Ever wonder how our grandmothers managed to have thick, glossy and intensely dark hair even in their 50s? The secret lies in the powerful Ayurvedic fruit Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry for hair. Derived from the Amalaki plant, Amla fruit has been used as an essential part of hair care rituals since time immemorial and is considered an elixir for hair.
Owing to its richness in nutrients like Vitamins C and tannins, Amla has been a part of grandma’s beauty treasure trove for centuries!
Amla also possesses nourishing properties. One Amla contains up to 80 percent moisture making it a great natural hair conditioner. Looking for ways to use Amla for hair? Let’s help you out.
Top 6 Benefits Of Amla For Hair
From boosting growth and shielding against damage to reducing hair loss and balancing the scalp, Amla has proven itself as a versatile and effective ingredient. Whether you're opting for age-old Ayurvedic treatments or exploring contemporary hair care products, the power of Amla is undeniable.
Name any hair problem and you’ll find a way to cure it with the goodness of Amla. Here, we go through some of the well-known benefits of using amla for hair.
1. Amla Treats Hair Fall
One of the best things you can do to prevent hair fall is to massage your hair with amla oil. Considered as a ‘superfood‘ for hair, Amla is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients that increase the circulation of blood significantly throughout the scalp.
By providing enough oxygen and nourishment to the hair follicles, amla oil makes the hair fibers strong and puts an end to the issue of hair fall.
2. Amla For Dandruff Treatment
Using the vitamin C-rich amla powder for hair cures the dryness and prevents the accumulation of dandruff. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties are very effective in stopping dandruff formation.
By clearing the build-up of impurities from the scalp and restoring optimum pH levels of the scalp, amla even helps in reducing the itchiness resulting from dandruff.
You can use Kama Ayurveda’s Bringadi Hair Cleanser to get rid of dandruff naturally with Ayurvedic ingredients such as Amla, Bhringraj, and Indigo.
3. Amla for Treating Premature Graying
One of the biggest causes of premature graying of hair is the lack of proper nutrition. Including Amla in an everyday diet not only helps in supplying the body with the necessary nutrients but also helps in their absorption.
Regular use of Amla in the diet as well as in daily hair care routine prevents graying and helps in maintaining natural hair color and luster. Eating amla for hair health is one of the best additions that you can make to your diet.
Read - Home Remedies For Grey Hair – 10+ Ayurvedic Methods
4. Amla for Hair Growth
Amla contains oodles of essential fatty acids that penetrate into the follicles, making the hair softer, shinier and voluminous. It also stimulates hair growth owing to its high iron and carotene content.
By promoting healthy blood flow, Amla also ensures that the scalp receives essential nutrients and oxygen, crucial for hair health. The increased blood circulation also extends the anagen phase of hair growth, allowing the strands to grow longer and stronger.
5. Amla Shields Hair From External Damage
Amla's tannins and calcium provide your hair a protective shield against photo-damage and heat damage. These compounds act as a barrier, preventing hair from succumbing to external stressors.
Tannins, in particular, bind easily to the keratin proteins in hair, effectively safeguarding them from breakdown caused by environmental factors.
6. Amla Reduces For Hair Loss
Amla not only encourages hair growth but also curbs hair loss when applied topically. Research reveals that Amla oil is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme linked to hair loss. Interestingly, finasteride, a medication used to treat hair loss, also works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.
This mechanism is particularly significant for individuals experiencing hormonal hair loss due to conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalances.
7. Amla Conditions Hair
Amla is also rich in various nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which play a crucial role in nourishing and strengthening the hair. These nutrients contribute to overall hair health, making it shinier, smoother, and more resistant to damage.
You can add Bringadi Hair Conditioner to your hair care regimen to get the conditioning benefits of Amla.
How To Apply Amla On Hair?
Whether you're seeking to stimulate growth, tame frizz, or promote overall hair health, incorporating Amla into your routine can work wonders. Here are some effective ways to use Amla for hair care:
1. Use Amla Oil for Hair and Scalp
Wondering how to prepare Amla oil? You can simply heat natural coconut oil with Amla powder till it turns brown. This will result in Amla oil that you can apply to the scalp and the hair roots soon after it cools down.
If you don’t want to prepare Amla oil at home, you can also use Ayurvedic hair treatment known as Brigandi Hair Oil. This oil is rich in Ayurvedic ingredients like Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Bhringraj, and Hibiscus.
