Remedy
Hair shelfReetha-Shikakai-Amla Natural Shampoo for Hair Volume & Bounce
When hair looks flat and lifeless, for natural hair care without chemicals, to add body and bounce.
From the household notebook
“Baal chipke-chipke se lagte hain? Reetha-shikakai-amla ka shampoo banao! Humare zamaane mein yahi shampoo tha — aur baal kitne ghane aur sundar hote the! Chemical shampoo ne sab barbad kar diya.”
Dadima’s tip: Raat bhar bhigona zaroori hai — bina bhigoye kaam nahi karega. Jhag na aaye toh pareshan mat ho — safai ho rahi hai, chemical foam nahi chahiye!
You will need
Ingredients
reetha (soapnut)
4-5 whole driedSubstitute reetha powder (2 tbsp)
Availability Available abroad
shikakai
2-3 pods or 2 tbsp powderSubstitute shikakai powder
Availability Available abroad
amla (Indian gooseberry)
2-3 dried pieces or 2 tbsp powderSubstitute amla powder
Availability Available abroad
pani (water)
3 cupsAvailability Available abroad
How to make it
Preparation
- Preparation (night before — MUST soak):
- Soak reetha, shikakai, and amla in 3 cups water overnight
- Morning: boil the soaked mixture for 15-20 minutes
- Mash the softened ingredients with hands or spoon
- Strain through cloth into bottle — this is your natural shampoo
- Use like regular shampoo — pour on wet hair, massage scalp
- It won't foam much — that's NORMAL (no chemicals!)
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- No conditioner needed — amla conditions naturally
- Powder shortcut: Mix 2 tbsp each powder, add warm water, apply immediately.
Works best for
Dosage
Use as shampoo 2-3 times a week. Replace commercial shampoo entirely for best results.
When not to use
Keep shikakai solution away from eyes — it stings badly. If eyes contact, wash immediately with water.