Hair15 min
Overnight Shikakai Pod and Reetha Soak Wash
Whole shikakai pods and reetha soaked overnight, boiled briefly and strained into a gentle herbal shampoo liquid.
Using shikakai sensibly at home
Shikakai pods and reetha (soapnut) make a mild, low-foam herbal wash that Indian families used long before shampoo.
Using whole pods instead of powder gives a cleaner liquid that is easier to rinse out. This is how many grandmothers washed hair before bottled shampoo.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 shikakai pods
- 4 to 5 reetha (soapnut) shells
- 2 cups water
How to prepare
- Break pods and soak with reetha overnight.
- Boil for 10 minutes, cool, mash with your hands and strain.
How to use
- Pour over wet hair, massage into the scalp and rinse well.
- Use once or twice a week. Keeps two days in the fridge.
Helpful habits
- Soak pods overnight in an iron or steel pot.
Precautions
- Never let children handle reetha liquid near their eyes.
- It stings the eyes; keep your eyes shut while rinsing.
- Patch-test behind the ear first; skip on broken or inflamed scalp.
- A home remedy, not a treatment. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or get worse.
Frequently asked questions
Why boil the pods?
- It releases more of the natural saponins that cleanse.
Can I add amla?
- Yes, a few dried amla pieces in the soak add conditioning.
Will shikakai foam like shampoo?
- Only a little; that is normal.
