the Ayurvedic wash

Radico Organic Shikakai Seed Powder is milled from certified organic Acacia concinna and contains nothing else — no fillers, no synthetic preservatives, no fragrance, no sulphates.

Shikakai has mild natural foaming agents, so it cleanses gently while leaving hair softer than reetha does on its own. It is also the herb most often used after a plant colour, because a gentle wash helps a herbal colour hold rather than lifting it. It carries no pigment of its own.

How to use

1. Weigh 15-20 g for short hair, around 30 g at shoulder length, or 50-60 g for long or thick hair.
2. Add warm water gradually at three to four times the powder's weight in millilitres and stir until smooth.
3. Let the paste stand five minutes and check the consistency again.
4. Massage into damp hair at the scalp, then draw through the lengths.
5. Leave 10-20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

What's in it

100% organic shikakai seed powder (Acacia concinna). Made in India. Net weight 100 g.

Acacia concinna belongs to the Fabaceae family. Patch test on the inner forearm 48 hours before a full application and stop use if irritation develops. This is a cosmetic product for external use on hair and scalp. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition.

Questions

Does it lather?
A little — more than reetha, far less than a sulphate shampoo. The foam is mild and short-lived.

Can I use it after colouring with henna?
Yes, and it is one of the better choices. A gentle wash is kinder to a freshly set plant colour than a strongly alkaline soap.

Reetha, shikakai or the Hair Treatment Powder?
Reetha cleanses, shikakai softens. The Hair Treatment Powder blends both with amla, which is the simplest option if you want one product rather than three.

Will it dry my hair out?
Shikakai is the gentler of the two washing herbs. If your hair still feels stripped, follow with methi through the lengths.