Amla Oil for Hair: Everything You Need to Know

What is amla oil?

Amla oil might be one of the few natural oils not directly named after the plant it is extracted from. The base oil is sourced from the Indian gooseberry tree, which is native to India but also grown commercially in some parts of  Asia and the Middle East. Amla fruits are typically in season from October to March and have a range of benefits, from skin and hair care to inner body health. Like a lot of the ingredients in our Noorcos Oil, amla oil is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and gives your hair multiple levels of protection. Keep reading to find out why amla oil has been a favourite of the people for over 3,000 years!

Amla oil for hair benefits

Amla oil makes your hair softer and shinier, which is a hair goal for many people around the world (NCBI). Adding to this, it keeps hair parasites away because it contains components that prove toxic to them (Healthline).

a) Hair growth and thickness

It is widely known that amla oil helps stimulate hair growth and thickness, by strengthening your hair from within. The oil is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. The first promotes hair growth by causing muscle relaxation in the blood vessels around hair follicles, plugging your hair follicles cells with a constant supply of nutrients! The second antioxidant, according to a study, encourages hair growth by inhibiting the activity of 5α-reductase (an enzyme present in the muscle) (ResearchGate).

b) Dandruff prevention thanks to antibacterial properties

The antibacterial nature of amla oil prevents the growth of dandruff, which is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria present in the hair. It will also treat your scalp with care because it has anti-inflammatory properties!

c) Hair strengthening and overall health

The strength and overall health of your hair can really benefit from amla oil because it works on multiple levels to make your hair happy. It contains antioxidants, which protect your hair from damaging UV exposure and free radicals (unhinged molecules that do not get along with your skin, hair or immune system)!

d) Hair cuticle protection

Alma oil is like the best friend in your life who is always looking to protect you. It looks after the hair cuticle by infusing it with its nutrients; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and flavonoids and polyphenols – antioxidants that have been explored above. 

e) Moisturisation

Amla oil is deeply moisturising because of the fatty acids it contains. These include linolenic acid (an omega-3 acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 acid). Linolenic acid helps improve hair loss while linoleic acid boosts how much the scalp can absorb, making the perfect dynamic duo!

Amla oil and Ayurvedic healing

Amla oil has long been associated with Ayurvedic healing, one of the oldest medical systems in the world from India. It is a holistic/ whole-body healing system based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Alma oil plays into this by supporting the immune system, even improving eyesight. It is also a liver tonic and a digestive agent, with several more benefits for the hair (NCBI).  Since our bodies are the seats in which our souls and spirits rest, caring for them is the very least we can do!  

Amla oil and beard growth

Amla oil contributes to beard growth by targeting a bunch of different factors that contribute to the growth of facial hair. It moisturises the skin underneath your beard and conditions the hair on top of it. Let’s not forget its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities, which mean that you’re protected from external damage from the environment as well as dandruff!

Can amla oil reverse or prevent grey hair?

There is no research yet that proves that amla oil has the ability to reverse existing grey hair, but we can confidently confirm that it does prevent or sometimes slow down the premature greying of hair.

How good is amla oil for black (afro) hair? / Can you use amla oil on natural hair?

Amla oil is a great oil for your natural hair, no matter what it looks like, benefitting afro/ coily hair as it does other types of hair. It is super rich in nutrients and has a lot of love to give, regardless of your hair texture or length.