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.
What’s more, amla oil is also ayurveda’s 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. 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.
It’s very simple and easy to make fresh amla oil.
What you will need:
*1 fresh amla
*1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (use extra virgin)
Making
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 don’t 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.
*You can use olive oil, sesame oil or mustard oil instead to coconut oil.
2. 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.
What you will need:
* 1 tablespoon Amla Powder
* 5 tablespoons Coconut Oil
Making
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. It’s 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.
What You will need:
* 5 tablespoons Amla Powder
* 250 ml Coconut Oil or Sesame Oil
Making
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. It’s slightly tricky and time-consuming and takes about 2 to 3 hours to prepare.
What you will need:
* 120 gram Amla Powder
* 1 liter Water
* 250ml Coconut oil or Sesame oil
Making
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 it’s 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
It’s 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 it’s 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 shouldn’t 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!
Related Articles:
How to Use Amla for Thicker, Fuller Hair Growth
How to Cheat Grey Hair: Darken Hair With This Hair Rinse
Hi minaz, I used to have thicker hair in past, but now it’s thinning.i really want my thicker hair back plz suggest me the best remedy which works for everyone.
The first time I tried a recipe I seen online the mixture had mold in the jar when I went to use it a week after. Does the cooking process prevent this from molding? That’s the only thing I didn’t do last time so that’s what I assumed. I did have to heat a little in the microwave to make the mixture but no simmering or real heat.
This can happen if you use fresh amla. And yes, cooking would remove the moisture and therefore prevent mold from growing.
Hi Minaz, thank you for such easy to follow instructions!
I made the traditional Amla oil recipe today and used equal parts Amla, Fenugreek, Brahmi and Bhringraj powders.
Since I have a lovely smooth paste left over (I used ccoconut and jojoba oils), can I use that past on my scalp before a shampoo (pre poo treatment)?
Hi Audrea, yes of course. Let me know how it goes.
I would like to try the amla oil for my thin greying hair. But I don’t use shampoo or soaps on my hair. I use baking soda. Is there anything besides shampoo that I can use to get the oil out of my hair? I do not think the baking soda will cut it and I haven’t used shampoo or soap for almost 7 years and don’t want to start now.
You can use an egg – whole egg or the yolk mixed with some water. It works great as a shampoo.
Hi minaz mam.thanks for all the wonderful tips that you have shared with us.i have dry and rough hair and also facing thinning and hair loss.in a previous post you said coconut oil is not good for dry hair so can you please tell me which oil can i use in this recipe as substitute.
I am thinking of adding amla, bhringraj, brahmi, hibiscus, fenugreek, curry leaves and aloe vera.bases on all the research that i have done.
Could you please guide me a little?
You can use coconut oil, just combine other oils like castor, sunflower and that will help with dryness.
Hi Minaz thank you. I see that you have hundreds of remedies for hair fall and hair growth. It’s not possible to try all. Please suggest best remedy for diffuse hairloss for female and quick regrowth in scanty areas of scalp. Please. Thank you
Nice post. Please tell me when ever I make this type of homemade oil it won’t stay good for more than a month. Even though I take care not to keep any moisture in the oil. Thank you
Do you use fresh amla??
Yes fresh ones. I have a tree at home.
If you are using fresh amla, chop it in small pieces and cook till it gets brown. This way the oil will keep fine for a few months.
Hi there…I absolutely love your posts they are great! I had a question, how often can or should you apply the bhringraj oil or mask per week if you have hair fall, thinning and greying issues?
Hi Sarah, you can use it once or twice a week.
Thanks so much for the writeup. Pls is there any such thing as shikakai oil? If there is can i use this same method to make it?
You can try shikakai oil using the same method. Do let me know how it works for you.
Does it removes my premature grey hair
It should help. Here are more home remedies for grey hair
how can you add fragrance to this oil?
You can add your favourite essential oil. Here’s 10 best essential oils for hair and how to use them
Hii, can i use cold pressed coconut oil instead of extra virgin coconut oil in preparing amla oil?
Yes you can.
Thank you.. and is it mandatory that we need to wash our hair the next day v apply oil? Is it not good to keep it for 2 or 3 days?
It’s not, if you don’t mind the oil you can leave it for a few days.
