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Amla, or the Indian gooseberry, has a special place in Indian heritage. A magic ingredient for the hair, our grandmas swore by this special fruit derived from the Amalaki plant. Things look no different today. From hair oils to shampoos and hair masks, market shelves are stacked with amla products, thereby proving that, indeed, amla is good for hair. But the real proof is in Amla’s many beneficial properties. Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fatty acids, amla is a must-try hair care secret. It strengthens the hair, combats premature greying, and prevents hair fall. Additionally, Amla helps fight off scalp infections and dandruff growth with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Amla revitalises damaged hair by improving its elasticity and texture while boosting its appearance and overall health. Consistent use of Amla will make your hair thicker, shiner, and also more manageable with its conditioning properties. You can consume Amla to take advantage of its many benefits or apply it to the hair as an oil, homemade mask made with powder, or even serums and creams. To further understand what makes this fruit so special, let’s look at the many benefits of amla for hair and explore the best practices you must follow while applying Amla for hair growth.
Amla Benefits For Hair
Here’s a list of reasons why Amla deserves to be a part of your hair care routine in one way or another:
1. Aids Hair Growth
The fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins in amla penetrate the follicles, stimulate scalp circulation, and boost hair growth. If you dream of hair that’s long, strong, and thick, amla can help you achieve it.
2. Prevents Greying
Premature greying of hair has become a common problem these days. Our stress and erratic lifestyles are one of the main reasons for it. The minerals and vitamins in amla provide adequate nutrition that is essential for maintaining hair quality. Further, amla also helps in better absorption of other nutrients. Using amla powder to make masks for the treatment of grey hair is a popular method.
3. Treats Dandruff
Another reason why amla is good for the hair is that it’s an abundant source of vitamin C, and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help in reducing dandruff and itching. Vitamin C is packed with antioxidants, which can further prevent the oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
4. Strengthens And Nourishes Hair
A major benefit of amla for your hair is that it can strengthen the follicles and nourish your hair better than most natural ingredients. Nourished hair automatically grows healthier and faster. Amla also prevents hair loss and thinning.
5. Adds Shine
Another reason for Amla’s age-old fan following is that it has the ability to add a natural shine to your hair. Using amla powder to make homemade masks for your hair is an excellent way of ensuring that your hair remains lustrous and shiny against all odds!
6. Prevents Frizz
Frizz is a pretty common hair woe. It makes hair unmanageable. Incorporating amla into your hair care routine can prevent your strands from becoming frizzy. This is because amla moisturises your locks and prevents them from drying. It also removes dead cells from the scalp.
7. Purifies Blood
Consuming amla removes toxins from your body and promotes better blood circulation. This also means better blood flow to the scalp along with efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles for healthy hair growth. The detoxifying properties of Amla thus help maintain scalp health, preventing issues like dandruff and hair fall.
8. Improves Colour
By promoting melanin production, Amla helps enhance your natural hair colour and restores dull hair. Regular use of Amla also restores hair vitality and prevents premature greying of the hair. You can also mix Amla powder with herbal ingredients like henna to get a dark, glossy finish without any damage that is often associated with chemical hair colouring agents.
9. Natural Conditioner
The deep nourishment provided by Amla locks in moisture in your hair strands and makes it feel soft. The nourishing benefits of Amla also reduce frizz and split ends, leaving behind silky smooth hair. It is especially beneficial for those with textured hair as it helps enhance your hair’s natural structure.
10. Boosts Scalp Health
Amla is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which soothes the scalp and combats woes like itchiness, redness, dandruff, and infections. It strengthens the scalp’s natural barrier and creates an overall healthy environment for hair growth. Massaging with Amla hair oil also helps improve blood flow to the scalp and ensures the nutrients from the oil penetrate the hair follicles.
Different Forms Of Amla For Hair
Amla has been consumed raw as well as pickled and added to many other traditional recipes in India for the longest time. However, its seasonal availability means you can’t reap the many amla benefits for hair all year long. So, here are some alternatives you can use when it is not available in the markets or if you don’t want to consume Amla.
1. Amla Powder
Amla powder can be mixed with water, yoghurt, or other herbal powders to create at-home masks and treatments. We recommend the Amla Fruit Organic Powder by Khadi Natural, which ethically sources its ingredients.
2. Amla Juice
Amla juice can be diluted with water and consumed twice daily after meals to improve hair growth, aid in digestion, and enhance your immunity. Try the Kapiva Wild Amla Juice that has been cold-pressed to maintain nutrients.
3. Amla Hair Oil
Massaging your scalp with Amla hair oil improves blood circulation to boosts hair growth. It is also deeply conditioning and makes your hair soft and shiny. Use the Khadi Natural Pure Amla Hair Oil which is free of parabens and mineral oils.
4. Amla Hair Cream
Using lightweight Amla-infused hair creams will help your hair strands retain moisture. This reduces frizz and makes the hair more manageable. The Himalaya Protein Hair Cream is non-greasy and formulated with the goodness of Amla for daily use.
5. Amla Hair Pack
You can create several Amla hair masks (scroll to know more) at home or use Amla hair packs to rejuvenate your hair. Don’t miss out on the bestseller Neuherbs Organic Amla Powder which has no added preservatives.
6. Amla Shampoo And Conditioner
Shampoos and conditioners infused with the goodness of Amla deliver nourishment to your hair from root to tip and help prevent multiple hair concerns like dandruff, dullness, and reduced growth. Try the Panchvati Herbals Brahmi Amla Shampoo and Conditioner to maintain your scalp health.