2. Applying Amla Juice on Hair
Using Amla juice for hair works as an effective hair strengthening treatment. Amla juice is the simplest hair tonic that provides your hair with all the nutrients that it needs. Wondering how to make Amla juice for hair growth? It’s easier than you think.
(From the previous blog - https://www.kamaayurveda.com/blog/Amla-for-Hair-Indian-Secret-to-healthy-lustrous-hair/)
Simply take a fresh Amla and squeeze out its juice into a bowl. You can even add freshly squeezed Lemon juice to Amla juice to make a hair tonic. Apply Amla juice directly on the scalp with your fingertips. Massage it gently and then leave it on for about an hour. Wash it off with a mild cleanser.
3. Amla Tonic For Strong Hair Roots
To enhance collagen levels and promote hair growth, apply fresh Amla to your scalp. Create a diluted Amla juice or a paste using Amla powder and water. Gently massage the solution onto your scalp for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to rest for an additional 10 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water for invigorated scalp health.
To use Amla with almond oil, combine amla juice with almond oil and warm the mixture together. Apply this mixture as a hair tonic on the scalp and hair
4. Add Amla To Your Hair Dye
Amla and Henna come together to create a hair mask that not only averts premature greying but also enhances shine. Add Amla Powder to Henna powder whenever you apply it to the hair. This will help in improving its efficacy in coloring the hair and prevent premature greying
5. Amla and Yogurt Hair Mask For Strong Hair
Amla hair pack can be made by mixing Amla powder with other useful Ayurvedic ingredients for hair. For all those who wonder how to use amla powder for hair, the answer is hair masks and hair packs.
Craft a nourishing hair mask by combining Amla and yogurt. Mix two teaspoons of Amla powder with warm water to form a paste. Integrate a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of yogurt into the mixture. Apply the mask evenly on your hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water for revitalized and fortified hair strands.
6. Amla and Shikakai Hair Pack For Hair Fall
Amla and Shikhakai hair packs can be made by mixing the two powders in equal quantities in a bowl. Water is added to make a smooth paste that can be easily applied to hair and scalp. Amla hair pack should be left on for 30-40 minutes before washing it off with cold water. You'll experience reduced hair fall and improved hair strength.
What experts say -
“To use Amla for strengthening hair, combine Amla powder with two other powerful herbal ingredients - Reetha and Shikhakai. Blend their powdered form in water to make a smooth Amla paste for hair and then apply it along the hair strands. Together, Amla, Reetha, and Shikakai compliment each other and help in maintaining healthy and lustrous hair.” - Dr Gopan G
7. Amla and Curry Leaves For Hair Growth
You can use Amla with Curry leaves to enhance scalp health and promote hair growth. Heat Coconut oil and add chopped Amla and a handful of Curry leaves. Once the oil turns brown, remove from heat and allow it to cool. Apply the oil to your scalp and hair, massaging gently for 20-30 minutes. Wash with a mild sulfate-free shampoo for nourished and strengthened hair.
8. Amla and Hibiscus Hair Mask For Thick Hair
Combine Amla and hibiscus for a potent hair mask that promotes hair density. Blend hibiscus petals and leaves to form a fine paste, then add two tablespoons of Amla powder. Incorporate water or coconut oil to create a paste, applying it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with a cold shower bath and a herbal shampoo for lush, thick hair.
9. Amla and Honey Hair Mask For Smooth Hair
Experience satin-soft hair texture with a blend of raw Amla and honey. Create a smooth paste from organic Amlas, then mix in fresh honey. Apply the blend to your scalp and hair, allowing it to rest for 20 minutes. Wash with a warm shower before cleansing your hair with herbal shampoo. Incorporate this conditioning pack before each hair wash or at least once a week.
10. Amla and Lemon Anti-Dandruff Hair Mask
Combat dandruff and detoxify your scalp with the dynamic duo of Amla and Lemon. Strain the pulp after blending Amlas to obtain 1-2 tablespoons of Amla juice. Mix it with an equal amount of fresh lemon juice. Apply the blend to your scalp, leaving it on for 40-50 minutes before washing with a herbal shampoo and cold shower. Repeat this process once or twice a week for a healthier scalp.
How To Include Amla In Diet For Hair Health?
