An oily scalp is a common issue affecting people of all ages. It not only causes hair to look greasy and unclean but also leads to dandruff, scalp acne, and sometimes even hair fall. The constant overproduction of sebum by the scalp’s sebaceous glands is often influenced by stress, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, or the use of chemical-laden hair products.
In the search for natural, effective remedies, Aritha (Reetha) has gained widespread attention as a traditional Ayurvedic solution for oily scalp problems. Known for its natural saponin content, Aritha has been used in India for centuries as a gentle cleanser, especially for hair care.
At Dirghaanshi, we promote ancient wisdom for modern wellness. This comprehensive guide will explain how Aritha can be used to control oil production, detox the scalp, and restore the natural balance needed for healthy, lustrous hair—without harsh chemicals.
📖 Long Description
🌿 What is Aritha (Reetha)?
Aritha, also known as soapnut, is the dried fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi tree. It contains saponins, natural compounds that lather up like soap when mixed with water. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic practices, Aritha cleanses hair, skin, and even household items without stripping natural moisture.
Aritha works by removing excess oil, toxins, and buildup from the scalp, while also nourishing hair follicles and promoting scalp health. Its balancing nature makes it ideal for people with oily or combination scalps.
🧠 Understanding the Oily Scalp Problem
Common Symptoms of an Oily Scalp:
Greasy hair even after washing
Itchy scalp and clogged pores
Dandruff-like white or yellow flakes
Hair appearing flat or stuck to the scalp
Scalp acne or pimples
Causes:
Overactive sebaceous glands
Hormonal changes (puberty, PCOS, thyroid)
Excessive use of conditioners or styling gels
Poor hygiene or diet (especially oily foods)
Stress and lack of sleep
Conventional shampoos often make the problem worse by drying the scalp, which causes it to produce even more oil. Aritha, on the other hand, cleanses without over-drying.
✨ Benefits of Aritha for Oily Scalp
Property Benefit
Natural Cleanser Removes dirt, excess oil, and sweat without harsh chemicals
Sebum Balancing Controls the overproduction of scalp oil
Antibacterial Prevents scalp acne and infections
Antifungal Helps manage dandruff and flaky scalp
Non-Comedogenic Doesn’t clog pores or hair follicles
Strengthening Promotes healthy roots and less hair fall
✅ How Aritha Helps Control Oily Scalp Naturally
- Deep Cleansing Without Dryness
Unlike sulfate shampoos, Aritha doesn’t strip the scalp of all its natural oils. It removes just the excess oil, leaving your scalp clean and balanced. - Controls Sebum Production
Over time, regular use of Aritha normalizes the oil glands, reducing the scalp’s tendency to become greasy every day. - Unclogs Scalp Pores
Oily scalps are prone to clogged pores, leading to scalp acne. Aritha’s mild exfoliating action keeps the scalp breathable and healthy. - Reduces Dandruff Caused by Oiliness
Oily scalps can trap dead skin cells and lead to dandruff. Aritha cleans the buildup and prevents fungal growth. - Improves Hair Texture
Excess oil can weigh down your hair. Aritha gives volume, bounce, and a naturally fresh look to oily hair strands.
🧴 DIY Aritha Hair Cleanser for Oily Scalp
Ingredients:
5–6 dried Aritha (soapnuts)
2 cups water
1 tsp neem leaves (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice
Preparation:
Boil Aritha and neem leaves in water for 10–15 minutes.
Let it cool and strain the liquid.
Add lemon juice just before use.
How to Use:
Wet your scalp and hair.
Massage this liquid onto the scalp like a shampoo.
Leave for 2–3 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Use 2–3 times a week for best results.
🌿 Aritha Hair Mask for Sebum Balance
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Aritha powder
1 tbsp multani mitti
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
Instructions:
Mix all into a smooth paste with rose water.
Apply to the scalp (not the hair length).
Leave for 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
💧 Aritha Rinse for Daily Maintenance
If you don’t want to shampoo daily but still want to control greasiness:
Mix 1 tsp Aritha powder in 1 glass water.
Let it sit overnight.
Strain and use this as a scalp rinse in the morning.
🧘 Ayurvedic Perspective on Oily Scalp
In Ayurveda, an oily scalp is linked to a Kapha imbalance.
Kapha = oil, mucus, heaviness, stagnation
Excess Kapha leads to greasy skin, clogged pores, and dampness
Aritha, with its Kashaya (astringent) and Tikta (bitter) rasa, is ideal for pacifying Kapha. It also:
Detoxifies the scalp (removes Ama)
Improves Pitta-Kapha circulation
Clears blocked hair channels (srotas)
⚖️ Balancing Herbs with Aritha
To enhance the effectiveness of Aritha, combine it with other Kapha-pacifying herbs:
Herb Benefit
Neem Anti-inflammatory, antifungal
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Antibacterial, purifying
Lemon Peel Absorbs oil, refreshes scalp
Brahmi Soothes inflammation and improves texture
Multani Mitti Absorbs grease and sweat
You can make custom herbal shampoo powders by mixing Aritha with these herbs in equal ratios.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid for Oily Scalp Management
Over-washing with harsh shampoos
Applying heavy oils or creamy conditioners
Using dry shampoos too often
Tying hair when wet
Eating excessive fried/junk food
🧪 Scientific Studies on Aritha
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights Aritha’s cleansing, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
Its saponin content has been found effective in removing oil and sebum without irritating the skin.
Aritha-based shampoos are now included in natural dermatological formulas for dandruff and oily scalp.
📅 Weekly Aritha Hair Routine for Oily Scalp
Day Routine
Monday Aritha scalp cleanser + lemon
Tuesday Aloe vera & tulsi spray on scalp
Wednesday Aritha + multani mitti hair mask
Thursday Scalp rinse with Aritha decoction
Friday Neem + Aritha shampoo mix
Saturday Scalp oil massage (light sesame oil)
Sunday Rest day – just plain water rinse
❓ FAQs
Q. Can I use Aritha daily for oily scalp?
For extremely oily scalps, you can use Aritha rinse daily, but limit full hair washes to 2–3 times per week to avoid over-drying.
Q. Will Aritha dry out my hair?
Aritha is gentler than chemical shampoos. To prevent dryness, always follow up with light herbal conditioners or aloe vera gel on hair ends.
Q. Is Aritha safe for colored or treated hair?
Yes, it’s sulfate-free and gentle, but always do a patch test first and avoid excessive use on colored hair.
Q. Can men and teenagers use Aritha?
Absolutely! Aritha is safe for all genders and ages and especially helpful during hormonal changes that increase oiliness.
🔚 Conclusion
Aritha is a true Ayurvedic gem for managing oily scalp issues holistically. Its natural cleansing, sebum-balancing, and purifying properties offer a chemical-free alternative to synthetic shampoos that often do more harm than good. By incorporating Aritha into your weekly scalp care routine, you can enjoy fresher, cleaner hair that looks and feels healthier—naturally.
At Dirghaanshi, we encourage the use of herbal solutions rooted in tradition and validated by modern science. If you’re tired of oily hair problems, it’s time to give Aritha a try and embrace the natural way to a balanced, refreshed scalp.
