Long before shampoo, people across North Africa and the Middle East washed their hair with plant powders. Sidr is one of the best known. Made from the dried leaves of the jujube tree, it's still used today by people looking for a gentle, plant-based alternative to shampoo - and by brands building natural haircare lines.
What Sidr Powder Is
Sidr powder is made from the **dried, ground leaves of the jujube tree** (Ziziphus). On ingredient lists you'll often see **Ziziphus Spina-Christi Leaf Powder**. Different Ziziphus species grow in different regions, so ask your supplier which species and origin you are buying.
How It Cleans
Sidr leaves naturally contain **saponins**: plant compounds that create a light foam with water and help lift dirt and oil. That's why a sidr paste can wash hair without any added detergent. The foam is much lighter than shampoo - customers should expect that.
How to Use Sidr Powder on Hair
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- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of powder with warm water into a smooth, runny paste.
- Leave it for a few minutes to hydrate.
- Apply to wet hair and massage into the scalp.
- Leave for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse very thoroughly - plant powders need more rinsing than shampoo.
**Variations:** mix with rose water or orange blossom water for scent, or add a few drops of argan oil to the lengths afterwards for softness.
What Customers Can Expect - Honestly
Sidr cleans gently and leaves hair feeling light. It's mostly a **traditional** ingredient: research on hair benefits is limited, so avoid claims such as "stops hair loss", "makes hair grow" or "treats dandruff". Those are medical claims and not allowed for cosmetics. "Gently cleanses", "plant-based hair wash" and "traditional hair care" are honest and effective.
Product Ideas for Brands
- Hair-wash powder in a resealable pouch or jar, with clear instructions.
- Hair mask blend: sidr with ghassoul clay or other plant powders.
- "No-poo" kit: sidr powder, a floral water and a small argan oil.
- Hammam haircare: alongside black soap and ghassoul in spa kits.
What to Check When Buying Sidr in Bulk
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Species and origin | Different Ziziphus species and origins behave differently |
| Fineness of the powder | Fine powder mixes smoothly and rinses better |
| Colour and smell | Should be green to olive-green with a herbal smell; dull or musty powder is old or poorly stored |
| Moisture and microbiology | Plant powders can develop moulds if stored badly; ask for test results |
| Purity | No stems, sand or fillers |
| Packaging | Lined bags or airtight containers, away from humidity |
Storage
Keep sidr powder dry, closed and away from light and heat. Humidity is its main enemy: a damp powder clumps and can go mouldy.
We supply sidr powder in bulk and in private label pouches - see our [products catalog](/products/) and [private label service](/private-label-moroccan-cosmetics/).
FAQ
Can sidr powder replace shampoo?
Many people use it as a gentle hair wash. It foams much less than shampoo and needs thorough rinsing.
How often can I wash my hair with sidr?
As often as you would wash your hair normally. Some people alternate it with a regular shampoo.
Can sidr be mixed with other powders?
Yes. It's often mixed with clays or other plant powders in hair masks.
Is sidr suitable for coloured hair?
It's generally gentle, but test on a small section first, especially on freshly coloured hair.
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Written by Morocco Cosmetic Production Team
We press argan oil, make black soap and fill and label Moroccan cosmetic products in Marrakech.
