What is amla and why is it added to hair oils?

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is the fruit of the plant Phyllanthus emblica, widely used in the Ayurvedic tradition for many centuries. In hair care, amla is valued as a nourishing plant ingredient: it is believed to help make hair look stronger and the lengths less brittle.

In oil formulas, amla acts as one of the key active ingredients: amla extract or oil is blended with a base carrier oil to make it easy to apply and distribute evenly through the hair. This is exactly the approach used by Dabur, one of the best-known makers of amla-based products.

It is important to understand that amla oil is a cosmetic product, not a therapeutic one. It cares for the look and condition of the hair: it softens, smooths the cuticle, adds shine and makes the strands more manageable. It is not intended to treat hair loss, scalp diseases or other medical conditions. In case of pronounced hair loss, itching or flaking, see a specialist.