What it is
Amla, Emblica officinalis, also known as the Indian Gooseberry
Amla powder is from the dried and ground fruit of the Indian Gooseberry tree, Emblica Officinalis. Amla contains natural tannins, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and acts as a natural astringent. Amla has been used for tanning and dying hides as well as a cosmetic and folk remedy. Amla grows in central and southern India, Burma, and Ceylon.
What it does
- Amla is an excellent hair volumizer and curl enhancer, and facial scrub and toner.
It will tone down the red and create a deeper, browner tone in henna or henna/indigo hair treatments.
- Adds volume, enhances curl and texture to hair
- Will not dye hair or skin
- Is a facial scrub and Exfolitatant, tones skin, is a natgural astrigent
- Use as often as you like for healthy hair, scalp, skin
- Non drying
- is considered safe for those with chemical sensitivities, doctor should be consulted if you have any concerns
How to use it:
Amla powder may be added to
henna and indigo paste to tone down or cool down the reddish color and create a richer, deeper brown color on hair.
As a dye:
Go Cool Brown. Take the red down by adding amla to henna or indigo/henna for a cooler toned down reddish brown and deep brown colors naturally! It will add shine and boost curl as well.
Mix henna or henna/indigo according to the directions.
Add amla to the paste once it’s ready to be used
Apply the amla spiked henna or henna/indigo paste to dry or damp hair in sections, completely coating al the hair down to the roots
Wrap your hair in a shower cap or plastic wrap and allow to soak in for 1-6 hours
Rinse and shampoo to remove any residue
Repeat: Monthly for healthy, thick and shiny brown-black locks
As a Facial Scrub:
Amla may also be used a facial scrub. The fruit seeds act as a natural aexfolient as they gently scrub the skin and astringent quality from the vitamin C and tannins will leave your skin fresh and vibrant. The seeds gently srub and exfoliate the skin while the vitaimin C nourishes.
Mix Mix Amla powder with hot water until it’s the consistency of yogurt, allow to soak for 10 minutes
Apply t o the skin and gently scrub to exfoliate skin cells
Rinse with fresh water for clean, fresh tight skin.
Storage
Store Amla paste in the freezer
Store Amla powder in a cool dark location
What else you need to know
Disclaimer
*We recommend you perform a strand test before using any of these recipes or products on your hair to be sure you like the color and result.
Test the product on a small section of your hair or on hair harvested from your hair brush.
When using natural products please keep in mind that every product will react and color your hair uniquely. The result will be different and unique on everyone depending on hair type and condition. There are many ingredients and recipes to try, have fun experimenting!
What it looks like
Amla powder is a sandy brown colored gritty powder from the ground fruit of the tree and smells a bit like tea or a light woodsy scent.
History and Use
Amla has been used for centuries as a beauty and health regimen, in textiles and leather tanning, and in ayurvedic medicine. It has been used to treat dysentery, and aid the healing of snake bits and scorpion stings. The fruits are made into pickles and preserves.
