In this article about amla powder for hair, I share how I use it on my hair, amla powder benefits, and the best amla powder for hair.
Amla powder provides immense benefits for hair and this amla powder recipe strengthens hair, softens, and promotes healthy hair growth when used with other natural powders for hair.
Amla powder is rich in vitamin C, tannins, and other polyphenols that make it an amazing addition to natural hair care.
There’s also an amla powder how to card at the end of this article for you to print and have on hand when you’re ready to use amla powder on your hair.
What is Amla Powder for Hair?
Amla powder is derived from the fruit of the amla tree aka Indian gooseberry. The fruits of this tree are small, green, and edible.
In Sanskrit, amla is known as Amalaki.
Traditionally, amla fruit is eaten raw or cooked with various dishes in Asia. It has also been used in Indian medicine to treat various ailments.
Amla powder is derived by drying then grinding the leaves of the amla tree. The next article will share how to make amla powder if you’re DIY inclined.
Is Ama Powder Good for Hair?
Amla powder is one of the best natural powders to use on curly hair.
Amla powder is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help prevent hair fall, strengthen hair, and eliminate dandruff and itchy scalp.
In Ayurveda, amla oil is commonly used as a treatment for scalp issues.
Amla powder is so beneficial for natural hair, I dedicated an entire chapter to it in The Ultimate Hair Growth Guide.
Amla powder is readily available and you can find premium organic brands across multiple retailers.
Amla Powder Benefits for Hair
Eliminates Hair Fall and Prevents Premature Greying
The high vitamin C and antioxidant content in amla powder help prevent premature greying and eliminate excessive hair fall.
A weekly 30-minute amla powder paste treatment on hair can go a long way in treating these common hair issues.
Amla Powder Improves Hair Texture and Elasticity
If you have dry and dull hair that has lost its luster and elasticity, then amla powder treatments can help.
After 4 – 6 weeks of amla powder treatments, dry hair will have a better texture and your hair will experience improved elasticity when wet.
Conditions Hair and Scalp
Amla powder acts as a natural conditioner for hair and nourishes hair and scalp. This is possible because of the high moisture content of the amla fruit.
This benefit makes amla powder really good for dry and dull hair.
Amla Powder Enhances Henna Results
When used in combination with henna treatments, amla powder enhances hair color and helps the treatments last longer before a retouch is required.
Adding amla powder to henna and indigo helps the treatment bind better and the color stain lasts longer.
Amla Powder Eliminates Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
Amla powder helps eliminate dandruff and itchy scalp caused by dryness.
The rich vitamin C content, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties in amla powder, is responsible for this benefit.
In addition to eliminating these issues, these properties also prevent dandruff from returning with continued usage.
Amla Powder Treats Head Lice
This study from 2014 indicates that a herbal solution with amla worked more effectively in treating head lice than OTC solutions.
Additional benefits of amla powder for hair include enhancing shiny hair, boosting hair volume, and prevents frizziness.
How to Use Amla Powder for Hair
I incorporated amla powder into my henna and indigo day to get the most out of the benefits it offers.
For this, you will need amla powder, water, henna, and indigo.
Step 1 – Pre-mix Henna and Amla Powder
24 – 48 hours before dyeing your hair, measure out the henna into a bowl and add the amla powder.
Mix with enough water to form a paste then cover the bowl with cling film and set aside until dye day.
Step 2 – Mix the Indigo Powder
On dye day, mix the indigo powder with water until you have a smooth paste then add in the pre-mixed henna and amla powder paste.
Whisk everything thoroughly until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a little more water until the consistency is satisfactory.
In the picture below, you can see the difference between the indigo mix (left) and the henna and amla mix on dye day (right).
The dye in the henna and amla mix has released after 48 hours.
I used more indigo than henna for this recipe because I was going for deep dark with the results.
Step 3 – Apply Mix to Hair
Apply the henna, indigo, and amla powder mix to your hair and scalp until your whole head is covered.
Pile your hair on top of your head then cover with a disposable cap. Leave the mix in your hair for a few hours to overnight.
Step 4 – Rinse and Deep Condition
Rinse out the mix with lukewarm water and a cheap conditioner until the rinsing water flushes clear.
Apply deep conditioner with a mix of oils to your hair and deep condition with heat for at least 30 minutes.
You can repeat this treatment every two weeks or once a month for best results if you don’t have a lot of time. I do mine every 6 – 8 weeks.
Which Amla Powder is Best for Hair?
The best amla powder for hair is free from any chemical additives and all-natural.
