Hair care is an integral part of the overall beauty regimen of most men and women. Thick, long and black tresses have been traditionally considered a mark of perfect beauty. There are a variety of hair care regimens that you can follow, depending upon the texture of the hair. However, amla or the good old gooseberries have always been part of both traditional and modern hair care routines.
Researchers have proved that gooseberries that are loaded with vitamin C can aid hair growth. Lots of hair care products have gooseberries as a prominent ingredient. Here are some home-made hair care masks and oils that have the contents of amla in it.
Gooseberry oil
Coconut oil is considered the holy grail of hair care regimens. When combined with amla, this magical portion becomes an elixir for hair. It effectively fights hair fall, dandruff and premature greying.
Ingredients
2 tbsp gooseberry powder, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
Heat coconut oil and olive oil together in a vessel. Add the gooseberry powder into it. Heat it up until the oil becomes brown in colour. Rub this oil all over your hair and scalp while it is still warm. After half an hour, wash the hair with shampoo. You could do this oil massage thrice a week.
Gooseberry and shikakai (Acacia concinna)
Shikakai too is an unavoidable hair care ingredient that has been used in India for hundreds of years. It helps in making the hair follicles stronger and aids hair growth as well.
Ingredients
2 tbsp gooseberry powder, 2 tbsp shikakai powder, 4 tsp water
Method
Mix the gooseberry powder and the shikakai powder into paste by adding water. Apply this mask on your hair. After 40 minutes, wash off the mask in cold water. This mask could be used once a week.
Gooseberry and eggs mask
The protein in eggs can make hair healthier and shinier.
Ingredients
2 eggs, ½ cup gooseberry powder
Method
Separate the egg whites and beat them well. Into it add the gooseberry powder and mix well. Apply this mask on hair and wash off after an hour. You could try this protein mask once in a week.
Gooseberry and henna mask
Henna is an organic dye that is traditionally used to colour hair. Besides, it can fight dandruff and premature greying as well.
Ingredients
1 tbsp gooseberry powder, 3 tbsp dried henna, 4 tsp hot water
Method
Mix the gooseberry powder and henna into paste by adding the hot water. Store it overnight. Apply this mask on the hair and scalp in the morning. Before applying the mask, add some indigo powder as well, so that the hair won’t be dyed too much. Wash off the mask after an hour. However, this mask should be applied only once in a month.
Gooseberry and fenugreek mask
Fenugreek can strengthen the hair roots and can increase the blood flow to the scalp.
Ingredients
2 tbsp gooseberry powder, 2 tbsp fenugreek powder, 5 tsp hot water
Method
Mix the gooseberry powder and the fenugreek powder into paste by adding hot water. Store this mask overnight before applying it on the hair and scalp. Wash off after 20 minutes. This mask could be applied twice a week.
Gooseberry and curry leaves mask
Curry leaves have the ability to destroy fungus and other micro organisms. This improves the health and strength of the hair follicles.
Ingredients
½ cup curry leaves, ½ cup crushed gooseberries, 1 cup coconut oil
Method
Heat the coconut oil and add the curry leaves and gooseberries. Sauté until the oil turns brown in colour. Pass the oil through a sieve. Apply the oil on the hair and scalp while it is still warm. Massage gently for 15 minutes. After half an hour, wash off using mild shampoo.
