Would you give this DIY amla-methi conditioner a try?

Ingredients

2tbsp – Fenugreek seeks
2tbsp – Flax seeds
2tbsp – Rice

Amla, crushed
Ginger
Water
1/2tbsp – Castor oil
1tbsp – Almond oil
Amla juice or amla powder

Method

*Add fenugreek seeds, flax seeds, and rice in a glass bowl. Add water.
*Let it soak overnight.
*Next morning, strain the soaked ingredients. Add crushed amla and ginger. Add water.
*In a pan, boil the mixture for a minute along with a few curry leaves.
*Strain the mixture. In the strained liquid, add amla powder or amla juice. Add 1/2 tablespoon of castor oil and 1 tablespoon of almond oil. Mix and apply on your hair. Let it sit for an hour and then wash it off.

Is it effective?

Amla conditioner works for hair through its unique combination of nutrients and antioxidants. Here’s a more detailed breakdown from Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.

1. Rich in vitamin C: Amla is a potent source of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining the strength and elasticity of hair strands. This can lead to stronger and less brittle hair.

2. Antioxidant properties: Amla is loaded with antioxidants, including polyphenols. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Applying amla conditioner may protect the hair from environmental damage and prevent premature aging, such as graying and weakening of the hair structure.

3. Stimulates hair growth: The vitamin C in amla is also believed to stimulate hair growth by promoting a healthy scalp. It can enhance blood circulation, ensuring that hair follicles receive an ample supply of nutrients and oxygen, which is crucial for promoting hair growth.

4. Strengthens hair follicles: Amla conditioner is thought to strengthen the hair follicles, reducing hair fall and breakage. This can contribute to thicker and more resilient hair over time.

5. Reduces dandruff: Amla’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help in reducing dandruff and soothing an irritated scalp. Regular use of amla conditioner could contribute to a healthier scalp environment.

6. Natural shine and softness: Amla is known to impart a natural shine to the hair. The conditioning properties of amla can make the hair softer and more manageable, reducing frizz and enhancing overall texture.

7. pH balance: Amla helps in maintaining the pH balance of the scalp. This is important for a healthy scalp environment, as an imbalanced pH can lead to various scalp issues.

“To use amla conditioner effectively, apply it to clean, damp hair, leave it on for the recommended time, and then rinse thoroughly. Regular use, combined with a healthy hair care routine, may yield the best results,” said Dr Kapoor.

While the use of botanical extracts like methi (fenugreek), amla, rice, ginger, curry leaves, etc for the treatment of hair fall is attractive, due to their easy availability and low cost, their effectiveness or safety is unclear as there is no conclusive evidence to prove that these can stop hair loss or improve hair growth, said Dr Vandana Punjabi, dermatologist and trichologist at Khar, and Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital.

According to Dr Punjabi, there can be an increased tendency for triggering dandruff or ‘Seborrheic dermatitis’ in people with oily scalps after applying castor, almond, mustard, or coconut oils.

“I have observed in my clinical practice that they can cause itching, rashes, skin redness and sometimes also cause ‘Contact Dermatitis’ which worsens hair fall,” said Dr Punjabi.

Dr Punjabi mentioned that oral intake or supplementation of micronutrients and proteins are the key parts of the hair cycle, and aid in cell renewal seen in dividing hair follicles and thus are important for hair regrowth. Hence a healthy diet is the most important key for helping with hair regrowth,” said Dr Punjabi.

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