11 Hair Growth Secrets from India's Longest-Haired Communities

4. Herbal cleansers: shikakai, reetha, and hibiscus

Herbal powders and plant-based rinses are a part of many traditional routines. Shikakai and reetha have been used for generations as gentle cleansers that foam lightly and don’t strip natural oils the way harsh surfactants can. Hibiscus is often added for shine and strength, either as a fresh paste or as dried powder. These ingredients are easy to make into quick pastes or infusions at home. For example, soak shikakai and reetha overnight, boil briefly, cool, strain, and use the water to rinse hair after a mild shampoo. Hibiscus petals can be crushed into a paste and used as a mask on the eyelids. The benefit is twofold: cleaning with gentler botanicals preserves the hair’s natural oils, and many households find the rituals calming—an easy way to include rest in hair care. If you have hard water or scalp sensitivity, testing a small patch first helps you avoid irritation. Overall, herbal cleansers let long hair keep its natural resilience while staying clean and manageable.