Reetha Powder for Hair - Benefits, Recipes, and more

This year is in progress, we've seen a lot of "What's old is new again" trends.

The keto diet has made a comeback, people are starting to like carbs again (because who goes to the gym, right?), and Apple Pie is suddenly a wellness icon (This we can't argue!).

But one such trend that has many people dabbling about is the use of Ayurvedic herbs – especially reetha powder. It is one of those ingredients that you can easily find in almost all hair care products and ensures to impart your hair with the right nutrition and shine it requires.

So, we thought, why not share the benefits and some DIY recipes with you? After all, What’s better than a golden ingredient?

What is Reetha?

Reetha is a highly valued plant in Ayurvedic medication for its detoxifying and therapeutic properties. Also known as soapnut, reetha is widely grown in tropical countries like Nepal, China, and India. The dried fruit of the plant is a key ingredient in various cleansing agents such as shampoos, owing to its mildly antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiallergic properties.

The fact that reetha can be used in shampoos ensures that you get maximum benefits without bouncing chemicals on your tresses. Let's have a look at the various benefits that this magical herb has to offer.

Benefits of Reetha for Hair

Helps with Scalp Dryness

Reetha powder contains numerous nutrients and vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which have all been found to make your hair smooth and shiny. If you have a dry itchy scalp, using reetha powder as a hair mask will help make your hair soft and moisturized. It conditions deep into your hair and provides your scalp with a cooling effect.

Curb Hair Fall

Reetha powder, when used alone or combined with some other Ayurvedic ingredients, serves as a natural shield to curb hair fall. In fact, reetha is already being used in many deep conditioning products. So instead of using it as a side ingredient, you can make a reetha mask and significantly reduce your hair fall with "nature's own benefits".

Control Dandruff and Itchy Scalp

The antibacterial properties of reetha make it an excellent ingredient to add to your DIY haircare routine. You can use it as a hair mask or add it in your shampoo, just remember to apply and leave it on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.

Read More: Dandruff vs Dry Scalp - Difference, Symptoms, & How to deal with it

Great Antifungal Properties

Reetha is antifungal and antibacterial in nature. Thus, using it on your scalp can help with numerous infections. Many people have highlighted the benefits of using reetha in getting rid of head lice. However, this doesn’t mean that reetha can help you with head lice as there are very limited findings.

Still, it helps reduce excessive dirt on your scalp, improving the sebum production and overall cleansing the scalp.

Improves the silkiness of hair

The chemical shampoo and excessive pollution have various side effects on our scalp, one of which is degrading the quality of silky hair.

Although silky hair is a treat of its own, managing it can sometimes be a mess. Using reetha powder as a conditioner improves the silkiness of hair and provides it with lost shine and moisture. It is already being used in a lot of shampoos and soap wash for hair, so using it as a whole has double the benefits.

Conditions and Give Shine

Reetha is a natural conditioner that makes it perfect to use on all scalp types. No matter if you have sensitive skin or are prone to infections, using reetha helps provide your hair with the lost shine. Use reetha in powder form or make a DIY hair mask, the possibilities are endless.

Herbal Shampoo

Most of the shampoos available in the market are mixed with chemicals to provide you with that cleanliness and impart dandruff. But sometimes, these chemicals are "too effective" at doing their job, making them unable to process your natural sebum production. Reetha, being a natural cleanser is perfect to use as your everyday cleaning partner.

Eco-Friendly

From production to packaging, the entire process is carried out in an eco-friendly environment. Reetha tree, as compared to other herbal powder trees, contains a much higher amount of saponin (natural soap). This element, when agitated in water has a very fast production process.

And that’s not all, reetha powder also:

• Helps improve hair growth, better than chemical tonics
• Detangles your hair and adds shine
• Helps reduce split ends to a great extent
• Tame dry, frizzy, and ruff hair

Best Reetha Powder Recipes for Hair

So, you agree with us that Reetha is good stuff but how can one use it?

Reetha, when used with the right natural ingredient can make your hair healthier and shinier. But if not, can lead to some expensive turnovers. Let's take a look at some of the best, homemade reetha powder recipes for hair.

Also Read: 10 Easy Henna Recipes to try at home - Henna for Hair

Reetha and Henna

The best duo one can find; if you're looking to color your hair and want to condition it like never before, add just 2 tbsp of reetha powder in your henna mix and see the difference.

Method:

• Add 2-3 tbsp of reetha powder in your henna mix
• Mix with water/coffee to form a thin paste
• Apply on your scalp and let it rest for the appropriate time
• Rinse with a sulfate-free shampoo

Reetha and Amla Oil

Want thick and luscious hair? Then this is your ultimate go-to recipe. Just add 1 tbsp. of reetha powder in amla and unfold the magic of nature.

Method:

• Warm 100 ml of Amla oil for 5 mins
• Add 1-2 tbsp. of reetha powder and stir
• Make sure that the powder dries in the oil
• Strain into a bottle
• Use as regular hair oil

Reetha and Egg

This is a godsend recipe provided to us by our readers. If you're looking to condition your hair, control hair fall, and add shine, just follow this recipe and you'll see wonders.

Method:

• Take two eggs in a bowl
• Add 2 tbsp. of reetha, amla, and shikakai powder
• Mix everything to form a thin paste
• Apply the mask on your hair leave on for 25-40 minutes
• Wash it with a sulfate & paraben-free shampoo
• Use it twice a week for best results

How can I use Reetha powder?

You can use Reetha as hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, or even as a hair mask. All in all, reetha is a complete hair pack solution that can be used in a multitude of ways.

Can I use Reetha every day?

Pure reetha powder can be applied on your scalp every day, provided you perform a strand test before application. Even if this is a plant-based herb, you still can be sensitive to it. For regular usage, add it to your shampoo or conditioner.

Can we use Reetha powder with other herbs?

Yes, the proven combination of reetha with other ayurvedic powders is very beneficial for your scalp. Some of the prominent powders in this category include Amla, Shikakai, Fenugreek, Neem, Henna, Indigo, Hisbiscus, and Katha.