Source: http://www.avacare.in/blog/use-of-amla-in-ayurvedic-haircare/#more-416

Haircare is inextricably tied up with Ayurveda. Hair health is an important aspect of beauty and grooming. Natural remedies are sought to ensure safe care. Ayurvedic studies on haircare are extensive and proven. Ayurveda suggests the use of various herbs, fruits, seeds, flowers, etc. in caring for your hair and remedying problems like hair fall, thinning, premature greying, dandruff, etc.

Amla paste applied externally onto hair conditions it and makes it silky and glossy. Any deposits or build up on the hair get washed away, effectively polishing the hair. Amla incorporated into hair oil is popularly used to aid hair growth, fight hair fall and reduce or prevent premature greying. Amla mixed with Shikhakai can darken the hair naturally. Amla boosts hair volume and smoothens the hair texture. Amla can be used along with your regular henna routine to deepen the colour, condition hair and fight dandruff.

Amla, Shikhakai, Bhringaraj, Reetha, methi seeds, Brahmi, lemons, aloe vera, hibiscus, etc. are used in common remedies to treat hair problems and in self haircare. Of these, Amla is used widely for lustrous, healthy hair.

Amla or Amalaki (in Sanskrit) or Indian Gooseberry is an edible fruit that is rich in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. The tannin, polyphenols and flavanoids it contains reduce free radicals in the body. It is used widely in Ayurveda as food and medicine. It has anti-ageing properties, rejuvenates the liver, reduces acidity, regulates metabolism, reduces blood sugar, builds immunity, promotes oral health and promotes hair health.

Amla is also taken internally to attain these results. As with any condition, treating it from within will ensure long-lasting results that can be maintained. Consuming Amla helps strengthen hair follicles, reduce scalp irritation, and promotes strong and healthy hair growth. Amla’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help reduce dandruff. Amla helps to deepen hair pigmentation making it naturally darker and this, in turn, also helps to make it appear thicker.

Amla can be taken in the form of fresh fruit, dried fruit, fresh juice, amla water or as dried powder. Amla can be cut up and juiced and stored in the fridge a little at a time. Fresh juice can be refrigerated for upto 3 days and a tablespoon of this taken daily. Dried amla can be soaked in water overnight, squeezed the next morning to extract the juice and consumed as amla water. Commercial juices are also available, with a shorter shelf life.

It is popular as a superfood for hair. Amla has been traditionally used in hair care for centuries. Amla can be used externally and internally.