Shikakai and Reetha Hair Wash Paste
By THENVANAM Editorial · ·
In short
Mix two parts shikakai powder with one part reetha powder in a dry bowl, add water gradually until you have a smooth paste, apply to wet hair and scalp, and rinse until the water runs clear. Prepare fresh for each wash.
What you need
- 2 parts THENVANAM Shikakai Powder
- 1 part THENVANAM Reetha Powder
- Water, added gradually
Makes One wash for shoulder-length hair · 5 minutes
Method
Combine the dry powders
Measure the shikakai and reetha into a clean, dry bowl and stir them together before adding any liquid.
Add water gradually
Add water a little at a time, stirring continuously, until the mixture forms a smooth paste with no dry pockets.
Apply to wet hair
Wet the hair thoroughly, then work the paste into the scalp first and down through the length.
Rinse completely
Rinse until the water runs clear. Avoid contact with the eyes.
Why this ratio
Shikakai is the bulk of the mixture and reetha the smaller part. Reetha is the ingredient that produces natural foam, and a little of it goes a long way — a heavier hand makes the mixture harder to rinse out rather than more effective.
Adjust it once you know how your hair responds. The proportions in traditional household practice were never fixed.
This is a traditional preparation, not a treatment. Prepare only what you need for a single use, patch test any new powder, and follow the usage guidance on each product page.
Key takeaways
- Two parts shikakai to one part reetha is the usual starting ratio.
- Combine the dry powders before adding water.
- Rinse until the water runs completely clear.
- Mix fresh for every wash.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add hibiscus to this mixture?
Hibiscus is traditionally used as a hair pack rather than mixed into the wash. Many routines apply it separately, before or after.
How much paste do I need?
Enough to coat the scalp and hair. Shoulder-length hair generally takes a couple of spoons of powder in total; longer or thicker hair needs more.
What this page is based on
Documented South Indian household practice — THENVANAM Editorial
Descriptions of traditional use record how an ingredient has customarily been prepared and used. They are not statements of clinical effect and should not be read as health advice.
About the author
THENVANAM Editorial · Product and content team
The THENVANAM editorial team documents what each botanical is, which part of the plant is used, and how it has traditionally been prepared in South Indian households. We describe traditional practice and product composition — we do not offer medical advice.
Shop the powders
Hair Care
Shikakai Powder
Single ingredientNo fillers or blendsShips in 7 days
Traditional shikakai pod powder for natural hair-care routines.
100 g
Hair Care
Reetha Powder
Single ingredientNo fillers or blendsShips in 7 days
Finely ground reetha powder traditionally used as a natural cleansing ingredient.
100 g
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How to Wash Your Hair with Traditional Powders
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Shikakai vs Reetha: What Is the Difference?
Two powders sit on the traditional South Indian hair-wash shelf. They come from two different plants and two different parts of them — here is how they actually differ.
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