10 Best Shikakai Shampoos And Cleansers Available In India
Maintain healthy, bouncy, and shiny hair with these scalp-loving formulas.
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If you have grown up in an Indian household, there is a good chance you have used shikakai at least once in your life. This tried and tested Ayurvedic ingredient is known as ‘food for hair’. Shikakai is rich in vitamins like A, B, C, and D, along with natural cleansing properties that help with hair regeneration and healthy hair growth.
However, using shikakai powders can be time-consuming and messy. Thus, various brands have come up with shikakai shampoos to help you incorporate the ingredient in your hair care regime. These shampoos are enriched with various other hair-benefiting ingredients that improve the overall health of your hair. From reducing hair fall to fighting dandruff and nourishing your hair from the roots to tips, shikakai shampoos have something for everyone. We bring you the 10 best shikakai shampoos in India; check them out!
In This Article
10 Best Shikakai Shampoos And Cleansers In India – 2024 Update
1. Meera Hair Fall Care Shikakai & BadamShampoo
Enriched with natural ingredients, the Meera Hair Fall Care Shikakai & Badam Shampoo is perfect for everyday use. The shampoo locks in nourishment and reduces hair fall and breakage by 97%. With regular use, the shampoo strengthens your hair and makes your hair thicker and voluminous. The formula contains shikakai pod extracts and almonds that improve your overall hair quality and promote hair growth. The shikakai pod extracts act as a natural hair and scalp cleanser, while almonds are a rich source of protein, iron, and vitamin E that soften the hair. This powerful blend conditions the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, and makes hair healthy and strong.
Pros
- Gentle on the scalp
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- Alcohol-free
- Lathers richly
- Anti-allergenic formula
- Ideal for everyday use
Cons
- May dry out the hair slightly
- Contains silicone and sulfate
2. Khadi Natural Shikakai Hair Cleanser
The Khadi Natural Shikakai Hair Cleanser is enriched with natural ingredients that deeply cleanse your scalp to improve hair growth. The formula contains shikakai, reetha, aloe vera, amla, tulsi, mehendi, lemon, trifala, and other enriching natural ingredients. Shikakai extracts are a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, and D that gently cleanses your scalp and boosts hair growth. Amla and aloe vera extracts revitalize and restore hair and scalp health. The shampoo makes your hair visibly stronger, shinier, and healthier with consistent use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Mild formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- No animal testing
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Contains sulfate
- Does not lather much
3. Forest Essentials Bhringraj & Shikakai Hair Cleanser
The Forest Essentials Bhringraj &Shikakai Hair Cleanser promotes hair regrowth and controls hair thinning and breakage. Enriched with Ayurvedic ingredients like shikakai extract, bhringraj extract, reetha extract, and coconut milk, this shampoo is a hair care essential. Shikakai extract contains micronutrients that help in maintaining the natural pH balance of your scalp. It controls dandruff, stimulates new hair growth, and cleanses your hair without stripping off its natural oils. Bhringraj extract encourages hair growth, controls hair fall, and strengthens the hair from its roots by providing vital nourishment. Reetha extract is a natural source of saponin and is a key ingredient in the formulation of any natural hair cleansers. It mildly lathers to give your hair a silky-smooth finish by eradicating excess oil from your scalp. Finally, coconut milk blends with the other ingredients to boost hair follicles, nourish the scalp, and promote healthy hair growth. The formula also contains licorice or mulethi to prevent scalp itch and dandruff.
Pros
- Ayurvedic formula
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- No petrochemicals
- Gentle on the hair and scalp
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not lather much
4. Charm & Glow Amla, Aritha & Shikakai Shampoo
For lustrous and strong hair, Charm & Glow Amla, Aritha& Shikakai Shampoo is an ideal choice. This shampoo gives your hair vital nourishment to make it smoother, shinier, and softer. It also strengthens your hair follicles to control hair fall and breakage. The formula boosts hair growth by promoting collagen production and preventing premature hair greying. Shikakai extract offers multiple hair care benefits like controlling dandruff, relieving scalp concerns, and promoting hair growth. Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and essential fatty acids that prevent hair from greying and improve its texture. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of aritha prevent dandruff, itchy scalp, flakes, and lice. With regular use, the shampoo boosts hair volume, cleanses the scalp, and retains its natural oils.
