Amla (Indian gooseberry) and Coconut oil hair mask
Life throws us many curve balls and losing hair seems to be a major one. Stress, genes, life…whatever the reason hair loss (or thinning of hair) is no joke for anyone. My hair thinned out so much post Heart Attack. But at the time with all that was going on in my life fixing it wasn’t my to do list.
Fast forward and now I’m a happy vitamin popping hijabi with a healthier outlook on life. Recently I was on Pinterest and had a look at DIY hair masks that could potentially encourage hair growth. I found a new masks made with Amla (Indian gooseberry) and coconut oil. After a bit of research I mixed up the following hair pack.
I recommend you use this TWICE a week to see a visible difference.
For an extra boost do the following:
Take one tablespoon of Amla oil with 4 drops of rosemary essential oil and massage it into the scalp. Leave for 6/8 hours (overnight). Massage it well into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Now if you’ve massaged the oil well into the scalp you shouldn’t really need to wrap your hair to prevent the oil transferring onto your pillow. However it’s always best to be safe than sorry so either place an old towel on your pillow or use a shower hat or twisty turban hair towel on your hair.
The following morning apply the hair pack to your hair. Leave for 2 hours and wash.
This pack is enough for shoulder length hair. Remember that we are concentrating on the scalp because that’s where the magic happens.
I adjusted the basic ingredients I saw listed online and have explained why:
Coconut oil (a fantastic natural hair conditioner)
2 TBSP
Amla (Indian gooseberry powder). This is used to stimulate hair growth and encourage stronger hair. You can purchase this at most Indian supermarkets or at a stretch you can purchase it online via eBay.
2 TBSP
Rosemary essential oil: this oil is great for stimulating the scalp to kick in hair growth. Don’t overdo it.
5 drops
Kapoor Kachli Powder (also known as spiked ginger lily) is a type of root; similar to ginger. It smells nice, and also stimulates hair growth. I added this to boost the Amla powders power. This is also available at Indian Supermarkets or again online.
1 TSBP
Preparation:
1) Melt the coconut oil to help combine the ingredients. I zapped it in the microwave to save time. Always use a suitable container and be careful handling hot fats.
2) Add the Amla and Kapoor Kachli powders to the coconut oils and stir well. Add the rosemary oil. Stir further.
3) Now apply to your scalp. It may get messy so protect your clothes. Ensure to cover al the scalp as much as you can. Apply left over pack to your hair. Now leave on your hair for 2 hours.
4) After 2 hours give your scalp a quick massage and wash your hair as usual with your chosen shampoo and conditioner.
NOTE: It took me three lots of shampoo to remove this pack from my hair. It’s worth noting this so you know to give yourself extra time in the shower.
EXTRA NOTE: This pack will make your shower slippery! Be cautious!
Why do you need to condition as normal?
Post hair pack my hair didn’t feel conditioned at all. This hair pack in my opinion is about stimulating hair growth, and grow healthy strong hair. It’s not about instant, visible results.
What results have I seen so hair?
I’ve only used this mask a few times. However this is about hair growth and stimulation. You won’t be able to see results in a few uses. This is more of a long term investment of time and effort.
Cost of hair pack:
Amla powder (100 grams) : £1.99
Kalchi powder (50 grams) : £1.99
Coconut oil (125ml): £2.49
Rosemary essential oil (10ml): £1.64
These ingredients are enough to make at least 10-12 packs.
So if you make 10 that’s £0.81 pence per treatment
And if you manage 12 that’s £0.68 pence per treatment
I’ll be applying this pack to my hair twice a week.
I’ll be updating this article around:
End of December 2017 (three months of applying the pack)
End of March 2018 (six months of applying the pack)
Can this pack be used on children?
I wouldn’t recommend this for any child under 4. I’d also recommend you start off children with scalp massages using hair oils.
Any other info:
If you think you maybe allergic to any of the ingredients always do a test patch first.
If you cannot find Kalchi powder just replace it with another spoon of Amla powder.
You may need to shampoo a few times to remove this concoction off your hair; you have been warned!
Have you tried this treatment? How did you find it? Or maybe you have your own recipe you want to share with below? We would love to hear from you.
Love,
Alliyah