No matter how far science and beauty technology come, there’s one truth about humans that never fails: We love a miracle cure. For the past ten years, internet headlines have touted everything from coconut oil to aloe vera as the supposed cure-all for your ash blonde and dark brown hair woes.
The truth is no single ingredient can solve every hair problem you’re experiencing, but some—like amla oil—can contribute to achieving hair happiness. If you feel like amla oil is popping up on packaging all over your favorite beauty supply store, don’t rub your eyes. It really is.
Before you spend hard-earned cash on the beauty industry’s newest darling, get the lowdown on what it does and whether amla oil actually deserves a place on your vanity.
What is amla oil?
Like so many popular ingredients, amla oil isn’t new at all—just new to the mid-tier and luxury beauty markets. The oil comes from the amla fruit, otherwise known as the Indian gooseberry. Commonly used as a beauty and health cure-all in India, women who use it generally mix dried or powdered amla with a carrier like coconut oil.
In the United States, products can be formulated with less than 1 percent actual amala oil. It’s important to read the label before you purchase any new products if amla oil is your number one concern.
What does amla oil do?
Amla oil has a reputation as the “secret” behind the manes of Indian women everywhere, acting as the best support system for thick, shiny, luscious manes. Let’s be clear: It’s likely much of that is attributable to good genes, not fruit-infused oil. But does amla have anything else to offer?
Some research has shown signs that amla oil can contribute to hair growth and fewer gray hairs, but these studies are in their earlier stages and a lot more research is needed before we can draw any conclusions. We’ll plan to keep tabs on any updates, but will stick to our professionally proven products and salon appointments until then.
Should you try amla oil?
If you wanted to try an exciting skincare ingredient, you’d book an appointment with the dermatologist first. The same should always apply to hair care—when in doubt, shoot your stylist a text.
It may seem like an unnecessary extra step, but consider how much time and money you’ve invested in your hair health and color. Trying a new homemade oil that stains your blonde highlights would be a disaster. Moreover, your stylist may be able to recommend a salon quality formula that’s guaranteed to get you the hair results you want without requiring you to boil fruit or get oil all over your towels.
For those seeking manageable, beautiful hair with minimal frizz, we recommend adding Kérastase L’incroyable Blowdry Crème to your heat styling routine. The opulent heat-styling cream for thick and unruly hair boasts three times faster flat ironing at 302 degrees Fahrenheit with long-wear control and repositionable shape definition. It even controls the look of frizz for 96 hours in high humidity. Finish off with the brand’s Aura Botanica Concentre Essentiel Hair Oil Blend for dull, devitalized hair.
If it sounds like amla oil is right for your hair and you want to give the trending ingredient a try, we've rounded up seven alma oil hair products you're going to want to add to your routine ASAP.
IGK Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Shampoo
If you can’t get enough amla oil, incorporate it into your hair care routine from the very first step.
IGK’s Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Shampoo strengthens, nourishes, and protects hair immediately and over time and enhances shine.
IGK Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Shampoo, $25.00 MSRP
IGK Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Conditioner
If you want the best results, you should always pair your shampoo with a conditioner from the same system. The IGK Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Conditioner is formulated with amla oil for nourishment and shine, coconut oil for hydration and conditioning, and a patented vegetable protein complex that works from within the hair shaft to build stronger and healthier hair both immediately and over time.
IGK Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Conditioner, $25.00 MSRP
SheaMoisture 100% Amla Premium Oil Blend
Amla oil is the only ingredient in nourishing oil that can be used from head to toe.
SheaMoisture 100% Amla Premium Oil Blend, $9.99 MSRP
Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream
If you have tightly coiled curls in desperate need of moisture, this may just be the perfect hair cream for you. This unique blend of amla oil, castor oil, olive oil, and Ayurvedic botanicals instantly softens the driest kinks and coils.
Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream, $21.00 MSRP
Qhemet Biologics Castor & Amla Nourishing Pomade
Searching for an all-in-one hair cream to make all of your curly hair dreams come true? Look no further than the Qhemet Biologics Castor & Amla Nourishing Pomade. Nourish your scalp with amla and castor oils to encourage growth, thicken hair, reduce breakage, soften edges and ends, retain moisture, and impart pliability and sheen.
Qhemet Biologics Castor & Amla Nourishing Pomade, $16.50 MSRP
IGK Expensive Amla Oil Hi Shine Top Coat
Shine is amla’s claim to fame and it doesn’t get shinier than this rinse-out shine treatment. IGK’s Expensive Alma Oil Hi Shine Top Coat is an in-shower gloss treatment to protect and enhance color and shine.
IGK Expensive Amla Oil Hi Shine Top Coat, $29.00 MSRP
IGK Speechless Dry Oil Finishing Spray For Hair And Body
If the shampoo, conditioner, and gloss treatment wasn’t enough shine for you, IGK has one more thing up their sleeve: Speechless Dry Oil Finishing Spray For Hair And Body. The lightweight mist adds shine and seals in moisture without greasy residue and weight.
IGK Speechless Dry Oil Finishing Spray For Hair And Body, $27.00 MSRP
Interested in more information about whether or not amla oil is right for your hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.
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