How to Make Amla Hair Oil: Promotes Hair Growth & Prevents Greying
Amla hair oil has been an integral part of hair care rituals in the Indian culture. It has played a key role in nurturing and fulfilling dreams of thick and beautiful hair which every woman takes pride in. This wonderful hair oil acts as a natural conditioner, minimizes hair loss and greying, and encourages strong and healthy hair growth.
Why Make Amla Hair Oil At Home? Simply because you know what goes into it. Market bought amla oil can contain many undesirable ingredients such as mineral oil, refined oil, artificial colour, and preservatives, which do more harm than good. Whereas when you make amla oil yourself, you can be assured of its purity.
How To Make Amla Hair Oil At Home
I am going to show you 4 different methods to make amla oil. You can try out all the four and decide which one you like (your hair likes) the most, or you can simply pick one that you think is doable. Whatever method you choose, make the process enjoyable as you also transfer your pranic energy (vital energy) during the process.
1. Freshly Made Amla Oil
This is the most effective of all the methods. I promise you that your hair will look shiner and healthier after applying this oil. You got to try this at least once.
Itโs very simple and easy to make fresh amla oil.
You will need:
- 1 fresh amla
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil* (use extra virgin coconut oil)
First step is to grate/blend the amla and extract its juice (discard the pits). I use a grater and then simply squeeze out the juice with a sieve or hand.
Next, combine coconut oil with amla juice and beat the mixture with a fork or spoon so that it combines well. And your fresh amla oil is ready.
Slightly warm the mixture (by placing in hot water) till coconut oil melts completely. Massage on your scalp and hair and leave it on for 1-2 hours, then wash off.
Grate the amla and discard the pit. If you like you can use a blender.
Squeeze out the amla juice. Add coconut oil to it and whip it together for 4 to 5 minutes.
Place the whipped oil in hot water until it goes liquid. Your freshly made amla oil is ready.
Tip: If you donโt get fresh amla, you can use frozen ones, they work equally well. You can buy fresh or frozen amla from Indian store and when in season (October to March) freeze them for later use.ย And if you donโt find fresh or frozen amla, you can buy amla juice.
*You can use olive oil, sesame oil or mustard oil instead to coconut oil.
2.ย Amla Oil Made with Dried Amla
In this method you heat the amla and coconut oil together on a low flame so as to extract the vitamins and phytonutrients from the amla. I prefer to use dried whole amla for this, as it easier to handle compared to the powdered amla, which can get burnt on direct heat.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoonย amla whole dried
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil
To make:
Combine amla and coconut oil in a stainless-steel pan. Place the pan on the lowest heat setting and keep stirring occasionally. After 8-10 minutes it will start emitting a nice aroma. You will also see bubbles around the amla, cook for couple of more minutes, then turn off the heat, cover the pan and allow to steep for 24 hours. Next strain and pour the oil in a glass jar. Itโs ready to use.
Note: If coconut oil solidifies, lightly heat again then strain into a glass jar. I prefer to use glass jars for herbal oils as glass doesnโt react with the herbs and keeps the oil fresh.
Double boiler Method
You can also use the double boiler method to make amla oil. For this method you can use either amla powder or amla whole. Amla powder will give a dark coloured oil, whereas whole dried amla will only slightly change the colour of your oil.
Mix the amla and coconut oil together in a stainless steel bowl (I use 5 tablespoon of amla powder and 1 cup coconut oil). Once the water in the bottom pan is boiling, turn the heat to a low simmer and place the bowl with amla and oil mixture on top. Continue to infuse the oil for about 1 1/2 hours. (You may need to add more water in the bottom pan, check it half way through.)
Allow the oil to cool enough to be handled and then strain into a glass jar. You can store this oil in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Homemade Amla Oil
3. Sun Infused Amla Oil
This is the simplest way to extract amla properties, but it takes about 4-5 weeks to be ready.
You will need:
- 5 tablespoons amla powder or dried amla whole
- 250 ml coconut oil or sesame oil
To make:
Combine amla powder and oil in a glass jar or glass bottle. Place the jar in sunny location and steep for 4 to 5 weeks. The sunlight will encourage amla to release its vitamins and nutrients into the oil.
Gently shake or turn the jar 2 or 3 times a week.
Once the oil is done infusing, you can either strain the amla powder/pieces or leave it in the oil. (I would leave it in)
Store in a cool, dark place.
4. Traditional Method of Making Amla Oil
This is a traditional ayurvedic approach to making amla oil. Itโs slightly tricky and time-consuming and takes about 2 to 3 hours to prepare.
You will need:
- 120 gram amla powder or dried amla whole
- 1 liter water
- 250ml coconut oil or sesame oil
To make:
Combine 100 gram amla powder with 1 liter water in a pan. Bring to boil, reduce the flame, and simmer until approximately half of the liquid has evaporated. Then strain this amla concentrate.
Next, take a thick bottom stainless-steel pan, place the coconut oil, remaining amla powder (20gram), and the amla concentrate that you made (approx. 500ml). Bring to boil, then reduce the flame and let this mixture simmer very slowly until all the water has evaporate.
When itโs done the oil will appear yellow and transparent and you will be able to see the dark bottom, which is caused due to amla ash.
Once done, strain immediately and store in a glass jar or bottle away from direct sunlight.
Adding Other herbs
Along with amla you can also add various hair beneficial herbs such as brahmi for strengthening, bhringraj for greying, methi (fenugreek) and hibiscus for conditioning, rosemary and sage for hair loss, lavender and chamomile for scalp conditions, and calendula for shine.
Note: When adding any herb, keep the oil to herb ratio roughly the same. So you will have to reduce the quantity of amla powder and add herbs of your choice or increase the oil content.
Which Oils You Can Use
Coconut oil and sesame oil have been traditionally used in the preparation of amla oil and both are equally beneficial. Coconut oil is cooling by nature and is more beneficial if you have premature greying or suffering from hair loss.
While sesame oil is by nature heating and should be used if you have tendency to catch cold easily or if you are suffering from sinus. Sesame oil is also beneficial for those with dry hair.
You can also use other hair nourishing oils such as olive, sunflower, avocado oil if you like.
Start With A Small Batch
Itโs always better to begin with small amounts, if something goes wrong you will waste less (I donโt feel good about wasting stuff). Once you have made couple of times, then increase the quantity.
How To Apply Amla Oil To Your Hair
Take 1 to 2 tablespoon of amla oil in a bowl. If you wish you can warm the oil by placing the bowl in hot water for couple of minutes, but itโs not necessary.
Apply to your scalp and massage gently using your finger pads. Run fingers through hair to saturate the strands. How long you should leave on will depend on how much time you have, but I would suggest at least one hour, and if possible leave it overnight. Make this practice a form of meditation. Just focus on the nourishing process and imagine your hair getting healthier, stronger and shiner. Then shampoo as usual. You shouldnโt need a conditioner (try skipping it once to see if it works or not).
You hair will feel healthy and soft, with added shine and volume.
I hope you enjoy making this nourishing oil.
Have you made amla oil at home? How did it turn out? Share below!
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