Spierb Shikakai Hair Wash Routine – A Simple Guide for Fresher, Lighter Hair

Spierb Shikakai Powder is a simple way to cleanse your hair and scalp using just one plant-based ingredient. This beginner-friendly guide shows you how to use Shikakai powder as a gentle hair wash, how to adjust the paste, how to apply it, and how often to build it into your routine.

What this guide covers

In this guide you’ll learn how to:

• Use Shikakai powder as a simple, single-ingredient hair wash
• Adjust the paste for different hair and scalp needs
• Apply it safely and evenly from roots to ends
• Rinse and dry with minimal mess and residue
• Build Shikakai into a weekly or monthly hair care routine

Who this guide is for

This guide is designed for you if:

• You prefer minimal-ingredient, plant-based hair care
• Your hair or scalp feels oily, weighed down or dull between washes
• You want a gentle herbal hair wash instead of frequent shampooing

Shikakai powder is not a chemical hair dye and will not permanently change your natural hair colour on its own. It is used as a cleansing and conditioning step and can be combined with other herbs, such as Amla or Bhringraj, in more advanced routines.

Before you start

Before using any herbal powder on your hair and scalp, we recommend:

• Patch test: Patch test 24–48 hours before first use and whenever you try a new mix. If you notice irritation, redness, or discomfort, rinse and do not use on the scalp.
• Check your schedule: Allow at least 30–45 minutes total for mixing, application, and processing time.
• Protect clothing: Choose an old towel and top. Herbal pastes can be a little messy, especially on long or thick hair.

How to mix Shikakai powder for hair

This is a simple Shikakai-only mix that you can adapt over time.

1. Measure out your Shikakai powder.
   As a starting point, many people use around 20–30 g for short hair, 30–50 g for shoulder-length hair, and 50–70 g for very long or thick hair. Adjust the amount based on your hair length and thickness.
2. Add warm water gradually.
   Use water that is comfortably warm, not hot. Add a little at a time while whisking until you reach a smooth, pourable paste that is slightly thinner than yoghurt. Shikakai paste for hair wash should be loose enough to spread easily through the hair.
3. Let the paste rest.
   Cover the bowl and leave it for 5–10 minutes so the powder can fully hydrate. If the paste thickens too much, whisk in a splash more warm water.
4. Optional adjustments.
   If your hair feels very dry, you may stir in a small amount of your usual conditioner or a few drops of a lightweight oil. If your main aim is a deep cleanse for oily roots, keep the mix as pure Shikakai and water.
5. Optional: strain the mix.
   For very fine or tangle-prone hair, you can pour the paste through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into another bowl. This helps reduce larger particles and can make rinsing easier.

How to apply Shikakai to your hair

1. Start with damp hair.
   You can lightly rinse your hair with warm water first, or apply Shikakai after a quick water-only rinse in the shower. Damp hair usually allows the paste to spread more easily.
2. Section your hair.
   Divide your hair into 4–6 manageable sections using clips. This makes it easier to reach the roots and inner layers.
3. Apply to the scalp.
   Using a cup, applicator bottle or gloved fingers, start at the roots. Work along each parting, gently pressing or pouring the paste onto the scalp and first few centimetres of hair. Massage lightly with your fingertips to help the paste make contact with the scalp.
4. Coat the lengths.
   Once your roots are covered, work the remaining paste down the mid-lengths and ends. Focus extra product where your hair tends to feel oily or weighed down.
5. Gather and cover (optional).
   For longer hair, twist it into a loose bun or coil and secure it. You can pop on a shower cap to reduce drips while Shikakai sits on the hair.
6. Leave to process.
   Most people leave Shikakai on for around 5–10 minutes as a gentle hair wash. For a more conditioning feel on some hair types, you can extend this to around 15 minutes, but avoid very long processing times, as Shikakai is naturally cleansing and may feel drying if left on too long.

Rinsing & aftercare

1. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
   Lean your head back and let the water run from scalp to ends, gently massaging with your fingertips. Take your time – it can take several minutes for the water to run clear and most of the powder to wash out.
2. Shampoo (usually not needed).
   Shikakai acts as a gentle cleanser, so most people do not need to shampoo again afterwards. If you feel there is residue, you can use a very small amount of a mild shampoo on the scalp only, then rinse well.
3. Condition mid-lengths and ends if needed.
   If your hair feels a little rough while wet, apply a small amount of your usual conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots, and rinse thoroughly.
4. Dry as usual.
   Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and let your hair air-dry or blow-dry on a low setting. Once dry, many people notice lighter, bouncier hair with a fresher-feeling scalp.

How often to use Shikakai powder

How often you use Shikakai powder depends on your hair and scalp:

• Oily scalp or frequent build-up: Using Shikakai as a hair wash once or twice a week can help hair feel lighter and fresher between washes.
• Normal hair and scalp: Once every 1–2 weeks is usually enough as a clarifying herbal wash alongside your regular routine.
• Dry or delicate hair: Use less often (for example, once every 2–3 weeks) and keep processing times shorter. Always follow with a light conditioner on the lengths.

If your scalp feels tight or your lengths feel overly dry after a Shikakai hair wash, reduce the processing time, use Shikakai less often, or add a little conditioner to your mix.

FAQs

1. Will Shikakai powder change my hair colour?
   On its own, Shikakai powder is not used as a chemical hair dye. Most people do not see a dramatic colour change from a simple Shikakai hair wash. It is mainly used to support shine, the look of fuller hair, and a fresher-feeling scalp.
2. Can I use Shikakai powder on coloured or bleached hair?
   Many people do use Shikakai on coloured or bleached hair, but it is important to patch test first and start with a shorter processing time. If your hair is very light or sensitised, introduce Shikakai gradually and watch how your hair feels over the next few washes.
3. How often should I use Shikakai powder on my hair?
   As a general guide, once or twice a week can work for oily roots or product build-up, while once every 1–2 weeks is usually enough for normal hair. If your hair or scalp feels tight or dry, reduce the processing time or use Shikakai less often.
4. Can I mix Shikakai with other herbal powders?
   Yes, many people combine Shikakai with other herbs such as Amla, Aritha (Reetha), or Bhringraj. If you are new to herbal hair care, we suggest starting with Shikakai alone to understand how your hair responds, then slowly introducing other powders in future mixes.
5. Is Shikakai suitable for sensitive scalps?
   Spierb Shikakai Powder is a single-ingredient, cosmetic hair care product, but every scalp is different. If your skin is sensitive, always patch test first, use a shorter contact time, and discontinue use if you notice any irritation or discomfort.