How to Formulate Amla Hair Oil for Healthy Hair Growth

“Hair care has been an important part of personal grooming for centuries. In ancient India, Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine, recognized the profound benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) for hair health.

From time immemorial, women have been using Amla in various forms  as a hair rinse, mixed with henna, or even applied as a paste  to nourish their hair and combat concerns like premature greying and hair loss.

Growing up, I witnessed my grandmother diligently tending to her lustrous hair, often incorporating Amla into her hair care routine. Observing her dedication to natural remedies sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the scientific basis behind Amla’s hair-nourishing properties.

Amla is without a doubt the active ingredient I select.I discovered the following after looking through books and research papers: 

Amla Hair Oil (Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Oil):  Amla is a natural ingredient rich in vitamin C. It has antioxidant properties which combats oxidative stress, protecting hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Healthy follicles are important  for long and strong hair.

• The high vitamin C content also plays a role in melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair color. By supporting healthy melanin production, Amla oil can help prevent premature graying, keeping your hair looking vibrant and youthful.
• Amla oil is believed to improve blood circulation to the scalp.  Increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients to the hair follicles, stimulating growth and promoting thicker, healthier hair.  
• The tannins and flavonoids present in Amla oil strengthen hair follicles from within, which helps reduce hair breakage and split ends, leading to longer, stronger, and more manageable hair.  

 As a researcher, I felt the need to translate this conventional knowledge in a contemporary, user friendly manner. This blog states my journey of developing the ‘Amla for Long and Healthy Hair Oil’ formulation, a product that blends the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda with the modern cosmetic science.”

Sharing the science of preparing hair oil is a wonderful way to encourage you all to take control of your hair care.

The Formulation – Amla Hair Oil

The following table outlines the carefully chosen ingredients, their INCI names, and respective percentages in the formula:

Roles of each Ingredient

1. Base Oils

• Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil): It Acts as the primary carrier oil, ensuring a lightweight and non-greasy texture. Rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E, it deeply moisturizes the scalp and strengthens the hair shaft.
• Soybean Oil (Glycine Soja Oil): It Contains essential fatty acids and lecithin, supporting a healthy scalp environment.  It Enhances the oil’s emollient properties and promotes scalp hydration.
• Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil):It is rich in antioxidants and squalene, it nourishes the scalp and prevents hair breakage. This oil Provides an emollient base that locks in moisture.

2. Essential Oils

• Cedarwood Essential Oil (Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil): It is Known for its calming aroma and antifungal properties. It regulates circulation and enhances hair follicle health.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil): Antimicrobial and soothing, it creates an ideal environment for hair growth. It provides a refreshing, cooling sensation and reduces scalp irritation.

3. Functional Additives

• Plant-Based Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Serves as an antioxidant, extending the shelf life of the oil while benefiting the scalp and hair. Protects hair from environmental damage and enhances shine.
• Wheat Germ Oil (Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil):Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it promotes elasticity and reduces hair breakage. Adds nourishment and boosts the formulation’s antioxidant profile.

Methodology for Development

Creating a high-performance hair oil involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern quality control measures. Below is the step-by-step methodology employed for this formulation:

1. Preparation and Sanitation

• All equipment and containers were thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination.
• Protective gear, including gloves and hair covers, was used during the process.

2. Ingredient Inspection

• Each raw material was inspected for quality, purity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Ingredients were accurately weighed using a calibrated scale.

3. Preparation of Amla infused Sunflower Oil 

• Rinse the Amla (10 gms for 100ml oil). It can be chopped into small bits or grated, you might need to soak dried amla in water for a few hours to soften it. 
• In a saucepan, slowly heat the carrier oil (Sunflower oil) at low heat. Make sure  that the oil is heated without smoking.
• To the heated oil, add the prepared Amla (fresh or dried).Turn the heat down to the lowest and simmer the mixture for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring continuously Amla’s beneficial qualities will be progressively absorbed by the oil.
• After taking the pan off of the burner, let the mixture cool.

4. Mixing

• Amla infused Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, and Olive Oil were combined in a sanitized mixing vessel.
• The mixture was stirred gently at room temperature.

5. Addition of Actives and Essential Oils

• Cedarwood and Eucalyptus Essential Oils were introduced at this stage, blended thoroughly to maintain homogeneity.

• Vitamin E and Wheat Germ Oil were added as the final components, mixed thoroughly to achieve a uniform product.
• The mixture was stirred for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Packaging

• The oil was transferred into sterilized amber glass bottles to protect it from light and oxidation.
• Bottles were sealed tightly and labeled with detailed product information, including date of preparation, usage instructions, and key ingredients.

Quality Control Measures

Quality control protocols were implemented to ensure the product’s efficacy and safety:

1. Appearance: The oil was inspected for clarity and free-flowing consistency.
2. Aroma: The fragrance profile was balanced, with no overpowering notes from individual ingredients.
3. Stability Testing:
   1. Heat-Cool Cycles: The formulation was exposed to temperature variations.  The samples were visually inspected for phase separation, precipitation, cloudiness, color changes, and odor variations. Viscosity and texture were noted to check for any formulation instability. At the end of the test, the samples were compared with a control sample stored at room temperature.
   2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles: To ensure the oil remained consistent under extreme conditions, oil samples were placed in a freezer at 5°C to -1°C for 24 hours. After freezing, the samples were transferred to an oven at 40°C for 24 hours. This cycle was repeated 5 times. After each cycle, the samples were visually inspected for phase separation, precipitation, cloudiness, color changes, and odor variations. Viscosity and texture were noted to check for any formulation instability. At the end of the test, the samples were compared with a control sample stored at room temperature.
4. Microbial Testing: To ensure that Amla hair oil is free from harmful microbial contamination,10mL of Amla hair oil was collected in a sterile container under aseptic conditions. The oil was mixed with sterile diluent in a 1:9 ratio to disperse microbial contaminants. Nutrient Agar plates were prepared. 0.1 mL of diluted sample was spread on the agar plate.The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24-48 hours.Colony-forming units (CFU) were counted and recorded. Microbial counts were compared to permissible limits.
5. Efficacy Trials: Over several months, I consistently used the Amla oil and witnessed a positive impact on my hair. Hair fall diminished considerably within six weeks, and I noticed a noticeable improvement in the overall health and appearance of my hair, including increased shine and a softer texture. The essential oils added to the hair oil provided a delightful and soothing sensation on my scalp.

Preparing this Amla Hair Oil was a great experience. I carefully chose ingredients that work together to improve hair health. This product not only addresses common hair problems but also feels wonderful to use.

As a researcher, I believe in creating products that are both effective and respect nature are the best for personal routine care. This Amla Oil is a perfect example of that. It nourishes hair, makes it stronger, and helps people feel confident about their beautiful hair.