Spierb Guides: How to Use Aritha Powder for Hair

Aritha (also called reetha or soapnut) powder is a simple way to gently cleanse your hair and scalp using just one plant-based ingredient. This guide walks you through a beginner-friendly method for using aritha powder for hair, how to apply it, what to expect, and how often to build it into your routine.

What this guide covers

In this guide you’ll learn how to:

• Use Spierb Aritha Powder as a simple clarifying hair wash
• Adjust the mix for different hair and scalp needs
• Apply it safely and evenly, focusing on the roots
• Rinse with minimal mess and residue
• Build aritha powder 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 scalp feels oily or weighed down between washes
• Your hair feels coated with product build-up and needs a “reset”
• You want a gentle, non-dye herbal cleanse that can support shine and lightness

Aritha powder is not a chemical hair dye and will not deliberately change your natural hair colour. It is used as a cleansing and clarifying step and can be combined with other herbs such as shikakai or amla 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 45–60 minutes total for mixing, application, and rinsing. Aritha powder is a cleanser, so give yourself enough time to rinse thoroughly.
• Protect clothing: Choose an old towel and top. Herbal pastes and rinses can be a little messy, especially on long or thick hair.
• Mind your eyes: Aritha naturally foams and can sting if it gets into the eyes. Keep your eyes closed while rinsing and take extra care around the hairline.

How to mix aritha powder

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

1. Measure out your aritha powder.
   For short hair, many people start with around 15–20 g (about 1–2 heaped tablespoons). For shoulder-length hair, try 25–30 g, and for very long or thick hair, 40–50 g. Adjust based on 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—slightly thinner than yoghurt, closer to a creamy shampoo consistency, with no dry pockets.
3. Let the paste rest.
   Cover the bowl and leave it for 10–15 minutes so the powder can fully hydrate. If the paste thickens too much, whisk in a splash more warm water until it’s easy to spread.
4. Optional: adjust for your hair type.
   
   • If your hair is normal to dry: Stir in a small amount of your usual conditioner or a few drops of a lightweight hair oil to soften the cleansing effect.
   • If your scalp is very oily or has heavy build-up: Use pure aritha and water without added oils or conditioner for a more clarifying feel.

How to apply aritha powder to your hair

1. Start with detangled, slightly damp hair.
   You can apply aritha on dry or damp hair. Many people find it easiest to apply on freshly rinsed, towel-dried hair with tangles gently removed.
2. Section your hair.
   Divide your hair into 4–6 manageable sections using clips. This helps you reach the roots and inner layers more easily.
3. Apply mainly to the scalp.
   Using an application brush or gloved fingers, start at the roots. Work along each parting, gently pressing the aritha paste onto the scalp and first few centimetres of hair. Focus on areas that feel oily or have visible build-up.
4. Work through the lengths if needed.
   Once your scalp is covered, you can lightly smooth the remaining paste down the lengths and ends, especially if you use a lot of styling products. There is no need to overload the ends if they are already dry or delicate.
5. Gently massage.
   With the paste in place, use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp for 1–2 minutes. This helps the natural cleansing lather to form when you rinse.
6. Gather and cover.
   Twist your hair into a loose bun or coil and secure it. Cover with a shower cap to keep the paste moist and reduce drips while it works.
7. Leave to process.
   Most people leave aritha on for 10–20 minutes. Shorter times feel like a quick clarifying wash; slightly longer times can feel more conditioning on some hair types. Avoid very long processing times, as aritha is naturally cleansing and could feel drying if left on for too long.

Rinsing & aftercare

1. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
   Step into the shower and rinse with plenty of lukewarm water, gently massaging your scalp as you go. Aritha powder may create a mild, natural foam as you rinse. Take your time—rinsing can take several minutes, especially with thick or curly hair.
2. Check for residue.
   Run your fingers through your hair to feel for any remaining grains of powder. If you feel some, continue rinsing and gently separate sections with your fingers until the water runs mostly clear.
3. Shampoo (optional).
   Many people find they do not need an extra shampoo after an aritha wash. If you feel you need it, use a small amount of a gentle shampoo at the scalp only, then rinse well.
4. 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 so you keep that fresh, light feeling at the scalp.
5. Dry as usual.
   Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel or cotton t-shirt and let your hair air-dry or blow-dry on a low setting. Once dry, many people notice their hair feels lighter, with more natural movement and a soft sheen.

How often to use aritha powder

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

• Oily scalp or heavy product build-up: Start with once every 1–2 weeks as a clarifying wash.
• Normal to slightly dry hair: Once every 2–3 weeks is usually enough as a refreshing cleanse.
• Very dry or delicate hair: Use aritha more occasionally (for example once a month) and keep processing times shorter, adding a little conditioner to your mix.
• New to aritha powder: Begin with less frequent, shorter applications and adjust based on how your hair and scalp feel over the next few washes.

If your scalp feels tight or uncomfortable, or your lengths feel overly dry after a treatment, reduce the processing time, use aritha less often, or add more conditioner to your mix.

FAQs

1. Will aritha powder change my hair colour?
   On its own, aritha powder is not used as a hair dye. Most people do not see a deliberate colour change from a simple aritha wash. It is mainly used to cleanse the scalp, help hair feel lighter, and support shine. Like any cleanser, it may gradually fade very temporary colours over time simply through washing.
2. Can I use aritha powder on coloured or bleached hair?
   Many people do use aritha on coloured or bleached hair, but it is important to patch test first and start with a shorter processing time. Because aritha is a cleanser, frequent use may speed up fading of some colour products. If your hair is very light or sensitised, introduce aritha gradually, focus on the roots, and watch how your hair feels over the next few washes.
3. How often should I use aritha powder on my hair?
   This depends on your hair and scalp. As a general guide, once every 1–2 weeks can work for oily roots or product build-up, while once every 2–3 weeks is usually enough for normal to slightly dry hair. If your hair or scalp feels tight or dry, reduce the processing time or use aritha less often.
4. Can I mix aritha powder with other herbal powders?
   Yes, many people combine aritha with other herbs such as shikakai, amla, or brahmi to create customised herbal washes. If you are new to herbal hair care, it is a good idea to start with simple aritha and water first so you understand how your hair responds, then adjust in future mixes.
5. Is aritha powder suitable for sensitive scalps?
   Aritha is a single-ingredient, plant-based cleanser and many people enjoy it as part of a gentle routine. However, everyone’s skin is different. Always patch test 24–48 hours before first use and discontinue use if you notice irritation, redness, or discomfort.