Can you make Amla oil using jojoba oil instead of coconut oil?
Traditionally, coconut and sesame oil has been used. But, I see no harm in trying jojoba oil and let us know how it goes for you.
Hi! Thank you for sharing these amazing DIY’s!! Can we use iron kadai and gingelly oil replacing stainless steel and sesame oil…will it yeild the same benefits..
I’ve sinus and my main concern is the hair density… Please advise..
Yes feel free to try your version. And do let us know how it works for you.
Very useful ideas
Ok, thank you!
Hi! Thanks for the great recipes! I guess i used too much amla oil because after washing it 3-4 times & then using fermented rice water, my hair is still too oily. But the hair feels softer, which is a great start. I made the double boiler method with 3/4 c almond oil and 1/4 c sesame seed oil, rheeta and amla and used it on my roots and the rest of the hair incl the ends.
I wonder, can Amla, Rheeta and Shakaikai be used again for another recipe after making hair oil, please? Thanks!
Hi Lydia, don’t use the herbs again to make hair oil.
If you have used powders then you can use them in hair mask. But if they are whole, please discard them.
Can i add curry leaves and kalonji powder also in it?
Because I have premature grey hair.
And if I can add, then what will be ith quantity??
Hello,
Thank you for the informative post.
Coconut oil does not suit my hair – it makes it dry and brittle.
I am planning to use coconut milk instead. Is fresh alma juice/oil still powerful when mixed with coconut milk?
Thanks,
Mariam
Yes, go ahead and mix them.
Thank you so much for your fast reply.
Do they need to be heated together first?
No
I made the amla oil with coconut oil and it’s kind of a light green color is. Is that normal or not
Yes it’s fine. You used dried or fresh amla?
Hi,
I have prepared oil using fresh Amla and the moisture is left I think as I didn’t boil it long. What can I do to remove the excess water content as I don’t want to waste it.
Hi…thanks for showing all the methods of making amla oil.I tried to make amla oil with fresh amla.It turned out to be great.Now I want to make oil with amla powder and store it for a year so that I can use amla oil even during offseasons. Can i sun dry fresh amla pieces and grind into powder?Shall I use this powder with oil and store it…or is it better to use the powder with oil in small quantities whenever I want to apply?
Hi Amrita, you can dry the amla and make powder. You can also make oil with dried pieces.
Try both methods. And write down the exact recipe as it may turn out great and you would have forgotten the measures.
Hi Minaz. Thanks for the reply. I will definitely try both the methods. I have started using amla oil twice a week.My hair is now shiny , black and softer.Hair fall has reduced to a great extent.But I have lost a lot of hair on the crown and hair partition has broadened a lot n scalp visible too. Can u plz suggest some simple hair growth solutions. I dont have any dandruff problem and my hair texture is baby fine.
After washing your hair, use this as last rinse. Add fenugreek seeds to it. Massage into your scalp for couple of minutes. You will definitely see hair regrowth in few months. Let me know how it goes.
Ma’am can u plz tell me abt the preparation of bottlegourd oil (dudhi oil) i heard abt it but I really wanna know abt it before using it.
I Hv so much hair loss mam suggest me which oil shampoo is to be used and mask can be used which one is better
You can find all your answers here.
Hi can I make the oil. N store it at 1nc.the 1 made from fresh amla or do I have to make it fresh everyday.
Hi Nikita, you can’t store the oil made with fresh amla as it will go bad. So make fresh every time.
Hi Minaz:
I would like to use the traditional method, using dried amla, brahmi, bhringraj, and hibiscus. What measurements should I use, with the additional herbs? Thanks Minaz, you have been a great help in providing such wonderful information.
Can you please tell me which brand of amla oil should i use for my hair. I am confused now
Did you read the post? This article is about how you can MAKE your own oil AT HOME. You buy the ingredients and follow the recipe.
If you want Amla Oil that is already made, you go to a store and buy it.
The ayurvedic method oil, can it be stored and for how long
It will stay good for 3-6 months.
Can i make sesame oil by using mustard oil instead? Is it beneficial?
Can we use patanjali Amla Powder and Coconut oil?
Yes.
Thanks mam if I want to make amla in a big quantity with amla powder can I use paraffin liquid oil .
