Amla for Hair Growth
Long, healthy hair is desired by women all over the world. Throughout the years, many hair care products have been formulated to promote healthier hair; however, natural, plant-based products have continued to stand the test of time. In India, amla-based hair products and recipes have been used for years to achieve healthier hair. Does this Spark an idea?
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What is Amla?
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Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is the bitter fruit of the Asian Amla tree. Oils and powders are often made from the fruit, bark and leaves of the Amla fruit tree.
Amla Oil Vs. Powder
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Amla-based oils and powders are well known for their benefits in hair care. Amla oil is often used to fight dandruff, scalp irritation, hair loss and premature grays. It is thought to strengthen the hair at the roots to prevent shedding and promote stronger, healthier hair growth. Amla oil is also thought to reduce excessive shedding when directly applied to the scalp.
Amla powder is often converted to a paste prior to use. Amla powder/paste is combined with other Indian pastes and powders to tone down the reddish hues in natural hair dyes. The powder or paste is also used in skin care as an exfoliating scrub and astringent.
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Application and Uses
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Amla oil is used on the hair as a pre-shampoo treatment or after-wash sealant or conditioner. As a pre-shampoo treatment, amla oil is gently massaged onto the scalp the night before washing and conditioning. It remains on the hair overnight and is rinsed the next morning. A variation of this method is to massage amla oil into the hair and apply a hot, steamy towel to the head for 30 minutes prior to washing. When used as an after-wash treatment or sealant, a small dab of amla is applied to clean, damp or dry hair for softening the hair and sealing in much-needed moisture.
How It Helps Hair
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Like most oils, amla oil stimulates hair growth in two ways. First, when used as a scalp massage oil, amla helps increase blood flow and circulation to the scalp. The scalp stimulation from the massage alone encourages hair growth in sluggish hair follicles. Second, when amla oil is applied to the length of the hair, it creates a seal for moisture within the strands. This retained moisture keeps the hair pliable, supple and resistant to breakage.
Amla Oil Tip
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Try blending amla oil with other Indian oils and powders such as brahmi, shikakai and reetha. The combination can have stimulating, nourishing effects on the hair. The addition of these other oils and powders will also counteract the often pungent smell of amla oil.
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