Sidr: nopoo shampoo & hair strengthener🌱

Once dried and crushed, Sidr leaves "transform" into a powder with an incredible washing and cleansing power, ideal for the skin but especially for the hair. For those who, for routine reasons or due to the nature of their hair (oily or thin), need and / or frequent washing, Sidr powder is a valid and excellent substitute for commercial or common shampoo solutions which, if used often, can damage hair and scalp.

Someone believes that with it they made the crown of thorns that Jesus wore during the crucifixion. For Muslims, this is the sacred tree quoted in the Qur'an.

It is an excellent sebum regulator, perfect for brittle hair, thin and without volume; it also helps to prevent hair loss and the appearance of dandruff.

❗Warning❗Many people confuse it with neutral henna (Cassia Obovata), but it is not the same thing. We will talk about it in the future.

Today I want to introduce you my usual shampoo. Among the many herbs I have tried for washing, Sidr is my favorite, so I will tell you about it first. Sidr powder can be used both as a shampoo and as a mask (or both at the same time). I use it for both purposes. Let's find out how:

Ingredients:

• 70 g of Sidr for short hair / 100 g for long hair

• 150/200 ml of water (preferably not calcareous)

• 4 drops lavender essential oil (or other, as needed)

Procedure:

1. Pour the Sidr powder into a large enough container. (Use a sieve if the powders are very coarse).

2. Heat the water on the flame until it is warm (not hot).

3. Slowly pour the water into the powder, turning with a whisk. (Do not pour all the water together, otherwise you risk making it too liquid and it would drain everything).

4. Mix until you reach the consistency of a yogurt. You have mix it as if it were some egg white to be whipped. As I said before, the powders can be very coarse; if it remains grainy, blend with an immersion mixer.

5. Leave to rest for 10 minutes (so that the formation of the mucilages is completed).

6. Add 4 drops of lavender essential oil. Mix gently.

Application:

Shampoo and moisturizing mask: massage the skin well (for the washing effect) and spread on the hair. Cover with a reusable shower cap.

Exposure time: Shampoo: just a short exposure, about half an hour. Mask: we can keep it up to two hours.

I combine business with pleasure and keep it on for an hour! At the end of the exposure, rinse in the shower and do it again with an acid rinse (1l of water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or the prepackaged one of MaterNatura al geranio rosa (I use this and it is divine 🧡). The result? Soft, voluminous, clean and soft hair! All with the utmost respect for nature. N.B. It is fair to point out that although less harmful, herbs are still polluting for aquatic habitats. They are less so than industrial products, but still have a minimal environmental impact. Enjoy and tell me what you think about it!