Hair grows from the scalp, and a scalp clogged with build-up, flakes and irritation is not a good place to grow it. That is the simple idea behind one of the oldest hair rituals in Arabia and Africa: the weekly sidr wash.
A healthy scalp first
Sidr leaf powder cleanses with natural saponins instead of harsh detergents, lifting product build-up and excess oil while leaving the scalp's own oils in place. In a 2021 trial on 80 people, a sidr leaf shampoo substantially improved dandruff in 86% of them within four weeks (Alzomor et al., 2021). A calm, clean, flake-free scalp is the base every hair routine starts from.
A remedy passed down for centuries
Women in Arabia and Africa have used sidr on their hair for centuries, passing it down through generations to keep their hair thick, strong and healthy. It is not a trend. It is a ritual that has stood the test of time.
Pair it with amla
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is the hair herb of Ayurveda, traditionally used to strengthen hair and keep it thick and glossy. Sidr cleans the scalp and amla nourishes the hair, so they work best side by side, each where it belongs.
The weekly sidr and amla ritual
Sidr for the scalp
- Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic sidr powder with warm water or rose water into a paste.
- Optional: add a few drops of tea tree oil. It will do wonders for dandruff.
- Apply it to your scalp only.
Amla for the hair
- Mix organic amla powder with water into a paste. For extra nourishment, add a spoon of yoghurt and an oil of your choice.
- Apply it along the lengths of your hair, from root to tip.
Then leave both on for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse well. Use once a week and give it at least two to three months, since hair grows slowly.
See our organic sidr powder · See our organic amla powder · See our pure Australian tea tree oil
When to see a doctor
Sudden hair loss, patchy bald spots or heavy shedding can be caused by thyroid problems, low iron, hormones or stress. If that sounds like you, see your doctor for blood tests alongside your natural routine.
This article is for education only and is not medical advice.
Keep reading: Sidr Powder for Scalp Build-Up and Dandruff: The Sunnah Cleanse That Was Tested on 80 People · Tea Tree Oil for the Hair and Scalp