Amla, Reetha, Shikakai: Nature's Secret for Healthy Hair

Dealing with those pesky flakes? Amla might be your new best friend! It has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These qualities make it effective in tackling dandruff by soothing an irritated scalp and fighting off the tiny culprits that often cause flakiness. Using Amla regularly can help create a healthier scalp, keeping dandruff at bay.

(Read More: Dry hair: Causes, prevention and treatment)

Yes, Reetha can definitely help with dandruff! Its natural cleansing action helps to wash away product buildup and dead skin cells that can contribute to flakiness. By keeping your scalp clean and free from impurities, Reetha creates an unfavorable environment for dandruff to thrive. It’s a gentle yet effective way to maintain a healthy, flake-free scalp.

Yes, Shikakai can certainly lend a hand with dandruff! Its mild cleansing properties and ability to balance the scalp's pH levels contribute to a healthier scalp. By gently removing impurities and soothing any irritation, Shikakai helps to ease dandruff symptoms and prevent them from coming back. It's a gentle approach to a healthier, happier scalp.

This mask works by cleansing the scalp, stimulating blood circulation, and providing essential nutrients to the hair follicles.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 tablespoons Amla powder
• 2 tablespoons Reetha powder
• 2 tablespoons Shikakai powder 
• 1 cup warm water (or more, as needed)

Instructions:

• Combine Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai powders (2 tbsp each) with warm water to form a smooth paste.
• Add a little yogurt or hair-boosting powders like fenugreek.
• Massage the paste into your scalp, then spread through your hair.
• Leave on for 30-60 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until clean.
• Use 1-2 times a week.

Apart from preventing hair growth, Reetha and shikakai are effective cleansers and we all know cleaner hairs look more vibrant. Though, if you want to add that extra glam and shine to your locks you can make a hair mask adding Amla, Reetha and Shikakai with curd. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Amla, reetha and shikakai powder - 2 Tsp
• Curd - 2Tsp
• Olive oil/almond oil: few drops
• Egg yolk- 1

Instructions:

• Take a clean and dry glass bowl or just any bowl.
• Put the dry ingredients in the bowl first and then add the curd.
• Carefully, separate the egg yolk and put it in the mixture.
• Add the oil.
• Make a paste by adding rose water.
• Apply it evenly on your hair and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat your hair dry.

Curd and egg yolk are rich in proteins and would provide strength to your hair apart from adding shine to it. Olive oil binds it all together, but it also makes sure that all the nourishment reaches deep into your hair shaft. Rosewater just provides that extra antioxidant kick to the pack and we can’t forget about that sweet fragrance of roses it gives to your hair.

If you are not fond of roses though you can always add a drop or two of your favourite essential oil. Lavender, tea tree and orange can increase the benefits of this pack apart from leaving a lasting fragrance.

We already know that all the three herbs in this mix are enriched with antioxidant and nourishing properties and exactly how they aid in preventing grey hair. Let’s look at a recipe that would aid you in achieving that:

What you’ll need:

• Amla, reetha and shikakai powder - 2tsp

• Brahmi oil -  few drops

• Hibiscus powder-  2tsp

Instructions:

• Take a clean and dry bowl.

• Mix all the dry ingredients in the bowl first and then add the oil.

• Put enough water to make a paste.

• Apply the mask on your hair and let it stay for 15-20 minutes.

• Rinse with lukewarm water.

In spite of taking the market bought powder, you can use individual herb powders. Just put them in the same quantity (1:1:1) along with an equal amount of hibiscus powder and a few drops of brahmi oil. Then add some water to prepare a paste. The oil would be absorbed by the dry ingredients so it does not stand out when you add water.

Both brahmi and hibiscus have been proven to be excellent hair tonics, which put a check on hair greying and help keep the natural hair colour, especially for Indian hair tones.

Unless you have direct access to fresh Amla berries, Reetha berries, and Shikakai pods to dry and grind them yourself, making these powders from scratch at home can be quite a task! The simplest and most common way to get these beneficial powders is to purchase them from reputable Ayurvedic stores or online retailers. Always look for organic, pure powders to ensure you're getting the best quality.