No, use any plant oil.
1)By First method i.e “Freshly Made Amla Oil” for how long(how many days) we can store this oil?
2) In the Double boiler Method can I use fresh amla juice ? and what will be the colour of the oil on using fresh amla juice instead of amla powder in double boiler method? And at last, is that true we can store this oil in a cool, dark place for up to a year?
1. You have to use it fresh.
2. Don’t use double boiler. If you want to make oil with fresh amla juice, heat the oil and juice together in a heavy bottom pan, make sure it’s on the lowest flame, and continue heating till all the moisture is gone and you have transparent oil. Here I have put a link to video on making fresh amla and curry leaves oil.
Thank you
Can Parachut coconut oil be used. I mean is it natural — or like other market oils?
If you can find extra virgin coconut oil that is better.
I love your shampoo mix with amla in but we have a white metal bath which has non slip white dots and it turns them brown. The stain then stays on until I use bleech very quickly but having read that this will remove the enamel I have had to stop using.
I have found it very hard to replace amla because it makes it easy for me to comb my hair, makes it nice and shiney, bouncy and curly. Marshmellow root is the next best but I dont like the smell and its very flat due to hair loss from medication.
I have found I can use amla as a hair pack when I have a bath and it seems Ok I am wondering if oil will colour our non slip pads ?
Also I have long hair which is thined in the length but thick at about a years growth is the only method to get it onto the roots puting on alot ? I have tried a bowl of water with a small amount of oil and putting my head in before I dont seem to get oily patches but I am not sure it gets to the roots. I really dont spend enough time to leave it on then wash it again and its winter bbbrrrrrrr.
There must be a way I can still use amla everyday :o(
Yes its difficult to find amla substitute.
Amla oil shouldn’t stain.
Tip: you can also spray white vinegar to avoid staining.
Good tip thank you I will give that a go. Amla does not stain the whole bath just the non slip dots
Hi, use amla oil once or twice a week.
Do a weekly castor oil and egg mask.
hi mam , my hair is become very thin ,breaking just above the root and not growing again. right now i m using Freshly Made Amla Oil in night since 15 days please help me to regrow my hair.
I imagine you could use a pressure cooker to speed up the process, while using just a small amount of water as a substitute, when using the traditional method.
Pressure cooker will not help in anyway, don’t use. You can use slow cooker.
I made amla oil with 1st method. It turned out great. Thank you 🙂
I am so happy to hear that. Thanks for sharing 🙂
How about henna? Is it beneficial in an oil infusion?
Yes it is. Try adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Can i use mustard oil instead of coconut oil?
What is the purpose of making amla oil – hair loss, growth or conditioning?
Could I make this in a crockpot?
Yes you can.
Hello sir,I had hair loss problem so I used …. Hair oil later. It changes. To brown colour. Now I have. Over hair loss.pls suggest me solution for dense hair and changing hair from brown to black.
Can I subsititute the coconut oil with something else because I like using cocount oil by itself and I don’t want to waste in case something goes wrong (and it is expensive to buy). Can I use rice water instead?
Naz, You can add amla powder to rice water for a hair rinse. If you want to make amla oil, you can substitute coconut oil for almond, olive, or sesame oil. Also, make things in very small quantities to see how your hair react to them.
Do share your experience with us.
Hi Minaz, can I make it with fresh raw amla??
Hi Bebo, yes you can use fresh amla for method 2 (heat infusion) & 3 (traditional way). But make sure there is no moisture left, unless using fresh.
For sun infusion you will need dried amla powder or pieces, as fresh amla will go bad in few days.
You can also dry amla at home: Cut fresh amla into small pieces and let them dry under the sun for 3 to 4 days or until dry and crisp. Use this to make the Amla oil.
Best wishes.
But what if I take out fresh amla juice and then boil it with coconut oil and store it.???? Will it be harmful?
Thanks in adv :)))
Bebo, yes you can make amla oil using fresh amla juice, just make sure you cook up all the juice and no moisture remains.
Let us know how it works.
Yes Minaaz, I’ll surely be sending you the feedback!! :))))
Thanks btw :)))
Can i make amla oil by using mustard oil instead? Is it beneficial?
Have you tried boiling amla juice with coconut oil? Please tell me its full procedure.