How I started washing my hair less often

I used to wash my hair every day, like many others do, because I thought it was the only way to keep it clean and fresh. However, I soon noticed that the ends of my hair were brittle and felt dry. My hair seemed to struggle more to retain its natural moisture the more times I washed it.

In an attempt to take better care of my hair, I began looking into the possibility of washing it less frequently. Initially, I was apprehensive, fearing that my hair would appear oily or unclean. But as I became more knowledgeable about hair care, I saw that sparingly shampooing my hair might actually be beneficial over time.

My routine changed slightly, and it had some unexpected effects. My hair started to feel softer and easier to manage, and I also noticed that it remained clean for a longer period of time between washes. Here’s how I went about making the change and the benefits I observed along the way.

What are soap nuts?

The fruit of the soap tree, or sapindus, also known as the "soap berry," is known as a soap nut. Within the Sapindaceae family, the genus Soap Tree comprises small, evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs that thrive in tropical regions of Asia and America. picture from semiramisgardens.ru

The Latin terms "sapo" for "soap" and "indicus" for "Indian" are the source of the name "sapindus."

Image via http://zdoroviestranici.blogspot.com

Here are some ways to use soap nuts:

— cleaning powder Shampoo — dishwashing detergent

I haven"t tried soap nuts yet, my "ecoholic" level can"t overcome yet I"m too lazy to bother with boiling and brewing soap nuts, but the reviews are positive and it can serve as an alternative to household chemicals. I was interested in soap nut powder.
I knew about the existence of such a powder for a long time. I often came across it in ready-made mixtures. But for some reason it did not arouse interest and desire to buy. Perhaps the reason for this was the reviews that said that soap nut powder turns hair into straw, that it takes a lot of time to create a shampoo and it is not worth it. I don’t remember why exactly I put it in the basket during my next order on Aroma-Zone, but now I know for sure that this powder will always be in my supplies! Now it is my must-have!

Ayurvedic powder of ritha, or arita (soap nuts), Aroma-zone

Ritha (arita), also known as soap nut powder, is used to deeply cleanse and nourish the skin. It also gently exfoliates dead cells, stimulates tissue regeneration, shields the skin from harmful environmental factors and pathogenic bacteria, and leaves the skin with a long-lasting antiseptic barrier.

Reeta powder, also known as Ritha or Arita, is rich in plant saponins and is essential in Ayurvedic hair care for cleansing and beautifying. Blends nicely with other powders. The process of making this powder is straightforward: after the seeds are removed, the bark of the Sapindus mukorossi fruit is dried and ground into a powder.

Hair cosmetic properties include: — mildly cleanses hair and scalp; — combats dandruff; — leaves hair feeling smooth and shiny; — stops hair loss; — quickens hair growth; — controls sebaceous gland activity; — has a strong antibacterial effect.

I was terrified of it at first. I only added it to the masks’ roots with caution. However, seeing nothing objectionable, I progressively advanced to the length. My hair did not become straw, indicating that the proper strategy had been discovered after all.

The packaging, like all Aroma-Zone powders, is a bag with a zip lock.
The package is quite dense and can be used to store herbs.
The grinding is very fine, in this regard, Aroma-Zone is beyond competition. I would even advise you to be careful when opening the package with powder, it can dust.
For comparison and as an alternative to the French Aroma-Zone, let"s consider the powders of two manufacturers: Lady Henna and Aroma-Zone.
I bought Rita powder from Lady Henna in Auchan when the first AZ packet was already finished, and the second one had not yet arrived.
Such packets are quite convenient if you want to take them on a trip, for example. I also came across amla and shikakai in the same small packets from this manufacturer.
But let"s get back to our powders. The compositions of the two powders are different. Lady Henna – Sapindus Trifoliatus (South Indian wild variety), and Aroma-Zone has Sapindus Mukorossi (North Indian cultivated variety).

The variety, conditions of collection, and storage all affect soap nut quality. With the highest saponin content, Sapindus Mukorossi is regarded as the best variety.

The scents of these varieties are different; Sapindus Trifoliatus has a floral-berry scent that is reminiscent of dried fruits, while Mukorossi has a sourish scent.

The color difference is immediately noticeable. Brown, like the color of soap nuts themselves, is Lady Henna’s hue. There is more coarseness in the grind. AZ is a paler beige color. This is because there are no inclusions and the grind is entirely powdery. Although I don’t have any issues with Lady Henna powder, I prefer Aroma-Zone’squality. Their powders don’t crumble when applied and are much easier to wash off, but this has no bearing on the qualities.

How to use:

It is crucial to use hot water in order to release the saponins in Rita powder and achieve a good cleansing effect.

Saponins are plant-based surface-active substances (SAS) that exhibit a notable propensity to foam in aqueous solutions, such as soap (sapo, Latin for "soap"). Saponins are used as detergents for a long time because of this.

I noticed that frequent washing was depriving my hair of its natural oils, leaving it frizzy and dry, so I started washing it less frequently. My hair started to feel healthier, shinier, and more manageable by gradually separating washes and using dry shampoo in between, demonstrating that sometimes, when it comes to hair care, less really is more.

Recipe:

— 15 g of Shikakai powder— 30 g of Rita powder 15 grams of amla powder, yolk, and oil

For length, I usually mix the soap-nut powder-based mask with a herbal mask since the latter has a richer, distinct herbal composition.

I came to understand over time that washing my hair less frequently was beneficial to the health of my hair rather than just being convenient. My scalp appears to have achieved a better balance, and my hair feels stronger.

Reducing the frequency of hair washing facilitated the natural oils in my hair, resulting in more hydration and reduced breakage. Although there was some adjustment required, the outcomes were worthwhile.

My hair routine feels more doable now, and I’ve come to terms with the advantages of washing my hair less frequently. The little adjustment has had a significant impact on the way my hair feels and looks.

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