Shikakai (Acacia concinna) has been used for hair care in India for centuries. It is now grown commercially in India and Far East Asia. The pods of the fruit is used for the dry powder and the extracts are the bark, leaves and pods. It is a common shrub found in jungles throughout India. The bark contains high levels of saponins, which are foaming agents that are found in several other plant species. Saponin-containing plants have a long history of use as mild cleaning agents.

 

Even though the paste of Shikakai Powder does not produce the normal amount of lather that a regular shampoo would, it is a good cleanser. It has a natural low pH, is extremely mild and doesn`t strip hair of natural oils. Usually no rinse or conditioner is used since Shikakai also acts as detangle. It is also used to combat dandruff and is very effective in removing oil and dirt from hair.