Pros
- Enriched with active herbs
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-bacterial properties
- Value for money
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Not suitable for curly hair – may cause frizz
5. Patanjali Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser
The Patanjali Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser helps in restoring shine and smoothness to dry and damaged hair. The shampoo lathers richly and deeply cleanse your scalp to remove environmental pollutants, dirt, grime, excess sebum, and oiliness. It is enriched with natural herbs such as shikakai, reetha, amla, tulsi, and bhringraj. Shikakai extract soothes and heals the dry and flaky scalp, softens and smoothens hair, and detangles them for a natural bounce. The powerful herbal formula of the shampoo restores the natural shine and health of the hair to prevent dryness and roughness caused by environmental aggressors. The shampoo controls hair fall and breakage and improves your hair’s overall health.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- Tested by Dermatologists
- Rich lather
Cons
- May make hair dry
- Contains silicone and sulfate
6. Ayur Herbal Amla & Shikakai Shampoo
The Ayur Herbal Amla & Shikakai Shampoo provides your hair with an extra dose of conditioning and nourishment. It has the triple properties of nourishment, cleansing, and being a good foaming agent. It makes your hair shiny and manageable by infusing moisture in your hair. This shikakai shampoo also contains amla and reetha to improve your hair’s overall health. Amla helps in stimulating hair follicles that aid in healthy hair growth, while reetha has natural foaming properties to deeply cleanse your hair removing dirt, grime, or excess oil. The shampoo cleanses and conditions the hair and scalp without stripping off its natural oils. With regular use, you get bouncy and voluminous hair.
Pros
- Pleasant floral fragrance
- Long-lasting result
- Value for money
- pH balanced
- Suitable for normal hair
- Rich lather
Cons
- Watery consistency
- A lot of shampoo is needed for each hair wash.
7. Lever Ayush Thick & Long Growth Shikakai Shampoo
The highly enriching Ayurvedic formula of Lever Ayush Thick & Long Growth Shikakai Shampoo has shikakai, bhringamalakadi tailam, and amla oil. It stimulates hair growth and strengthens hair from the roots. The Ayurvedic and medicinal properties of shikakai act as a natural cleanser that promotes hair growth to make it look visibly long, thick, and healthy. Bhringamalakadi tailam nourishes and strengthens the hair from the roots to control hair fall and breakage, while amla oil boosts hair regrowth and gives your hair a healthy texture and thickness. The shampoo also controls frizz, revitalizes the scalp, smoothens hair, and adds a natural bounce.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Rich lather
- Ayurvedic formula
Cons
- May dry out the hair tips
- Not suitable for dry and brittle hair
8. Clinic Plus Naturally Long Shikakai Shampoo
The Clinic Plus Naturally Long Shikakai Shampoo makes your hair stronger, longer, and healthier. Its formula is enriched with the goodness of shikakai, reetha, and amla. The potent blend of these ingredients nourishes your hair from roots to tips and encourages faster hair growth. Shikakai has cleansing and hair conditioning benefits, while reetha and amla deeply condition the hair to strengthen and nourish it. The shampoo claims to make your hair up to 30 times stronger and makes your hair visibly healthier. This gentle formula is ideal for everyday use and can be used by everyone.
Pros
- Lathers richly
- Ideal for men, women, and even kids
- Suitable for everyday use
- Inexpensive
- Fresh fragrance
Cons
None
9. SoulTree Triphala Revitalising Shampoo
The organic and Ayurvedic blend of the SoulTree Triphala Revitalising Shampoo revitalizes your scalp and boosts nourishment to your hair. The shampoo is also enriched with henna that helps in hair regeneration and prevents hair loss and breakage. Shikakai prevents dandruff, boosts hair growth, prevents premature graying, and detangles frizzy hair. Henna nourishes your hair, strengthens it, and prevents hair loss and breakage. The Ayurvedic properties of the shampoo protect your hair from hair damage caused due to environmental aggressors, and UVA and UVB rays. The ‘triphala’ complex in this shampoo consists of amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki that provide nourishment for faster and healthier hair growth. The shampoo improves the overall health of your hair and scalp.
Pros
- Powerful Ayurvedic complex
- Organic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Lead-free
- Petroleum-free
- Phthalate-free
- No SLS or SLES
- Free from mineral oil
- Not tested on animals
- No added fragrance
- No synthetic colors or preservatives
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for thin or brittle hair
10. Khadi Natural Shikakai & Honey Hair Cleanser
The Khadi Natural Shikakai & Honey Hair Cleanser cleanses and conditions your hair and scalp. The mild formula of this cleanser is moisturizing and perfect for everyday use. Shikakai has nourishing and cleansing properties that heal and balance the scalp to make your hair healthier from the roots. Honey is a natural moisturizer that controls hair and scalp from becoming dry and itchy. The formula makes sure that your hair is well-conditioned at all times, especially between hair washes. The shampoo soothes and treats dry and flaky scalp by restoring lost moisture to prevent hair breakage and hair fall.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- No mineral oils
- Suitable for all hair types
- Natural ingredients
- Value for money
Cons
- Strong herbal fragrance
Benefits Of Using Shikakai Shampoo
Shikakai is known for its ability to be a natural cleanser that makes your hair lustrous, healthy, and shiny. Apart from these obvious advantages, you will be surprised to know how many hair ailments this natural hair cleanser can cure! We listed some of the amazing benefits of using a shikakai-based shampoo.