Check the ingredient listing before purchase. My top amla powder recommendations include:-
AyurForest Organic Amla Powder
Jiva Organics Pure Amla Powder
Ecovica 100% Natural Amla Powder
Naturevibe Botanicals Amla Berry Powder
mi Nature Organic Amla Powder
Other Questions About Amla Powder
Does Amla Powder Color Hair?
Amla powder by itself doesn’t color the hair. Amla powder conditions, strengthens and improves hair elasticity.
However, when added to henna and or indigo powder, it enhances the color staining effects of these powders.
Does Amla Powder Make Hair Dry?
Amla powder doesn’t make hair dry if used correctly. You can use it on its own for dry and dull hair.
Or you can mix it in with henna and/or indigo powder for additional benefits.
If your hair is damaged and you’re not eliminating hair care practices that led to the damage then it would seem amla powder is making your hair dry.
Does Amla Powder Help Hair Grow?
Amla powder is not a hair growth powder. It’s more of an eliminating dry hair and excessive hair shedding kind of powder.
When these issues are eliminated, then you retain your length better.
When amla powder is mixed with various hair growth oils and powders then optimal hair growth is achievable.
Is Amla Powder Safe for Hair?
Amla powder is safe to use on hair but ensure you’re purchasing original amla powder.
Original amla powder doesn’t have any chemical additives and hasn’t been altered with other ingredients.
I have made some great amla powder for the hair recommendations above.
How to Eat Amla Powder for Hair Growth
You can get the benefits of amla powder when you include it in your diet as well.
- Amla fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of amla powder to your morning smoothie.
- You can add 1 teaspoon to a glass of water in the morning. Finish off with a teaspoon of honey, ginger, or lemon juice to cover up the bitterness.
This study indicates amla in the diet helps reduce oxidative stress and free radicals in the body.
However, before you add this powder to your diet, you should check with your primary care physician especially if you’re pregnant or have any health issues.
Ensure you purchase authentic organic amla powder for consumption.
What Are the Side Effects of Amla Powder?
When applied topically, there are no major side effects to using amla powder for hair.
However, you can conduct a patch test a few days before application to make sure.
Consuming internally is a different story and I recommend talking to your primary care physician before adding amla powder to your diet.
Can I Mix Amla With Henna Powder?
Yes, you can mix amla powder with henna powder. Follow the recipe I’ve outlined below.
The next article will also share my top amla powder recipes for hair. Sign up below to be notified when the article is uploaded.
How to Use Amla Powder for Hair
This amla powder for hair incorporates henna and indigo as well to enhance the color staining effects of the henna and indigo while also conditioning and strengthening hair. This is a powerhouse mix for dry and dull hair.
Materials
- 60 gms indigo powder
- 35 gms henna powder
- 2 tablespoons amla powder
- Lukewarm water
Instructions
- 24 - 48 hours before dyeing your hair, measure out the henna into a mixing bowl and add the amla powder.
- Mix with enough water to form a paste then cover the bowl with cling film and set aside until dye day.
- On dye day, in a separate bowl, mix the indigo powder with water until you have a smooth paste then add in the pre-mixed henna and amla powder paste.
- Whisk everything thoroughly with the spatula until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a little more water until the consistency is satisfactory. It should be a paste, not runny.
- Slip on the gloves and dampen your hair slightly. Place the henna, indigo and amla powder paste in a hot water bath.
- Apply the henna, indigo, and amla powder paste to your hair and scalp until your whole head is covered. Massage into your scalp as well. Be generous with application.
- Pile your hair on top of your head then cover with a disposable cap. Leave the mix in your hair for up to 8 hours. I apply in the before going to bed and leave on overnight.
- Rinse out the mix with lukewarm water and a cheap conditioner until the rinsing water flushes clear.
- Apply a moisturizing deep conditioner with a mix of oils to your hair and deep condition with heat for at least 30 minutes. I use 1 teaspoon each of jojoba oil, coconut oil and grapeseed oil.
- Rinse out the deep conditioner and proceed with the rest of your regimen.
Notes
- You can adjust the recipe for your hair length. This mix is for APL hair.
- Do not use a deep conditioner with protein after this treatment. Henna mimics protein and you don't want protein overload. Always use a moisturizing deep conditioner after a henna and indigo treatment to restore the moisture/protein balance.
Sources
- Indian Gooseberry Overview
- Phyllanthus emblica
- Recent Trends in Potential Traditional Indian Herbs Emblica Officinalis and Its Medicinal Importance
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies
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