Also referred to as Indian Gooseberry and derived from the Amalaki plant, this Ayurvedic herb has definitely been used by our grandmothers and great grandmother’s alike, proving to be one of the best natural remedies for hair health since time immemorial.

Once must include different versions of Amla such as a powder, oil or a paste to be applied as a mask in one’s hair care regimen. Apart from possessing qualities of being a natural immunity booster, Amla is enriched with essential fatty acids that strengthen your hair follicles and give your hair its much needed lustre.

A more than adequate amount of Vitamin C, tannins and a high antioxidant content in the plant makes sure that conditions like premature graying are corrected and effectively delayed.

Jam packed with iron, it restores lost hair, proving indispensable for men who suffer from male pattern baldness and Androgenic Alopecia, serving as a natural, cost effective recourse to reverse the thinning of hair, hair fall and hair loss. Amla also has carotene and gallic acid that ensure smooth circulation of blood to the scalp, stimulating it’s regeneration and rejuvenation.

A single small Amla contains as much as about 80% of moisture, acting as a conditioner and is also recognized as a natural straightener of hair, making it dense, shiny and thick. Amla juice also has the ability to prevent dandruff, lice, infections and a dry and itchy scalp that often causes discomfort and deteriorates overall health of hair.

One can formulate a mixture of Shikakai, Amla, Bhringraj, Reetha and Hibiscus powder by adding some water to it, massing it directly onto your scalp, leaving it in for about 45 minutes and washing it off with a mild shampoo.

If your scalp contains excessive dandruff, make sure to mix Shikakai, Amla and yogurt into a mixture and leave it in for about 15 minutes or so after application and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

The regular application of fresh Amla juice for about an hour massaged onto your scalp is also advised before washing it off, as an extremely beneficial hair tonic.

Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP