Aritha (Reetha) Powder: The Natural Shampoo That Cleans Hair Without Chemicals

Before bottled shampoos reached Indian homes, hair was washed with aritha. Known as reetha in Hindi and soapnut in English, the dried fruit of the Sapindus tree contains natural saponins that foam gently when mixed with water. Aritha powder is simply the ground fruit shell, and a tablespoon of it replaces a sulphate shampoo completely.

Benefits of aritha powder for hair

• Cleans the scalp and hair without sulphates or harsh detergents
• Leaves the natural oils of the scalp intact, so hair does not turn dry and frizzy
• Adds softness and a natural shine
• Reduces dandruff and scalp itching with its mild antifungal action
• Safe for coloured hair because it does not strip pigment
• Suits sensitive scalps that react to commercial shampoos
• Biodegradable and gentle on the environment

How aritha cleans hair

Saponins are natural surfactants. They lower the surface tension of water so that oil and dirt lift off the hair and rinse away, in the same way a mild detergent works but without the stripping effect. The lather is lighter than a commercial shampoo, which is normal. Less foam does not mean less cleaning.

Basic aritha shampoo recipe

• Two tablespoons of aritha powder
• One cup of warm water
• Mix and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes, or overnight for a stronger wash. Stir well. Wet your hair, pour the liquid over the scalp in sections, massage for two to three minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat once if your hair is very oily.

Aritha, shikakai and amla: the complete herbal wash

• Two tablespoons of aritha powder
• One tablespoon of shikakai powder
• One tablespoon of amla powder
• Soak in two cups of warm water for 30 minutes. Aritha cleans, shikakai conditions and amla strengthens. This combination is the classic Indian herbal shampoo and works for every hair type.

Aritha for dandruff

Add one teaspoon of neem powder and a few drops of lemon juice to the basic recipe. Massage into the scalp, wait five minutes and rinse. Use twice a week until the flakes clear.

Who should use aritha?

Aritha is ideal for people with oily scalps, sensitive skin, colour-treated hair, and anyone trying to move away from chemical hair care. It also suits children and the elderly because it is so mild. If your hair is very dry, combine aritha with shikakai or follow with a light conditioner on the ends.

What to expect when you switch

The first two or three washes may feel different. Hair can feel slightly less slippery than with silicone shampoos, and there is a transition period as the scalp adjusts its oil production. Most people find that within three weeks their hair is softer, less oily between washes and has more natural volume.

Tips for the best results

• Always soak the powder before use. Dry powder sprinkled on hair does not clean well.
• Strain the liquid through a cloth if you want a smoother wash with no residue.
• Keep aritha water out of the eyes. It stings, like any soap.
• Finish with a rose water or apple cider vinegar rinse to close the cuticle.
• Store unused aritha liquid in the fridge for up to three days.

Aritha powder from PurePetal Naturals

PurePetal Naturals makes herbal skin and hair care powders in Ahmedabad with no added chemicals or parabens. Aritha is one of the powders we are bringing to our shop alongside multani mitti. Until then, the recipes above work with any pure, unmixed reetha powder.