Amla, reetha and shikakai: a wash mask with water, then rinsed well
Amla, reetha and shikakai powders mixed with water make a wash mask for the hair. It is rinsed well the same wash. It is not a paste to leave in overnight, and reetha must stay out of the eyes.
Why amla, reetha and shikakai are rinsed well
These three powders are a classic wash in many Indian homes. Amla is tart, shikakai is a mild cleanser, and reetha lathers like soap. Mixed with water they become a mask you wash with, not a cream you leave on. Rinsing well is the step that keeps reetha from staying in the eyes and on the scalp.
A wash mask can leave hair feeling clean and, for some people, a little dry. Follow with your usual light oil on the lengths if you need it. This does not promise thicker hair. Keep the paste out of the eyes. A sore, flaking, or infected scalp should be seen by a doctor before any powder wash.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon amla powder
- 1 tablespoon reetha powder
- 1 tablespoon shikakai powder
- Water to mix the amla, reetha and shikakai
How to prepare
- Stir the amla, reetha and shikakai powders together.
- Add water a little at a time until you have a spreadable wash mask, not a dry heap.
How to use
- On wet hair, spread the mask through the lengths and scalp, keeping it away from the eyes.
- Leave it only for the length of a wash, then rinse well with plenty of water.
- Do not let the paste dry hard in the hair.
Helpful habits
- If your hair feels straw-like after reetha, use a little less reetha next time.
- A drop of the paste in the eye should be flooded with plain water at once.
Precautions
- Mix amla, reetha and shikakai powders with water into a wash mask.
- Rinse it well the same wash. Do not leave the paste in the hair.
- Keep it out of the eyes. Reetha can sting. Stop if the scalp feels sore, and see a doctor for infection or a weeping patch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the amla reetha shikakai mask in overnight?
- No. It is a wash mask. Rinse it well the same wash.
What if reetha gets in my eye?
- Rinse the eye with plenty of plain water. Reetha can sting. Keep the mask out of the eyes.
Will this wash make hair thicker?
- It is a traditional wash mask, not a promise of thicker hair. Rinse it well and stop if the scalp feels sore.
