How to wash Scalp and Hair Using Soap Nuts / Kunkudukai / Reetha

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on October 18, 2016

Are you suffering from a hair fall? Don’t you think it may be a result of chemical loaded shampoos that are damaging your hair?
You must be wondering what is the solution. To remove dirt, pollutants and excess of sebum you need to wash your hair at least 3 times in a week. So are there any alternates to chemical shampoos.

The answer is yes. In ancient times when there were no shampoos, even at that time, women used to wash their hair. And for this purpose, they used soap nuts.

What are Soap Nuts / Kunkudukai / Reetha

Soap nuts also are known as Kunkudukai or Rheetha. It is a natural cleanser. It contains saponin that renders it soaping effects. Soap nuts are a type of fruit growing on a deciduous tree of medium size. When this fruit ripens, it is sold in the market as Aritha.

What are soap nuts

What are Healthy Hair Benefits of Soap Nuts / Kunkudukai / Reetha

Having a soapy texture they have been found helpful in in making shampoos, soaps, hand wash and even detergents. You can also wash your hair with them. The best part is that they are antifungal and antibacterial thus they effectively remove dandruff and fights against other dermatological problems. Besides this they do not have any side effects and are very gentle on the skin and hair.

Soap Nuts Kunkudukai Rheeth

Thus, they are considered very good for hair. The insecticidal properties of soap nuts also kill lice. If you feel your hair has lost luster use soap nuts to provide proper conditioning and nourishment to the scalp and hair. You will soon find that within a few months of using soap nuts hair fall has reduced and your hair becomes softer and shiny after each wash. In fact, it also minimizes the tangling.

healthy hair benefits of soap nuts

How to have a Head Bath Using Soap Nuts / Kunkudukai / Reetha

First of all, soak soap nuts in water overnight or at least an hour before using it. Now strain the liquid and wash your hair with it. Once the liquid is finished again, put water and use the soap nuts to lather again. You may do this as many as many times you want to.

Head Bath using soap nuts

But there is a better way to use it. For this, you need to steep 3-10 soap nuts according to your hair length and thickness in a bowl with steaming water and leave overnight. It is better you deseed the soap nuts. The next morning strain it and use the water to wash your hair. It is better if you massage your scalp with the strained liquid for a few minutes. This will form more lather. Do not throw the soap nuts you may add more water to it and then reuse it. This whole procedure is followed by rinsing your hair and scalp with plain water.

head bath using soap nuts

Homemade Shampoo Recipe with Soap Nuts / Kunkudukai / Reetha

Washing your hair with soap nuts is very easy, but you need to take care and prevent your eyes as they may cause irritation to the eyes.
Here I have a homemade shampoo recipe by using soap nuts.

Homemade shampoo recipe with soap nuts

For This, You Need Following Ingredients

Kunkudukai/Reetha, shikakai, sesame seeds, amla, fenugreek seeds, aloe Vera pulp and lemon juice.
Now except lemon juice take all the ingredients in equal quantities and dry in the sun. Remember to remove the seeds of soap nuts and shikakai. Once they are dry grind them to make a fine powder. 4 hours before the head bath soak 2 tablespoons of the powder you made in a cup of warm water. Also add a half teaspoon lemon juice to it. Now have a head bath with it. Use this mixture to wash your head, in the same way you use a shampoo.
Always remember excessive washing with soap nuts is not recommended.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.