This is the second article in the amla powder for hair series and today, I will be covering how to make amla powder at home. It’s a simple process that requires only one ingredient and a few tools you probably already have in your kitchen.
Amla powder is full of vitamin C, tannins, and antioxidants that make it very beneficial for dry and damaged hair.
Amla powder nourishes and conditions hair and when used with henna and indigo, it enhances color staining effects.
For more on the benefits of amla powder for hair and how to use it with henna and indigo powder, read Amla Powder for Hair.
Amla Fruit Origins
Amla fruit is grown in the tropical areas of Asia especially India. The amla berries are small, round, and usually green or yellow-green in color. Amla fruit sort of looks like grapes.
Amla is aka Indian gooseberry and is usually available as whole fruit, dried fruit, powder, juice, or oil.
In India, amla powder features in dishes like curries, rice, murabba, jams, pickles, and chutneys.
How to Make Amla Powder
You will need about 150 – 250 gms of amla fruit, a large tray, a grater, and an airtight container to store the DIY amla powder.
Step 1
Rinse the fresh amla fruit and set them aside to dry or wipe them dry with a kitchen towel.
Step 2
Grate the amla fruit using the medium-sized side of the grater. Once all the amla fruit is grated, spread out evenly on the large tray.
You can also use two small trays for this step. Don’t crowd the tray (s).
Step 3
Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and set it aside to dry. This should take 3 – 4 days. You can check every day and move the grated fruit around.
You can also dry in direct sunlight every day for a few days.
Step 4
Once the grated amla juice has evaporated and the pieces are completely dry, pour into a food processor and grind into a fine powder.
Store in the airtight jar and use as needed. Keep in a cool area for longevity. It will last 6 to 12 months if stored properly.
There’s a recipe card at the end of this blog post for you to print and have on hand when you’re ready to make your amla powder at home.
How to Make Amla Powder Paste for Hair
There are many ways to use amla powder in your hair care regimen and I will share the top 7 ways in the next article in the amla powder for hair series.
In the meantime, below is the most common and basic way to use amla powder paste for hair.
You will need 3 – 5 tablespoons of amla powder (adjust for hair length) and lukewarm water.
- Measure the amla powder into a clean bowl and stream in lukewarm water while stirring until you have a paste that’s the consistency of mashed potatoes.
- Section your hair and start applying the paste in small sections, work through your strands including your scalp.
- Twist each section and pin up then cover with a disposable cap.
- Leave on for 30 minutes or until the paste is dry then wash out with a mild shampoo and rinse with lukewarm water until clean.
- Follow up with deep conditioning with heat.
I recommend a mild moisturizing shampoo such as Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo or Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo for this recipe.
Amla Powder Hair Products
Some amla powder hair products you might like are recommended below:-
- SHAZ & KIKS Back To Your Roots Prewash Hair Mask
- PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar Thin2Thick Shampoo
- Revive Hair Oil
How to Make Amla Powder At Home
This DIY amla powder is easy to make at home and requires only 1 ingredient and a few tools. Stored properly, amla powder can last for 6 - 12 months. Use as a hair conditioner, hair stregnther and to enhance the color staining effects of henna and indigo.
Materials
- 150 - 250 gms of amla fruit
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh amla fruit and set them aside to dry or wipe them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Grate the amla fruit using the medium-sized side of the grater or cut into little pieces with a kitchen knife. Once all the amla fruit is grated, spread out evenly on the large tray. You can also use two small trays for this step. Don’t crowd the tray (s).
- Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and set it aside to dry. This should take 3 - 4 days. You can check every day and move the grated fruit around a bit. You can also dry in direct sunlight every day for a few days.
- Once the amla juice has evaporated and the pieces are completely dry, pour into a food processor and grind into a fine powder.
- Store in the airtight jar and use as needed. Keep in a cool area for longevity. It will last 6 - 12 months if stored properly.
Notes
- You can find fresh amla fruit at Indian groceries. If it's a challenge, you can also find already dried amla fruit. In this case, skip to the end and grind the fruit.
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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