Shikakai

Shikakai is a traditional hair-cleansing botanical commonly known in older literature as Acacia concinna; current botanical classification places that name under Senegalia rugata. Its pods contain naturally occurring saponins, plant compounds that can reduce surface tension and help remove oils and debris. This is why shikakai has historically been ground into powder and used in herbal hair washes, often alongside reetha and amla. Although sometimes called a “natural shampoo,” its cleansing strength, pH, foaming behavior, and conditioning properties differ from a formulated modern shampoo.