- Shikakai contains saponin, along with various vitamins and antioxidants. These ingredients make your hair softer and shinier with each use.
- Shikakai shampoo improves your hair texture and makes it lustrous, healthy, and naturally bouncy.
- It smoothens and adds softness to your hair which makes it manageable, frizz-free, and tangle-free.
- Shikakai washes away dirt, grime, flakes, and excess sebum secretion deposits, which could lead to an unhealthy, dry, and itchy scalp. It reduces itchiness and inflammation and acts as a soothing and cooling agent to heal your scalp.
- The antifungal properties of the shikakai shampoo control and prevent dandruff.
- Shikakai shampoo strengthens your hair roots with antioxidants that fight free radicals which damage your hair and scalp. It is also rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K that nourish your scalp and boost hair growth to reduce hair breakage and hair fall.
- For those struggling with premature hair graying, a shikakai shampoo works wonders to stall the graying, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
- Shikakai shampoo also heals the scalp and makes it healthier by preventing and eradicating lice.
- The antifungal and antimicrobial properties treat hair concerns like scalp eczema, psoriasis, and dryness. This prevents the blockage of hair follicles and encourages healthy hair growth.
Isn’t it amazing how one ingredient can boost the all-round well-being of your hair? A good shikakai shampoo can make your hair healthy, shiny, and long with consistent use.
Things To Consider When Buying Shikakai Shampoo
- Hair Breakage
Shikakai is a natural and powerful ingredient that works wonders on your hair. Its healing and nourishing properties help in strengthening your hair from root to tip. It adds shine and texture to the hair. It is also one of the most trusted ingredients for treating hair breakage while providing smoothness and shine. So, opt for it if you are dealing with hair breakage or hair fall.
- Acidity
Checking the pH value of any shampoo is necessary to avoid harming your hair follicles. A shampoo that has the same pH as that of your hair and scalp (5.5) is recommended. Any shampoo with a lower or higher value can damage your hair and make it brittle, which ultimately leads to hair thinning.
- Other Active Ingredients
Many shampoos contain just shikakai, which primarily helps in preventing hair fall. But if you want to strengthen your hair, consider opting for a product that has other beneficial active ingredients like amla (Indian gooseberry) and reetha. This incredible trio not only strengthens the hair but also adds shine and luster to it. Amla contains natural antioxidants that promote hair growth by protecting the hair cells. These healthy and protected hair cells help strengthen the hair from root to tip and prevent breakage and hair fall. Reetha is rich in iron, which works well to maintain hair health. It supplies antioxidants to your hair, which promotes hair growth.
From its antifungal properties to boosting hair growth and making your hair softer and shiny, shikakai is a complete hair care ingredient. Our list has the best of the shikakai shampoos available right now. Find the one that suits your hair care needs and see your hair transform for the better, naturally!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shikakai shampoo suitable for all hair types?
Yes, Shikakai shampoo is generally suitable for all hair types such as normal, dry, and oily hair. However, if used too often on an oily scalp, it may give you a greasy, weighed down look.
How often should Shikakai shampoo be used?
Shikakai shampoo can be used as frequently as regular shampoos, depending on your hair’s needs. Most people use it 2-3 times a week. If you have oily hair, use it twice a week and use a clarifying shampoo once a week.
How does a Shikakai shampoo differ from a regular shampoo?
Shikakai shampoos are made with natural and herbal ingredients. They are free from harsh ingredients like parabens and sulfates commonly found in regular commercial shampoos.
Can a Shikakai shampoo be used on color-treated or chemically-treated hair?
Yes, Shikakai shampoos are gentle and can be used on color-treated or chemically-treated hair without causing damage.
Does Shikakai shampoo contain any harsh chemicals or sulfates?
No, most Shikakai shampoos are typically free from harsh chemicals and sulfates, making it a milder and more natural option for hair care. However, it is advised to check the ingredients list before buying one.
Can a Shikakai shampoo be used by both men and women?
Yes, Shikakai shampoos are suitable for both men and women unless mentioned otherwise on their product label. They can be used by anyone looking for a gentle and herbal hair cleansing option.
