Have you ever thought why people in older times had thick and shiny hair always? Why they never dealt with the problems of hairfall, and roughness?
The answer lies in the us of the most natural Ayurvedic fruit called as Amla. It is derived from the Amalaki plant. Amla is the richest source of Vitamin C. It is also known for its anti-oxidant properties which basically removes the potentially damaging oxidants. Since, it is rich in Vitamin C, Amla has also been said as Anticarcinogenic. Moreover, it is also Antiaging.
Amla known as Gooseberry in English is one of the oldest and the most natural ingredient used in the remedies for hair care since ancient ages. One of the most important reason behind this is its strong immunity boosting power, which immunes the roots of the damaged and dull hairs and give them a new life with a new shine. It is an elixir for the hairs.
Amla being rich in Vitamin C and tannins is the most beneficial for hair. It strengthens the hairs and provide lustre. Amla contains approx 80% moisture which makes it the best ingredient for any problem of hair, as it provides moisture to the hair follicles. It also contains the required and essential fatty acids required for healthy hair.
Benefits Of Using Amla For Hair
The benefits that Amla provides to the hairs could be divided into basic four parts:
Hair Growth
Amla being rich in Vitamin C helps in hair growth. Applying Amla oil twice a week provides nourishment to your scalp and helps in growth of shiny hair. Massaging with Amla oil will provide the hair necessary elements for their growth.
Cures Dandruff and Dullness
Since Amla contains 80% moisture, it works as the natural conditioner for hair. Applying a paste of amla either mixed with curd or amla powder in coconut oil will moisture the scalp and the hair skin will get nourishment. It will reduce the itchiness and will make the hair shiny and dandruff free.
Strengthens The Hair
Amla is rich in various nutrients and proteins which keep the hair strong and intact to the roots. It helps in reducing hairfall and make them thicker and shinier. Moreover, it is an anti oxidant which means it removes the damaging oxidants and let the hair get more oxygen to become strong and smooth.
Prevents The Decoloration Of Hair
Amla is very rich in Vitamin C and is known as the natural anti ageing product which prevents your hair colour from getting drained and it keeps the natural colour of hair for a longer period of time when use an ingredient in the homemade hair dye.
Immumises Hair
Amla is the strongest immunity booster and does the same for hairs. It provides the essential nutrients to hairs and help them immunize and become healthy. The damage could be controlled by using Amla and it will provide a new life and a new shine to the hairs.
Side Effects Of Using Amla
Amla is possibly the least harmful ingredient for hair care. It has negligible side effects. Since it is the most natural product it is very much suitable for hair and doesn’t cause any side effects.
But to be on the safest side the following are the precautions one could take:
- Apply it carefully, avoiding contact from eyes, it may cause irritation. due to the acid presence.
- Though its quite natural, but one should always use the things after a short test. So make sure you do a small test to check wether it suits your hair or not.
- While buying oils and products of amla make sure of the brand you are buying. There are a lot of fake and cheap brands too but the amla element may not be that natural as it is in the original and renowned brands.
How To Use/Apply Amla On Hairs?
Amla Oil
Amla could be used and applied in the form of oil. Amla oil is available in market of various renowned ayurvedic brands. You can even make it at home by adding Amla powder to coconut oil.
How to apply
Things you need
- 5 amlas
- Coconut oil
- A small bowl
Steps to follow
- Crush the amla to make powder.
- Add coconut oil to it.
- Keep the liquidity as of normal oil.
- Apply it properly on scalp and ends of hairs.
- Wash with shampoo and cold water.
Do this twice a week for better results.
Amla Paste
Amla could be applied in form of paste. Mixing amla with curd will result in a thicker paste. If you want you can add a little amount of been paste too.
How to apply
Things you need
- Amlas
- Curd
- Neem paste
- A small bowl
Steps to follow
- Mix amla powder, curd and been paste to make a thick paste.
- Apply it properly as a hair mask.
- Apply it on scalp too.
- Cover it with a shower cap and leave for 30 minutes.
- Wash properly.
Amla Juice
Amla juice could also be applied. You can extract out juice from amla and apply it on the roots, ends and the whole length of hair.
People can even drink Amla juice by adding it to other fresh juices. It will also be good for hair.
How to apply
Things you need
- Amlas
Steps to follow
- Extract out the juice from amlas.
- Apply properly on all the hairs.
- Leave it for sometime.
- Wash properly.
Amla Dye Paste
Amla is beneficial in keeping the natural colour of hair, thus many people add it in the making of homemade dye to prevent the hair colour drain.
How to apply
Things you need
- Amla
- Shikakai powder
- Heena mehandi
- Tea leaves water
- A small bowl
Steps to follow
- Soak Amla and Shikakai powder in a small bowl and neena mehandi added in some water in another bowl overnight.
- Mix all of them in morning.
- Add a spoon of curd to maintain the thickness.
- Apply it with a brush
- Leave it for maximum 2 hours until it dries.
- Wash properly using cold water.
Avoid using shampoo on the same day for better results.
Amla Fruit
Amla could also be used as a fruit. You can add it in your daily diet. Eating amla will provide nourishment to your hairs as well as your skin too.
So, Amla is the most important natural ingredient in hair care. It removes the dullness and provides a new shine to hairs. It prevents the hairs from getting damaged. Its unique properties make it the best for every hair type.
(Reviewed by Dr. Samiksha Rane)