Once just a hero ingredient in Ayurveda, amla is now hitting the spotlight as a revolutionary hair elixir in modern haircare. The benefits of this super ingredient are extensive and I’m going to tell you exactly why this crazy amazing ingredient *had* to be incorporated into my holi (locks) formulation.

So, why did Dara Kaye & I choose amla?

Let’s get into it.

First up, what is amla oil?

Amla or amla oil (derived from the Indian Gooseberry) is a fruit tree found growing in parts of Asia. It has tons of herbal medicine properties and usage and is actually considered to be the most important medicinal plant in the Indian traditional system of medicine, which is Ayurveda. A big credit for sure.

Packed with tannins, alkaloids, polyphenols, vitamins (predominantly C and E) and minerals, acids, and so much more, its benefits are almost endless, and it can be used for so many different health challenges and benefits. In Ayurvedic medicine, Amla oil and the fruit is used as a diuretic, a laxative, a restorative, as well as for its analgesic, adaptogenic, neuroprotective, chemopreventive, antitumor properties, and more.

Its power in the beauty world can’t be ignored either - particularly for hair health - where it is well known for strengthening hair, boosting hair growth, reducing dandruff, helping with scalp health, and preventing hair loss and graying. With so many benefits, it’s no surprise amla has been a staple secret of beautiful hair in India and Thailand for over five decades now.

And while you can drink it (traditionally it may have been added to a morning juice, smoothie or shot) at Agent, we’ve taken it one step further and incorporated it as a critical ingredient in holi (locks)  - our strengthening treatment oil backed by advanced hair science, clinical studies and powered by four scientifically proven active ingredients.

And why did we choose it?

Honestly, there were so many benefits that we knew we had to incorporate it into this wonder product.

Here are some of my favorite benefits of amla:

It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial - a recent study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of six plant extracts of Indian origin (1 being amla) against standard strains of Streptococcus mutans (bacteria). The study confirmed it was the second most effective out of the 6, showcasing its powerful antibacterial properties. It’s thought to be anti-inflammatory too - a recent study showed that administration of the amla fruit extract significantly reduced the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the body. More on the connection between inflammation and scalp health later in the article.

It promotes hair growth - amla oil has long been used as an essential ingredient for shampoo and hair oil, particularly in traditional recipes in India and Thailand that focus on enriching hair growth. A number of studies have recently backed this up. When applied topically onto the scalp, the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in amla boost blood circulation in the scalp, which stimulates hair growth. This promotes hair growth because increased levels of blood circulation help the scalp and hair follicles get everything they need to grow, survive and flourish. Think oxygen, vitamins, minerals and more. 

It protects hair - As well as helping to boost hair growth, it also protects hair at the same time. This is because Amla contains something called tannins which are phenolic compounds. These not only are anti-inflammatory but these tannins, alongside the calcium in amla, means that they protect the hair from photo-damage and heat damage from today's styling and general living.

It may reduce hair loss -  Those who suffer from hair loss, hormonally triggered hair loss, or hair thinning will find that their hair growth cycle is interfered with, and disrupted by, an increase in a hormone called DHT (which stands for dihydrotestosterone). When the hormone DHT increases, it is converted from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-ar) - and this conversion process happens in both men and women. Research is showing that amla oil is a powerful inhibitor of this 5-alpha reductase enzyme and so it may have similar effects as more pharma-based medications like finasteride that focus on inhibiting this enzyme and the resulting hair loss too.

It can replace your shampoo & alleviate dandruff - as well as helping to build hair follicles it also is a strong clarifying agent which means that it is a substance that helps to remove suspended solids from liquids. This means it can help with your The health of your scalp, help to treat dandruff and alleviate other scalp concerns. Not many products or oils can be classified as a scalp exfoliator, but, despite being an oil, amla oil is thought to be one of them. Because of this powerful clarifying activity, it's part of why we recommend using 1 to 2 dropperfuls of our holi (locks) formulation for whole-head application - massaging it not only into your scalp but also all the way through the ends of your hair.

As we mentioned earlier, amla is also anti-inflammatory which can also reduce inflammation across the scalp and reduce oil production while managing sebum regulation. The amla oil is actually thought to absorb the excess oil present in the scalp. In addition, the antibacterial power referenced earlier in the article can help reduce scalp-related issues from excess sebum production and bacterial growth or overgrowth.

And it can also replace your conditioner - as well as being high in vitamin C, amla is also rich in vitamin E which really helps to nourish hair and leave it soft and shiny. Pair this alongside our holi (locks) - our strengthening, detangling, anti-hair peptide-based serum and you are double sorted! Amla is also a natural coolant that counteracts dryness, helping to alleviate frizz and add that gloss to your hair. It is also thought to reduce premature graying of the hair too. Like we said - just. so. many. Benefits!

In short, amla is a wonder fruit. Its nature derived, of natural origin and has been trusted for decades on end. Because of its countless benefits it was an absolute no-brainer for Dara Kaye and I to include it in our holi (locks) formulation alongside four insanely powerful active other ingredients.

This product is a game changer, just like amla.

Get your hair locks here.

Love

Jena x 

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST