Short answer: To wash hair with amla, reetha and shikakai powder, soak 1 tablespoon of each (a 1:1:1 ratio) in 1 to 1½ cups of warm water for at least 15 minutes. Massage the liquid into a wet scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, keep it on for 3 to 5 minutes only, then rinse very well. Use it once or twice a week. Long hair needs 2 to 3 tablespoons of each; an oily scalp suits 2:1:1 (more reetha), dry or frizzy hair 1:2:1 (more shikakai).
हिंदी में पढ़ें: आंवला, रीठा और शिकाकाई से बाल कैसे धोएं
Key takeaways
- Start with a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio and adjust for your scalp type (see the table).
- Soak for longer, or overnight and strain, for less grit.
- It foams less than shampoo. That is normal.
- Keep it out of your eyes, because reetha stings.
- Honest caution: patch test first if your scalp is sensitive.
What do I need to wash my hair with amla, reetha and shikakai?
You need the three powders, a bowl, warm water and a spoon. If you would like all three in one order, our combo comes as three separate pouches so you can change the ratio. You can also buy amla, reetha and shikakai singly.
Amla Reetha Shikakai Powder Combo
300 gm (3 × 100 gm) · ₹855
Three separate pouches, so you can change the ratio.
Not for you if you prefer a bottled, lathering shampoo
What do amla, reetha and shikakai each do?
Reetha cleanses, shikakai is a mild cleanser that leaves hair soft, and amla adds shine and smoothness. Learn more on the amla, reetha and shikakai pages.
| Powder | Main job | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Reetha (soapnut) | Cleanses: natural saponins give a gentle lather | Oily scalp, anyone leaving sulphate shampoo |
| Shikakai | Mild cleanser that leaves hair soft | Frizzy, curly, colour-treated hair |
| Amla | Shine and smoothness; rich in vitamin C | Dull, limp hair |
| Bhringraj | Traditional "king of hair" herb for the scalp | Hair-fall routines, weekly masks |
| Hibiscus | Slip and conditioning from natural mucilage | Dry, rough, tangly hair |
How much powder do I need for my hair length?
For short hair, 1 tablespoon of each powder with about 1 cup of warm water is enough. Use more as your hair gets longer.
| Hair length | Each powder (reetha, shikakai, amla) | Warm water |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 1 tbsp | about 1 cup |
| Shoulder length | 1½ tbsp | about 1½ cups |
| Long | 2 to 3 tbsp | 2 cups or a little more |
How do I wash my hair with amla, reetha and shikakai?
- Patch test. Mix a little paste, dab it behind your ear or on your inner arm, and wait 24 hours. Skip the wash if you see redness or itching.
- Oil first (optional). Massage coconut oil or a herbal hair oil into your scalp an hour before, or the night before.
- Soak. Stir 1 tbsp reetha, 1 tbsp shikakai and 1 tbsp amla into 1 to 1½ cups of warm water. Let it stand for at least 15 minutes. For a stronger wash, soak it overnight.
- Wet your hair. Rinse your hair with plain water first, so the mix spreads easily.
- Apply in sections. Pour or massage the mix into the scalp in sections, then work it down the lengths.
- Massage. Massage the scalp with your fingertips for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Wait. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep it well away from your eyes, because saponins sting.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse for 2 to 3 minutes, longer than you would after shampoo, so no powder is left behind.
- Optional. Apply a hair mask on the lengths only.
Method 2: overnight soak and strain. Soak the powders in water overnight, strain through a fine cloth, and use the liquid like a shampoo. It leaves less grit. Use it the same day you strain it.
What is the best ratio for my hair type?
Start at 1 : 1 : 1 and change it by scalp type, using the table below.
| Hair type | Starting ratio (reetha : shikakai : amla) | Add |
|---|---|---|
| Oily scalp | 2 : 1 : 1 | 1 tsp neem leaf powder |
| Normal | 1 : 1 : 1 | None |
| Dry or frizzy | 1 : 2 : 1 | 1 tbsp hibiscus |
| Hair-fall routine | 1 : 1 : 1 | 1 tbsp bhringraj |
These are starting points. Each GraceYes powder is a single herb, so you can adjust the ratio until your hair feels right. Want a liquid shampoo you can keep for a few days? See how to make shampoo with amla, reetha, shikakai and hibiscus powder.
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Step 2, wash day
Amla Reetha Shikakai Powder Combo · 300 gm (3 × 100 gm) · ₹855
The herbal wash, with a ratio you control
Busy days
Hair Wash & Conditioner · 200 ml · ₹370
A sulphate-free bottled option when you have no time to soak powders
Can reetha and shikakai completely replace shampoo?
For many people, yes. Using it once or twice a week in place of shampoo suits most Indian wash schedules. For the first few washes, hair used to sulphate shampoo can feel different: soft rather than squeaky. That is the natural oils staying in place, and it settles within a few washes.
Can I use it as a hair mask instead?
Yes, with a thicker paste and a longer wait, or use our Hair Mask. Mix 2 to 3 spoons of powder with water, yoghurt or warm oil into a smooth paste. Hibiscus turns gel-like, so add the liquid slowly. Apply to the scalp and lengths, leave for 20 to 30 minutes, and rinse. Use once or twice a week before washing. Both can leave a temporary tint on towels or very light hair. It washes out, and neither is a dye.
How often should I wash with amla, reetha and shikakai?
Once or twice a week. Reetha and amla can feel drying if used too often, so oil beforehand if your hair is dry.
How long before I see results?
Softness and shine often show from the first wash. Anything to do with hair fall or root strength follows the hair growth cycle, which takes months, so judge it over steady weekly use. Hair fall can have many causes, including thyroid problems, iron levels and hormonal changes after pregnancy. If it is sudden or heavy, please see a doctor.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Rinsing too little. Leftover powder makes hair feel rough.
- Using boiling water. Warm water is enough.
- Getting the mix in your eyes. Reetha stings, so rinse with plain water if it happens.
- Using it every day, especially on colour-treated hair.
- Leaving it on for too long, or storing leftover mixed paste.
Safety and patch test
Patch test first, especially if your scalp is sensitive. This is a cosmetic hair wash, not a treatment. If you have a scalp condition, are pregnant, or want to use it on a child, check with your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
Will amla, reetha or shikakai dry out my hair?
Reetha and amla can feel drying if used too often. Keep it to once or twice a week, add shikakai or hibiscus, or oil beforehand.
Can I use it on colour-treated hair?
Shikakai and reetha are gentle cleansers. Test hibiscus on one strand first, because it can tint light hair. Avoid daily use on coloured hair.
Does the mixture keep?
No. The dry powders keep well, but once mixed with water, use the same day.
Can I use it every day?
It is better to use it once or twice a week. Daily use can leave hair feeling dry.
Does it remove oil properly?
Yes, reetha cleanses oil from the scalp. If you oil heavily, massage a little longer and rinse for 2 to 3 minutes.
Do I need conditioner after?
Not always. If your hair feels dry, add hibiscus to the mix or use a hair mask on the lengths only.
Can men use it?
Yes. The same ratios and steps work for any hair type.
Prefer a ready-made option? Our sulphate-free hair wash and conditioner is a bottled alternative for busy days.
In short: mix 1 : 1 : 1, soak, massage, rinse well, and adjust the ratio for your hair.
Our motto: to make the cleanest beauty products
Want hibiscus in your wash too? The four-herb combo adds it to amla, reetha and shikakai, each in its own pouch, so you can keep adjusting the ratio.
Add to cart · ₹1,624 →Amla Reetha Shikakai Hibiscus Powder Combo, 400 gm (4 × 100 gm); hibiscus can tint very light hair. See what is inside
Related reading: how to make shampoo with amla, reetha, shikakai and hibiscus powder, and cold-process vs regular soap. View the four-herb combo.
You can also browse our Herbal Powders range.