Using Amla powder is super easy! For a hair mask, simply mix Amla powder with a little water to form a smooth paste. You can also add a splash of yogurt or a few drops of coconut oil for extra nourishment. Apply it to your scalp and hair, leave it on for 30-45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For a simpler rinse, you can steep Amla powder in hot water, let it cool, and use it as a final hair rinse after shampooing your hair.

(Read More: Best Hair care tips)

To use Reetha powder as a natural shampoo, soak a few tablespoons of Reetha powder in water overnight. The next morning, gently mash the soaked Reetha to release its natural cleansing agents (saponins), and then strain the liquid. Use this liquid just like you would regular shampoo, massaging it into your scalp and hair, then rinsing thoroughly. You’ll notice a mild lather that cleanses effectively.

To use Reetha powder as a natural shampoo, soak a few tablespoons of Reetha powder in water overnight. The next morning, gently mash the soaked Reetha to release its natural cleansing agents (saponins), and then strain the liquid. Use this liquid just like you would regular shampoo, massaging it into your scalp and hair, then rinsing thoroughly. You’ll notice a mild lather that cleanses effectively.

Making your own Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai oil at home is a rewarding process! Here’s a simple way:

1. Take about 2 tablespoons each of Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai powder.
2. In a pan, gently heat about 250ml of a carrier oil like coconut oil or sesame oil (be careful not to let it smoke!).
3. Add the powders to the warm oil and simmer on a very low flame for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the powders don't burn.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
5. Strain the oil through a fine mesh cloth or cheesecloth to remove any herbal residue.
6. Store your homemade Amla, Reetha, Shikakai oil in a clean, airtight bottle in a cool, dark place.

(Read More: Common mistakes that cause hair loss)

To use Amla oil, simply warm a small amount of the oil in your palms. Gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips, working your way down to the tips of your hair. Leave it on for at least an hour, or even overnight for a deep conditioning treatment. Then, wash it off with a mild shampoo. Regular use can lead to stronger, healthier hair.

Reetha oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply it to your scalp and hair, making sure to get good coverage. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before you shampoo. The Reetha in the oil will help cleanse your scalp and hair while also providing nourishment.

Shikakai oil, like Amla oil, is fantastic for nourishing your hair. Apply it to your scalp and hair, paying extra attention to the ends if they are dry or prone to split ends. Massage gently and leave it on for at least an hour before washing. It will help to condition your hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.

Making your own Amla, Reetha, Shikakai shampoo is a wonderful way to know exactly what's going into your hair!

1. Take about 2 tablespoons each of Amla, Reetha (whole pods or powder), and Shikakai (whole pods or powder).
2. If you're using whole pods, soak them overnight in about 2 cups of water. If you're using powders, you can go straight to the next step.
3. The next morning, boil the soaked pods (or powders) in the same water for about 15-20 minutes until the water reduces and the pods soften.
4. Let it cool down completely.
5. Mash the mixture well, especially the pods, to get all the goodness out.
6. Strain the liquid through a fine cloth. This liquid is your natural shampoo!
7. You can store it in the refrigerator for a few days.

(Read More: How To Prevent Hair From Sun Damage?)

If you're using a ready-made Amla shampoo, simply use it as you would any other shampoo. Wet your hair, apply a good amount, lather, massage into your scalp, and rinse thoroughly.

If you've made your own Amla-based shampoo, apply the liquid to wet hair, gently massage, and rinse well.

Using Reetha shampoo (whether homemade or store-bought) is straightforward. Apply the shampoo to wet hair and scalp. Massage gently to create a mild lather. Focus on cleansing your scalp. Rinse thoroughly with water until all product is removed. You'll notice a gentle cleansing action that leaves your hair feeling clean but not stripped.

Similar to other natural shampoos, Shikakai shampoo should be applied to wet hair. Lather gently, focusing on your scalp and hair strands. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the conditioning properties to work their magic. Rinse thoroughly with water. Your hair should feel soft and detangled after washing.