Ayurvedic Methods: Amla Hair Mask

Many people forget that hair-care is an essential aspect of overall body wellness. Our hair is constantly exposed to UV-radiation, bacteria, pollution, and harsh weather, which can contribute to damage over time. Of course, genetics also play a huge role in the health and consistency of the hair. However, it is important to remember that everyone can take steps to maintain the good health of their health. Overuse of heat styling tools or chemical treatments can also harm your hair, so it is vital that you use these in limits.

This brings me to our focus of today: the Amla hair mask. This Ayurvedic hair mask is popular in India and is most known for its use of homeopathic ingredients, such as Amla (Indian gooseberry), honey, virgin coconut oil, and aloe vera gel. Research shows that, when applied consistently, herbal masks can also reduce the risk of dandruff, Alopecia, Hirsutism, and Hair shaft disorder (Gupta et al.). So if you are looking for a refreshing new touch up before your Christmas vacation, this mask will be the perfect concoction for thicker and smoother hair.

Ingredients

Amla (Indian gooseberry):

• This gooseberry contains high amounts of Vitamin C which promotes hair growth and improve hair pigmentation. So if you recently got a treatment full of hair chemicals and dyes, this would serve as the healing agent.

• Amla is also high in tannin in the form of antioxidants, which help with bald spots and hair loss. Keep this in mind while applying close to the roots, especially the inflamed areas.

Honey:

• You are probably thinking, "Why am I applying such a sticky substance to my hair? Won't it just make my texture worse?" The answer is nope. Research shows that honey penetrates deep into the hair shaft and mends the hair's flexibility and elasticity (Hadi et all.). It also serves as a lubricant for combing through knots or matted hair.

• Honey has been valued for its healing properties. The Ancient Egyptians combined honey with other ingredients to reduce pain. Even in the present day, it is widely used for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds and soothing sore throats. When used in hair, inflamed/itchy areas can sigh in relief due to its humectant properties.

Virgin Coconut Oil:

• Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an inflammatory condition that causes severe itchy, dry, and red skin. In "sciency" terms, trans epidermal water loss or TEWL is increased and the ability of the stratum corneum or the outermost layer of the skin to lock in that moisture is weakened. (Kappally et. al)

• Interesting fact! Though eczema is common on the body, many cases have also been reported on the scalp. A recent study explored the effects of virgin coconut oil, measuring outcomes with the SCORAD index and water loss. (The SCORAD index is what dermatologists use to gauge the severity of eczema.) A total of 117 pediatric patients were split into two groups: one used mineral oil, and the other used coconut oil. After eight weeks of consistent use, the patients returned for evaluation. Both groups showed improvement in their lesions, but the coconut oil group experienced the most significant changes. Overall, coconut oil proved to be more than just a "moisturizer", it actively helped repair the skin barrier. (Evangelista et al.)

Aloe Vera Gel:

• Phytochemicals found in this succulent plant offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which all aid in soothing the scalp and aiding in hair growth. Amino acids in aloe vera contribute to thickening the hair strands and enhancing the luster. Additionally, the polysaccharides lock in natural moisture, which explains why there are so many shampoos that use the active ingredient of aloe vera.

• Remember to keep in mind that aloe vera can lead to allergic reactions if you have any forms of dermatitis.

Instructions

🍯✨ Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons amla powder --> you can get fresh amla from your local Indian grocery store!

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel --> homemade or readymade!

Steps:

1. Mix it up! In a bowl, combine the amla, honey, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel. Stir until you get a smooth, creamy paste.

2. Get your hair ready. Brush your hair to remove tangles and make a little parting for easier application.

3. Using your fingers, spread the mask evenly from roots to tips. Make sure every strand gets some love!

4. Put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in a towel. Let the mask work its magic for 30 to 45 minutes.

5. Wash your hair with lukewarm water (shampoo lightly if needed). Enjoy the results!

Vocabulary

• Alopecia – A condition where a person loses hair from the scalp or body.

• Hirsutism – Excessive hair growth on women in areas where men usually grow hair.

• Hair shaft disorder – Any problem with the part of the hair that sticks out from the scalp.

• Vitamin C – A vitamin that helps the body heal and keeps hair and skin healthy.

• Tannin – A natural plant chemical that can protect and strengthen hair.

• Hair shaft – The visible part of the hair that grows out of the scalp.

• Elasticity (hair) – How much hair can stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.

• Lubricant – A substance that makes hair smooth and easier to comb.

• Humectant – Attracts water to keep hair moisturized.

• Trans epidermal water loss – The water that naturally escapes from the skin and hair into the air.

• Phytochemicals (aloe vera) – Plant chemicals in aloe vera that protect and nourish hair.

• Amino acids (aloe vera) – Building blocks in aloe vera that help strengthen and repair hair.

• Polysaccharides (aloe vera) – Long chains of sugars in aloe vera that help keep hair and skin hydrated and healthy.

Wrapping Up:

As we wrap up this blog, don't forget to comment your experience with this natural mask. I would love to know your thoughts! Please feel free to email me through my website if you have any questions. You can also share some health topics you are curious about to provide me with some blog ideas. Subscribe to my blog to be updated on more posts + blogs to come! Thank you! 

xoxo,

Haley 💗

Sources

Gupta, Polly, Shashank Tiwari, and Avantika Kaushal. "DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF A HERBAL HAIR MASK FOR SCALP AND HAIR HEALTH."

Hadi, Hazrina, Syarifah Shakira Syed Omar, and Ammar Ihsan Awadh. "Honey, a gift from nature to health and beauty: A review." British Journal of Pharmacy 1.1 (2016): 46-54.

Kappally, Shijna, Arun Shirwaikar, and Annie Shirwaikar. "Coconut oil–a review of potential applications." Hygeia JD Med 7.2 (2015): 34-41.

Evangelista, Mara Therese Padilla, Flordeliz Abad‐Casintahan, and Lillian Lopez‐Villafuerte. "The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial." International journal of dermatology 53.1 (2014): 100-108.

Chavan, Pratibha S., et al. "ALOE-VERA IN HAIR COSMETICS."