Aritha, Sidr or Shikakai: Which one's actually best for hair growth?

Time of India

3 days ago

Aritha, Sidr, and Shikakai, time-tested natural ingredients, offer unique benefits for hair care. Aritha deep cleanses oily scalps, Sidr soothes dry and sensitive ones while promoting growth, and Shikakai strengthens weak hair. Combining these powders creates a potent DIY cleanser, addressing various hair concerns for healthier, revitalized strands. These herbal remedies provide a natural alternative for achieving dream hair.
Okay, let's be real, most of us are always chasing that one thing that'll finally fix our hair. Whether it's hair fall, slow growth, or just dull, lifeless strands, we've all had our fair share of hair problems.
And while we've tried everything from fancy serums to expensive salon treatments, the good old desi nuskhas never really fail us, right?
Enter: Aritha (aka Reetha), Sidr, and Shikakai, three natural ingredients that have been used for haircare for ages. But if you're wondering which one of these magical powders actually helps your hair grow faster, don't worry, we have done the homework for you.
Let's dive in.
Aritha: The OG natural shampoo
Aritha, also called soapnut, is basically the shampoo your dadi swore by.
It's this little brown fruit that foams up when you soak it in water. That foam? All-natural, chemical-free goodness that actually cleans your hair without drying it out like regular shampoo.
Now, Aritha isn't just about washing your hair, it also helps with scalp health, improves blood flow to your roots, and gives your hair the kind of clean feeling that lasts days.
The potent mix of all three herbs prevents dandruff and reduces radical damage, ensuring that your hair does not lose its original colour. This hair mask also improves hair length and keeps your scalp safe from itching and unnecessary hair loss. Brimming with anti-inflammatory herbs, it is a total saviour and can be used on all scalp types. Take two tablespoons of amla juice and shikakai powder, with one tablespoon of reetha powder and one spoon of rose water. Blend them all and see their power.(Image Credits: Pinterest)
Why your hair might love Aritha:
Deep cleans your scalp, which means no dandruff and no blocked follicles
Helps with itchy, oily scalps
Encourages new hair to grow by keeping everything clean and fresh
Heads up though: It can be a bit drying if your hair's already on the dry side.
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Perfect for: People with oily scalps, buildup, or dandruff issues who still want hair growth.
Sidr: The chill, soothing one
Not as popular in India but totally loved in places like the Middle East, Sidr (from the Lote tree) is like the cool, underrated cousin of Aritha and Shikakai. It's super gentle, full of nutrients, and doesn't foam at all, but don't let that fool you. It packs a punch when it comes to strengthening hair and calming down cranky scalps.
Why Sidr is great:
Very gentle, great if your scalp is sensitive or gets flaky
Nourishes your hair from the roots, making it stronger over time
Helps reduce hair fall and promotes thick growth
The catch? It doesn't lather, so if you're someone who needs foam to feel clean, this might feel weird at first.
Perfect for: Dry, sensitive scalps or curly-haired folks who want growth without losing moisture.
Shikakai: The strength builder
Shikakai's been in Indian households forever and with good reason.
The name literally means 'fruit for hair' and that's pretty much what it is. It doesn't make too much lather, but it strengthens your strands from the root, reduces breakage, and adds a soft natural shine.
Why it works:
Strengthens weak hair and helps reduce hair fall
Adds shine without weighing your hair down
Gently cleanses while promoting growth
Only downside? It can be drying if you use it alone, so mix it with something moisturising or oil your hair before washing.
Perfect for: People dealing with breakage, thinning, or dullness. Basically anyone who wants thicker, stronger strands.
Which one is actually the best?
Honestly, there's no clear winner. It really depends on what your hair needs the most. But if we had to simplify:
Go for Aritha if your scalp is oily and you want something to deep-clean and refresh.
Try Sidr if your scalp is dry, itchy, or sensitive. It's super soothing and also helps with growth.
Use Shikakai if your hair breaks easily and feels lifeless.
It'll toughen up your strands and bring back that bounce.
Can you use all three together?
Oh, absolutely! A lot of people love mixing all three into one amazing DIY hair cleanser. It gives you the best of all worlds -cleansing, soothing, strengthening, and growth.
Here's a super simple recipe:
1 spoon Aritha powder
1 spoon Shikakai powder
1 spoon Sidr powder
Mix with warm water (or aloe vera gel if your scalp's dry)
Apply to your scalp and hair, leave on for 10-15 mins, and rinse off
It'll leave your hair soft, bouncy, and clean without stripping it dry.
At the end of the day, all three - Aritha, Sidr, and Shikakai are absolute gems when it comes to natural hair care. They have been trusted for generations, and for good reason. Whether you use them alone or mix them together, your hair's definitely going to thank you.
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So if you are tired of reading 50-ingredient labels on hair products and watching your hair fall in chunks every time you shower, maybe it's time to go back to basics. Whip up a little herbal magic, be patient, and let nature do its thing.
Your dream hair? It might just be one spoon of powder away.