7. Amla Overnight Mask
Did you know your body renews itself as you sleep? This is why having a nighttime routine is super important to rejuvenate the skin. Enter: Oteria Leave-In Hair Mask Lotion. It works overnight to protect and condition the hair.
8. Amla Hair Serum
Hair serums provide instant hydration and shine to the hair and are ideal for use after washing your hair. Use the Fable & Mane Sahascalp Amla Soothing Hair Serum that revives your hair and your scalp.
Easy At-Home Amla Hair Masks
Here are some easy amla home remedies that will totally transform your hair gam
1. Amla Powder And Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Step 1: Take 1-2 amlas and cut it into thin slices.
Step 2: Let the amla slices dry.
Step 3: Take 1 cup of coconut oil in a vessel and place it on the stove.
Step 4: Put the dried amla slices in the coconut oil and let it come to a boil.
Step 5: Strain the mixture and apply it to your hair 1-2 times a week overnight, before washing it off in the morning.
Alternatively, you can also combine coconut oil with amla powder for a nourishing hair mask.
2. Amla, Reetha, And Shikakai Hair Mask
Step 1: Combine 2 tablespoons of amla powder, reetha powder, and shikakai powder each.
Step 2: Add 6 tablespoons of water and mix the ingredients together to make a smooth paste.
Step 3: Apply this paste evenly on your hair and scalp.
Step 4: Leave the mask on for 30-40 minutes.
Step 5: Wash it off with shampoo.
3. Amla And Lemon Juice Hair Mask
Step 1: In a bowl, squeeze out 1 tablespoon of amla juice and lemon juice each.
Step 2: Mix them together.
Step 3: Massage this mixture into your scalp.
Step 4: Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Wash it off with shampoo.
4. Amla And Yogurt Hair Mask
Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of amla powder and 2 tablespoons of water to make a fine paste.
Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of yoghurt and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix well.
Step 3: Apply this mixture to your hair.
Step 4: Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Wash it off with shampoo.
5. Amla And Almond Oil Hair Mask
Step 1: Squeeze out 1 tablespoon of amla juice.
Step 2: Mix the amla juice with 2 tablespoons of almond oil.
Step 3: Heat up this mixture and then massage it into your scalp.
Step 4: Leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
Step 5: Wash it off with shampoo.
Best Practices While Applying Amla For Hair Growth
To get the most benefits of Amla, you must follow the correct ways of applying it to your hair. Here are some best practices while applying Amla for hair growth:
1. Follow Instructions
When using Amla products for hair growth, it is important to follow the instructions provided for the best results. If you’re applying Amla hair oil, warm it up and massage it into the scalp using circular motions to ensure better absorption and improve blood flow.
2. Remove Effectively
It is crucial to ensure all products and at-home remedies applied to the hair are rinsed thoroughly. This helps avoid residue buildup that can lead to hair loss and dullness.
3. Apply Consistently
Amla benefits for the hair are based on long-term use and getting instant results is highly unlikely. Ensure consistent use once or twice a week over 2–3 months to see visible results.
4. Pick A Type
Picking the right type of Amla is key to ensuring you are getting the right benefits. For example, using Amla oil provides deep conditioning while Amla powder masks help prevent dandruff and scalp infections. Similarly, serums provide instant hydration and shine while overnight masks deeply nourish the hair.
5. Store Correctly
Ensure you are storing Amla products in a cool and dry place to maintain their potency. For at-home remedies, combine the different ingredients on the day of use and create small batches to avoid waste.
6. Avoid Heated Tools
To maintain effectiveness, avoid the use of heating styling tools and don’t wash your hair with hot water after applying Amla products.
7. Avoid Overuse
Whether you’re using at-home Amla masks or applying readily available oils and masks, it is recommended to use Amla for hair growth only once or twice a week. Overuse of Amla may lead to the buildup of products and exaggerate scalp issues such as irritation and dandruff.
8. Diet And Lifestyle
Along with applying Amla for hair growth, it is important you maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water for hydration. Also, avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and avoid drying habits like smoking.
9. Combine Benefits
Combining Amla with other natural ingredients helps boost its benefits. You can mix Amla with natural and herbal ingredients like coconut oil, henna, fenugreek, yoghurt, cucumber, and chia seeds to create at-home masks and remedies.
10. Patch Test
As with any new product, it is imperative you conduct a patch test before applying any amla-based product. While the benefits of Amla for hair are plenty, conducting a patch test ensures you are not allergic or have reactions to other ingredients in Amla-infused products.
Parting Thoughts
Amla has numerous benefits for the hair and give your hair a boost of hydration along with long-term nourishment. To get the optimal Amla benefits for hair, you can consume it as the fruit or in juice form, or use Amla oils, creams, and cleansing products that have been infused with the goodness of Amla. The many benefits of Amla hair ensures your strands are nourished from root to tip and is a must-have if you wish to rejuvenate dry, dull hair.
FAQs
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Does amla make your hair darker?
Yes. One of the many benefits of amla juice for hair is that it promotes pigmentation in the hair, thus making it darker.
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Suggest some amla shampoos.
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Is Amla suitable for all hair types?
Yes, Amla is generally suitable for all hair types. However, it is recommended to conduct a patch test before using any products.
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Can I leave Amla hair masks overnight?
At-home Amla hair masks should be left on the hair for a maximum of 30–45 minutes to avoid dryness.
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Can you eat Amla for hair growth?
Yes! Amla has essential nutrients that promote the growth of healthier, stronger hair.
