Amla oil is one of the best natural oils used to treat hair loss and premature grey hair. The amla fruit or Indian gooseberry is rich in phenolic compounds giving gooseberry oil potent antioxidant properties that help strengthen the hair. Found in products such as the Dabur amla hair oil, this oil is believed to nourish and strengthen the hair. In today’s post, I will walk you through using this rich oil to treat grey hair.
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What is amla oil?
The amla plant, also known as Indian gooseberry, has been used in Indian traditional medicine for centuries to heal several body ailments. The richest part of this plant is its seeds which are used to produce amla oil.
Unlike other oils that are obtained through cold press, amla oil is made by soaking dried amla seeds or amla powder in a base/carrier oil such as coconut, sesame, or mineral oil. By doing so, the nutrients found in the amla seeds seep into the base oil and can be applied to the hair.
In this study amla oil extracted through maceration in myrtle extract and sesame oil was effective as a treatment against hair loss. The study revealed that amla oil has a high concentration of phenolic compounds. These contribute to strengthening and promoting hair growth and prevent premature hair greying. Although there is still little research to back up most of the claims attached to amla oil, many people testify of its benefits and research so far looks promising.
Benefits of Amla oil for grey hair
Naturally, the older humans get the more our hair turns grey. Hair undergoes a natural cycle where strands die and regenerate themselves. However, over time hair follicles produce less and less colour as we age. While this is true for most people, others face premature greying either due to genetics, stress, illnesses, smoking etc.
Premature greying occurs between 20-30 years of age and one of the remedies for this condition is amla oil. Applying this natural oil will have the following benefits for grey hair:
Protect hair follicles from oxidative stress
Amla oil is rich in vitamin C that protects the hair from premature greying. Due to continued high levels of pollution in our environment, hair follicles are exposed to free radicals that end up disrupting the production of melanin in the scalp leading to grey hair and alopecia. Amla oil is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent a decrease in hair’s pigmentation by reinforcing the body’s antioxidant protection.
Strengthens hair roots
Grey hair usually appears dull and thinner than normal hair. Because of that, people with grey hair tend to look older than they really are.
When applied as a hair tonic, amla oil helps strengthen strands of hair from the root right to the tip, giving it some shine and more thickness. This is possible because gooseberry oil contains tannins that help protect the hair from heat damage and greying as well as stimulate growth.
Moisturizes and nourishes the hair
This very moisturizing oil helps with reviving dull grey hair. It also nourishes the scalp without clogging the pores on your scalp.
Has anti-inflammatory properties
A recent study revealed a correlation between genes that contribute to hair colour and those involved in immunity and inflammation as an explanation as to why hair turns grey prematurely in response to chronic stress and severe illness. Amla oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help prevent premature greying by soothing inflammation on the scalp.
How to use Amla oil to treat grey hair
As mentioned earlier, amla oil is obtained by macerating the amla seeds or amla powder into the oil. It therefore can be combined with other rich oils for various hair treatments. Both amla oil and amla powder can be used to treat grey hair. Amla powder can be used as a
- Natural shampoo to cleanse the hair and strengthen hair strands
- Natural hair dye in combination with other ayurvedic herbs such as henna, black tea leaves, and fenugreek seeds to darken grey hair.
Below are the ways this oil can be applied to help treat grey hair.
Amla and coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural hair conditioner that helps protect the hair from heat damage and absorbs well into hair strands to prevent split ends and breakage. When combined with amla, it can help prevent premature greying and improve hair health overall.
For an anti-grey hair treatment;
- Measure a cup of dry amla seeds or fresh amla juice.
- Measure 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and warm in a pan.
- Mix the amla and coconut oil and let it infuse for 3 hours while it is still.
- Warm the mixture slightly before applying it to your scalp.
- Leave on for 1-3 hours then rinse off.
Mustard Oil With Amla For Grey Hair
Mustard oil is a natural deep conditioner for hair and has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It equally is a stimulant that helps increase blood circulation in the scalp to stimulate hair growth. When combined with amla, the hair remains well nourished and helps keep premature greying at bay.
For a deep scalp treatment;
- In a pan pour one cup of mustard oil, add a few pieces of dry amla seed and some curry leaves.
- Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, let it cool and strain in a container.
- Apply the oil evenly to your hair and scalp.
- Let it sit for 2 hours then rinse off and repeat every 2 weeks.
Dabur amla hair oil for grey hair
Dabur Amla Hair Oil is one of the most renowned high-quality amla oil on the market today. The Dabur hair oil treatment is made with pure and natural amla to prevent premature greying, condition the scalp, and strengthen hair strands.
For a hot oil treatment ;
- Heat up some Dabur amla oil in a pan and mix in a teaspoon of honey.
- Once the mixture is lukewarm, gently partition your hair into sections and apply the oil with your fingertips.
- Massage gently into your scalp for 10 minutes then tie with a hot towel for the oil the penetrate your hair properly
- Let it sit for up to but not more than 24 hours and rinse off with some shampoo
How to buy the best amla oil
To guarantee the purchase of high quality and above all safe to use amla oil, here are a few recommendations:
- High-quality amla oil will have the INCI or scientific appellation of amla oil ‘Phyllanthus emblica’ listed on the ingredient list as well as the country of origin.
- Purchase amla oil that is certified to be organic, and labelled ‘100% pure’. This is an indication that the product is free of additives that could irritate your scalp.
- The colour of amla oil will mostly depend on the base oil used to produce but in case you notice your product’s colour is different from what was listed on the manufacturer’s website, do not apply it to your hair.
FAQs
Does amla oil darken hair?
Yes, both amla oil and amla powder can help darken your hair by favouring the production of melanin in the scalp. However, the results will take some time to be seen
Does amla oil reverse grey hair?
Yes, amla oil can reverse grey hair by limiting oxidative stress on your hair and boosting melanin production in hair follicles.
Does amla oil prevent grey hair?
Yes, amla oil contains several phenolic and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent grey hair by limiting the damage of structural cells and DNA in the scalp by free radicals and UV rays.
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