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 and man takes pride in. This wonderful hair oil acts as a natural conditioner, reduces hair loss and encourages strong and healthy hair growth.
Whatโs more, amla oil is also ayurvedaโs favorite to reduce premature greying of hair. Amla oil is like an all rounder hair tonic, which is awesome.
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 may do more harm than good. Whereas when you make amla oil yourself, you can be assured about its quality.
How to Make Amla Oil at Home: 4 Ways To Do It
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, have fun making it!
1. Freshly Squeezed Amla Juice to Make Amla Hair Oil
2.ย Heat Infused Amla Hair Oil
3. Sun Infused Amla Hair Oil
4. Traditional Recipe for Amla Hair Oil
1. Freshly Squeezed Amla Juice to Make 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.
Note: If you coconut oil is solid, slightly warm the mixture (by placing in hot water) till coconut oil melts completely.
How to Use
Massage on your scalp and hair and leave it on for 1-2 hours, then wash off.
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
*You can use olive oil, sesame oil or mustard oil instead to coconut oil.
2.ย Amla Powder to make Amla Hair Oil
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.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoonย amla powder
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil
To make:
Combine amla and coconut in a stainless-steel pan. Place the pan on the lowest heat setting and keep stirring occasionally. When you will see bubbles forming, turn off the heat, cover the pan and allow to steep until cool. Next strain and pour the oil in a glass jar. Itโs ready to use.
Double-boiler method
You can also use the double boiler method to make amla 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.
3. Sun Infused Amla Oil
This is the simplest way to extract amla properties, but it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to be ready.
You will need:
- 5 tablespoons amla powder
- 250 ml coconut oil or sesame oil
How to Make
Combine amla powder and oil in a glass jar or glass bottle. Place the jar in sunny location and steep for 4 weeks. The sunlight will encourage amla to release its vitamins and nutrients into the oil.
Gently shake or stir the jar 2 or 3 times a week. Once the oil is done infusing, strain the oil. 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
- 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.
Start With A Small Batch
Itโs always better to begin with small amounts. If something were to go wrong, you have less to waste. Once you have made it a couple of times, then increase the quantity.
How To Apply Amla Oil To Your Hair
Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of amla oil in a bowl. If you wish, you can warm the oil by placing the bowl in hot water for a couple of minutes, but itโs not required.
Apply to your scalp and massage gently using your finger pads. Run fingers through hair to saturate the strands. How long you should leave oil will depend on how much time you have, but I would suggest at least one hour, and if possible, leave it overnight.
Then shampoo as usual. You shouldnโt need a conditioner (see how your hair feels).
What to expect: with regular use, your hair will appear healthy and soft, with added shine and volume.
Have you made amla oil at home? How did it turn out? Share below!
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How to Use Amla for Thicker, Fuller Hair Growth
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