Amla for hair: what it does, and how to use it the right way
Amla has been Pakistan's go-to hair herb for centuries. What it is traditionally used for, what the evidence says, and how to use amla oil for the best results.
By the Saba Naturals team. Updated . 5 min read.
Ask any nani in Punjab what to put on thinning hair and the answer is usually amla. The small, sour green fruit, Indian gooseberry, has been part of hair care here for as long as anyone remembers. It is also the first herb on the PureRoots Coconut Herbal Oil label.
What amla is traditionally used for
- Fuller, stronger hair. Amla is the classic tonic for hair that is thinning or breaking.
- Darker hair, later greys. In traditional use amla is paired with bhringraj to keep hair dark and slow early greying.
- A healthy scalp. Amla is cooling and mildly astringent, which is why it has always been used on itchy, flaky scalps.
- Shine. Hair washed after an amla oil massage has a noticeable, soft shine.
What we actually know
Amla is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C and is full of tannins and antioxidants. Those protect the scalp and the hair shaft from oxidative stress, the same process that damages skin in the sun and smog. Lab studies on amla extract show it supports hair follicle cells and inhibits some of the enzymes linked to hair thinning. That is promising, and it matches hundreds of years of use, but it is not the same as a cure. Think of amla as a very good conditioner for the scalp and roots, not a medicine.
How to use amla oil for the best results
Amla works best when it is infused in a carrier oil, massaged into the scalp, and given time.
- Warm a little PureRoots Coconut Herbal Oil (amla is infused in coconut oil with seven other herbs).
- Part the hair and apply to the scalp with your fingertips, then massage gently for 5–10 minutes.
- Leave it on for one to two hours, or overnight.
- Wash with a mild shampoo like PureRoots Herbal Shampoo.
- Repeat once or twice a week for at least two months before judging results.
Amla with other herbs
Amla is rarely used alone. The classic pairings are amla and bhringraj for growth and colour, amla and shikakai for a clean scalp, and amla and brahmi for a calm, cool scalp. PureRoots puts all of these together in one blend so you don't have to.
Read next: bhringraj, the "king of herbs" for hair.
Common questions
Does amla regrow hair?
Amla supports a healthy scalp and stronger hair, and traditional use links it to fuller hair. It is not a cure for medical hair loss, and no herb is.
Can I use amla oil daily?
Once or twice a week is plenty. Daily oiling leaves most scalps too oily and makes washing harder.
Does amla make hair black?
Traditionally amla is used to keep hair dark and delay early greying. It conditions and adds shine, but it will not change the colour of hair that is already grey.
This guide is general information about hair care, not medical advice. For sudden, heavy or patchy hair loss, or a scalp that is red, sore or not improving, please see a dermatologist.