Can You Use Amla Powder for Hair Health?

What is it?

Amla powder is produced from the pulverized fruit of the Indian gooseberry. It has a long history in Ayurvedic practice for treating a range of issues, from diarrhea to jaundice.

The powder has shown anti-inflammatory properties, prompting some

to hail it as a potential breakout in the beauty world.

But can applying amla truly improve scalp health and yield lustrous hair? Here’s a look at the available research, how to whip up your own hair mask, and other key information.

How is it supposed to benefit your hair?

Eyewitness accounts claim amla can:

• nourish the scalp
• support healthy hair growth
• enhance the tone of henna-based dyes
• lessen graying
• increase fullness
• decrease dandruff
• combat head lice

Many of these assertions haven’t been rigorously examined in clinical trials, so its overall effectiveness remains uncertain.

What the research says

Scientific investigation into amla powder’s impact on hair is limited.

Hair growth

An older animal study reported that applying amla oil topically modestly sped up hair growth in rabbits. The authors believe this effect may relate to amla’s relatively high vitamin E content.

Vitamin E aids healthy blood flow. Applied topically, it might encourage repair and cell renewal in the treated area.

Another 2009 animal study yielded comparable findings. Researchers observed that a topical herbal blend containing amla powder outperformed minoxidil (Rogaine) in promoting hair growth in Wistar rats.

A on mice indicated that a proprietary herbal formula with amla powder could potentially stimulate hair growth in individuals experiencing hair thinning.

Although these outcomes are encouraging, additional studies are necessary to determine how amla powder performs on human hair.

Overall health

Amla is abundant in:

• vitamin C
• tannins
• phosphorus
• iron
• calcium

Applying these nutrients topically delivers them straight to the hair and scalp, which might contribute to stronger, healthier strands.

It’s also important to note that vitamin C and other antioxidants can support skin cell renewal. This may foster a healthier scalp, potentially reducing dandruff and improving hair condition.

Lice

A 2014 study found that an herbal formulation including amla was more effective than several over-the-counter chemical treatments at eliminating head lice.

How to use it

Amla powder is commonly mixed into a paste or hair mask for topical use. If you want to experiment with amla for your hair, you can make your own blend or buy a ready-made product.

Making the mix

To prepare your own amla paste, select a complementary ingredient to combine with the powder.

Common choices include:

• vegetable oils
• plant-based oils
• eggs
• milk
• water
• henna

Pro tip

If you prefer an oil base, consider coconut oil. Some evidence suggests it may penetrate the hair shaft more readily than mineral or sunflower oils.

If you choose an oil base, follow these directions:

1. Pour 4 to 5 tablespoons of oil into a shallow pan.
2. With the stove on low, heat the oil until it develops a light brown hue.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of amla powder and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Remove from heat and allow the blend to cool.
5. Strain out any remaining residue and discard.
6. When the oil is warm — not hot — gently massage it into your scalp and through your hair.

If you’d rather avoid oil, you can mix amla powder with milk or water to create a thicker paste.

Combine 1 tablespoon of amla powder with 4 tablespoons of liquid and apply. Adjust the proportions as needed to reach a texture you prefer.

Some people whisk eggs with amla powder to form a protein-rich hair mask. To do this, blend 1/2 cup of amla powder with two eggs and apply to the hair.

Many henna dyes already contain amla. If your chosen dye lacks amla and you want to add it, consult a seasoned colorist. Several variables matter, such as your existing hair shade and texture, target color, and the products you plan to use.

Patch test

Always perform a patch test before applying a full treatment. This helps evaluate skin sensitivity and detect possible adverse reactions.

To perform a patch test:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of amla powder with equal parts warm water and let it dissolve.
2. Apply a small amount — about the size of a dime — to the inside of your forearm.
3. Cover with a bandage and wait 24 hours.
4. If you notice redness, hives, or irritation, wash the area and stop using the product.
5. If no reaction occurs within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.

Application

How you apply amla will differ based on your chosen method. Be sure to follow the instructions on any product you use.

General recommendations include:

1. Coat your entire scalp and hair, ensuring coverage down to the ends.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for about 45 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the product is fully removed.

You can use an amla hair mask two to three times per week.

Possible side effects and risks

Some individuals have experienced allergic reactions to amla, such as hives or irritation. A patch test can help you predict how your skin will respond.

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using amla. Do not apply amla powder to infants or young children.

Products to try

It’s fine to experiment by combining different topical hair ingredients, but introduce them one at a time. Adding many new components simultaneously can make it hard to determine which one produces which effect.

Follow product labels and always do a patch test before a full application of any new hair treatment.

If you’d like to make your own mask, popular sources of pure amla powder include:

• Terrasoul Superfoods amla powder
• Naturevibe Botanicals amla berry powder

If you’d rather use a ready-made amla product, common options include:

• Dabur amla hair oil
• Vadik Herbs brahmi amla hair oil
• SoftSheen Carson Optimum amla conditioner

The bottom line

More investigation is necessary to conclusively determine how amla powder influences scalp and hair health.

While it may be reasonable to try as a supplementary treatment, consult your physician or another healthcare professional before using amla to address hair loss, lice, or other medical concerns.

They might suggest relying on more established over-the-counter or prescription therapies.