How To Use Amla For Hair Growth

Benefits Of Amla For Hair – What Does Research Say?

Amla is considered to be a wonder ingredient in hair care. It is said to promote hair growth, prevent dandruff and lice, and improve hair quality. But is there any scientific backing for these claims? Here’s what research says: What Are Its Benefits? It may help in strengthening hair follicles and reduce hair thinning and hair loss, promote shine, protect hair from heat damage, and even prevent premature graying of hair. Who Can Use It? All adults can safely apply amla topically. How Often? You can topically apply a hair mask 2-3 times a week. Caution Pregnant women and infants should consume or apply it after consulting a doctor.

Benefits Of Including Amla In Your Diet

Add amla to your diet as it has anti-aging properties due to its antioxidant activity that may reduce oxidative stress and reduce free radicals (7). It also helps reduce lipid peroxidationi The natural metabolic process that causes lipid degradation and leads to oxidation and damage to cellular structures. (8). This reduces damage to the hair. Another benefit of adding amla to your diet is that vitamin C in amla increases the antioxidants in your body. It is also known to purify the blood and prevent premature greying of hair and hair loss.

Now that you know the benefits of amla for hair, read on to know how you can use it to improve your hair health.

How To Use Amla For Hair Growth At Home

1. Amla Oil For Hair Growth

A study showed that coconut oil could penetrate the hair shaft and nourish it from within (9). It can also reduce protein loss and protects hair from photo and heat damage. Coconut oil also helps repair hair damage and split ends (10). It helps reduce hair loss, enhances hair color, and conditions the hair. Olive oil can also help reduce split ends, hair loss, and hair damage (10). It also helps reduce dandruff, lice, and scalp acne and acts as a hair cleanser and conditioner. You Will Need

2 teaspoons amla powder 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoon olive oil

45 minutes 3 times a week. Naya Nzeka, a YouTuber tries this amla oil remedy with castor and almond oil. She uses this oil for 2 weeks and does a length check, to find her hair has improved almost one inch in length in that time. About improvements in hair quality she says, “My hair increased in volume. Especially my roots guys! Like for my roots, I can feel that they got thicker, and also, there is no, you know, dandruff, even when my hair was in cornrows (i).”

2. Amla And Shikakai For Hair Growth

Shikakai, like amla, can stimulate hair regrowth (11). Another study showed that a herbal shampoo containing shikakai induced hair growth and increased hair thickness (12). It strengthened the hair at the roots and improved hair health. You Will Need

2 tablespoons amla powder 2 tablespoons shikakai powder 4 tablespoons water

40 minutes Once a week.

3. Amla Powder And Egg For Hair Growth

Eggs are often used in hair packs since they are full of protein and give hair nutrition (13). Pair it with amla powder for hair growth and split ends reduction. Egg yolk was shown to induce hair growth in human dermal dermal cellsi Cells that build up a layer of skin between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue layer. (14).

2 whole eggs 1/2 cup amla powder

1 hour Once a week.

4. Henna And Amla For Hair Growth

Henna is a well-known natural coloring agent as it contains lawsone (15) . It also helps prevent dandruff and premature graying of hair (16). It also reduces hair fall (17).

1 tablespoon amla powder 3 tablespoons henna powder 4 tablespoons warm water

1-2 hours Once a month.

5. Amla And Lemon Juice Recipe For Hair Growth

Lemon juice acts as a scalp cleanser and helps reduce dandruff. This is because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties (18). It can also help reduce hair loss and scalp acne (10).

1 tablespoon amla juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice

15 minutes 1-2 times every fortnight.

6. Fenugreek And Amla For Hair Growth

A study suggested that fenugreek seeds encourage hair growth by improving blood circulation to the hair follicles (19). Another study done on mice showed that fenugreek stimulated good hair growth (20). You can use amla for oily hair management and to combat issues like itching, scalp infections, hair dullness, and hair fall. You Will Need

2 tablespoons amla powder 2 tablespoons fenugreek powder 5 tablespoons warm water

20 minutes 1-2 times a week.

7. Curry Leaves And Amla For Hair Growth

Curry leaves are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant (21). They can improve scalp health and reduce hair fall. Curry leaves, when used with coconut oil, can help stimulate hair growth.

1/4 cup curry leaves 1/4 cup chopped amla 1 cup coconut oil

45 minutes Using these topical recipes can provide a healthy glow to your hair. But can you eat amla for hair growth? Let us find out.

How To Eat Amla For Hair Growth?

You may eat an amla raw by cutting it into small pieces. However, if you do not like its sour taste, here are some other ways you can consume it:

Wash and sundry the amlas and make a fine powder out of them. Consume a teaspoon of this powder with water or add it to your smoothies. Make amla tea by boiling fresh amla slices in water. You may add honey or ginger to it for extra flavor. Blend it along with fresh coriander, ginger, salt, pepper, and sugar to make a fine paste. You can have it as a condiment with your meals.

These are the ways you can eat amla to stimulate hair growth. However, you need to keep certain points in mind before you use amla.

Side Effects And Risks

Although there aren’t many side effects to using amla, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it if you are pregnant. Do not use it on infants or children. Also, do a patch test before you use any of the recipes to prevent reactions like rashes and hives. Hair growth will definitely take time, but with some help from the Indian gooseberry, you can speed the process up a bit. While it may be generally safe to use to boost hair growth, it is better to speak to an Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor to understand if you can include amla in your hair care regimen. Can we use amla directly on hair? Check out the infographic below to know more!Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Yes. You can use fresh amla juice directly on your hair and scalp. However, since it may be a little acidic, it is advisable to dilute it with water before use. Can I leave amla in my hair overnight for hair growth? Yes. You may leave amla overnight on your hair for hair growth. However, some people may have a sensitivity to it. Thus, it is recommended to perform a patch test before use because some people may experience dryness or irritation of the scalp with prolonged exposure to amla. Does dried amla help hair growth? Yes. Dried amla is widely used for hair growth. Dried amla fruits are also cooked in coconut oil and then crushed to make amla oil. This oil works wonders in preventing hair graying and balding and promoting hair growth (23).