The Long Hair Community

Jonobie · January 17th, 2004, 12:23 PM

So, I went to an Indian grocery today to try to get Aritha, Shakakai, and Amla. Unfortunately, they didn't have powdered Aritha or Shakakai, but only had Aritha soap. Anyone know if it actually has soap in it that Aritha's been added to, or it's actually the same thing? I thought Aritha was just a particular herb that was powdered, so I'm a bit curious what this is that I've bought. Unfortunately, the only part of the package that I can read is "Nirmal Special Aritha Soap" and "For silky hair & bath".

I guess I can use it on my hands and see if it lathers, although I haven't used enough Aritha by itself to know if it would lather any when under water. I know the mix I've used in the past foams ever so slightly when all mixed together.

(For the full account of my experience, see my journal: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/viewtopic.php?p=110874#110874 )

Cheers,
Jonobie

Heidi · January 17th, 2004, 03:09 PM

I can only guess that it's soap with Aritha in it. Aren't I helpful?

Elspeth30 · January 18th, 2004, 04:31 AM

I am not sure about the Aritha, though I agree that it is probably soap with Aritha in it. I loved your description of the store though, because that is exactly what the Indian grocery in our city is like.
I have enjoyed the Amla powder I bought. The illustrated directions are amusing because the woman is dressed in a very fancy way with all her jewelry on and seems to apply the paste with an immaculate neatness I will never achieve.
-Elspeth

Jonobie · January 18th, 2004, 06:10 AM

Yah, I think you two are right. Well, I'm out of my nice bodysoap for today, so I'll see if that "silky hair and bath" is true.

Elspeth, do you make a paste of your Alma powder, and does it rinse out easily enough? I'm thinking of trying that today with a bit of marshmallow root as a deep conditioner. Might even drag out the heatcap to use with it.

[Edited to add: Do you put the Amla on before you shampoo or as a post-wash conditioner?]

Sounds like you have the same box as I do. Beautiful woman with jewlery applying the Alma as if it's the neatest thing in the world.

Cheers,
Jonobie

Elspeth30 · January 18th, 2004, 01:55 PM

Yes, I make a paste and apply it to dry scalp/hair. In fact, I got the idea for using the clay wash on dry hair from using the amla that way. It works much better for me that way, though I am not sure why..
When I get a chance I like to buy rosewater at the Indian grocery because it is very inexpensive there, compared to the health store. I got some when I got the amla so I mixed the powder with that. My box advised leaving the paste on for an hour. It took a great deal of rinsing, but my hair turned out great once it was dry.
Let me know what you think when you try it.

Jonobie · January 19th, 2004, 06:37 AM

Update: As suspected, Aritha soap is soap with aritha in it. And not particularly gentle soap either -- my skin *itches* today, and it felt just as harsh as standard soap. It's probably harsher if it has an herbal detergent added to it. I usually use Dove, which has a lot of moisturizing stuff in it. Anyhow, it's nothing I'd ever use on my hair.

Cheers,
Jonobie