Including Amla in your diet helps promote hair health due to its rich vitamin C content and other nutrients. Here are some simple ways to incorporate Amla into your diet for hair benefits:
1. Fresh Amla:
Consuming fresh Amla is the most direct way to reap its benefits. You can eat it as a whole fruit, but keep in mind that Amla has a tart taste. You might prefer to chop it into smaller pieces and mix it with a sprinkle of salt or honey to make it more palatable.
2. Amla Juice:
You can extract Amla juice by blending or juicing the fruit. Mix the juice with water to dilute its strong flavor. Adding a dash of honey or lemon juice can also enhance the taste. Drinking Amla juice on an empty stomach in the morning is a popular practice for its health benefits.
3. Amla Powder:
Amla powder is a convenient option that can be easily incorporated into various dishes. You can add a teaspoon of Amla powder to your morning smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal. It can also be sprinkled over salads or added to your favorite beverages.
4. Amla Supplements:
If fresh Amla is not readily available, you can consider Amla supplements. These supplements come in various forms like capsules, tablets, or powders. However, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
5. Amla Pickle:
Amla pickle is a tasty way to consume Amla. The pickling process reduces its sourness and makes it more enjoyable to eat. However, keep in mind that pickling might reduce its vitamin C content to some extent.
6. Amla Chutney:
Prepare a tangy Amla chutney by blending Amla with other ingredients like mint, coriander, and spices. This chutney can be used as a dip or a condiment to accompany your meals.
7. Amla Infused Water:
Infuse your water with Amla by adding Amla slices or Amla powder to a pitcher of water. Let it sit overnight to infuse the water with its nutrients. This refreshing drink can be consumed throughout the day.
What experts say -
“Remember that consistency is key when it comes to dietary changes for hair health. Amla's rich vitamin C content promotes collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining healthy hair structure. Additionally, its antioxidants contribute to overall hair health by protecting hair follicles from damage.” - Dr. Vinny Narayanan
Frequently Asked Questions about using Amla for Hair
1. Is Amla good for hair?
Amla is considered a ‘superfood‘ for hair. With a zillion nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients present in this ‘wonder fruit’, it is a hair fall control remedy and natural conditioner. Amla is also very high in antioxidants which help in maintaining the health of the scalp.
For best results only use products that are 100% natural and contain pure Amla. Alternatively, you can dry amla fruit in the sun and powder it to obtain pure Amla powder at home.
2. How to use Amla powder for hair?
Amla powder is dried Amla fruit, ground into a fine powder. A thin paste can be made by combining Amla powder in water. Apply the paste in the hair roots and scalp to provide nourishment to the hair. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with a mild cleanser or running water.
3. How to use raw Amla for hair?
There are two ways to use raw Amla for hair. One way is to prepare Amla juice by putting the Amla in a grinder and straining out the leftovers to obtain the juice. Amla juice can then be applied directly to the hair.
The other way to use raw Amla for hair is by preparing an Amla wash. This is done by boiling freshly chopped pieces of Amla in water and then leaving them in water for about 30 minutes. Washing hair with this water is extremely beneficial.
4. How to eat Amla for hair health?
Eating Amla fruit every day is helpful in preventing premature greying and promoting hair growth. It also helps in maintaining the health of the scalp. Another way to include Amla in your diet is by making drinking Amla juice a part of your routine.
However, eating fresh Amla fruit has its own unique benefits. If you find the taste of Amla too pungent, you can consume it in the form of Amla pickle or candy.
5. How to make Amla oil?
If you’re interested in preparing Amla oil at home, you can boil dried Amla in Coconut oil or sesame oil till the oil turns brown. All the nutrients get transferred to the oil and Amla oil is obtained after it cools down. The process of making Amla oil is complex and the preparation should be done in small batch sizes to maintain the best quality.
Alternatively, you may use Ayurvedic Brigandi Hair Oil Treatment that has herbs and fruits like Amla, Bhringraj, Indigo, and Balloon Vines infused in the sesame oil base.
Conclusion
In the current times, when almost everyone has hair problems because of poor lifestyle, diet, and environmental pollution, Amla is a wonder Ayurvedic fruit that helps in restoring hair health.
Including it in the diet as well in our regular hair care routine is the best way to get those healthy, lustrous hair we all desire.
Feeling ready to start including Amla in your hair care routine? Here are a few Kama Ayurveda products with Amla you can get started with.