What Is Amla Oil? Why This Ancient Ayurvedic Ingredient Has Endured for Generations

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For every haircare ingredient that explodes in popularity, another is waiting for its moment in HairTok's spotlight. Rosemary oil surged into the mainstream in 2023 as users reported dramatic hair growth transformations, while castor oil has remained a staple of countless beauty routines for its conditioning properties. Now, another centuries-old ingredient is beginning to capture the attention of curious consumers: amla oil.

Derived from the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), a small green fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine and wellness practices for centuries, amla has earned its place in traditional haircare. It is a centuries-old South Asian staple that, when paired with realistic expectations and a consistent haircare routine, offers a thoughtful alternative to the endless cycle of viral beauty trends. 

If your hair could benefit from an oil treatment that's been used for centuries to nourish the scalp, help reduce breakage, tame frizz, and promote healthier-looking hair, amla oil deserves a spot in your shopping cart. To help narrow the field, we at Nakhra tested some of the market's most popular options and selected five that stood out for their formulation, value, and overall performance.‍

Nakhra’s Pick: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil: $38.00

We just had to get our hands on this one. One of the most recognizable amla-infused hair oils on the market, Fable & Mane- HoliRoots Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil blends key Ayurvedic ingredients like amla to help nourish and hydrate the hair, along with ashwagandha, which is traditionally used to support stronger-looking hair.

According to the brand's clinical testing, the formula has been shown to increase hair strength and reduce breakage from brushing. It's easy to see why HoliRoots™ has become such a standout in the category. The lightweight formula leaves hair feeling softer and shinier, while its floral fragrance combines notes of cedarwood and fresh Indian jasmine sambac for a scent that's both refreshing and sweet.

Pros

• Clinically tested to help increase hair strength and reduce breakage from brushing.
• Lightweight formula that's easy to work into most haircare routines.
• Fresh floral scent with notes of Indian jasmine sambac and cedarwood.

Cons

• The floral fragrance may not appeal to everyone.
• Higher price point than many traditional Ayurvedic hair oils on the market.

Best Gateway to Ayurvedic Wellness: Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil: $42.00

Sahajan is a brand that is committed to authenticity and integrity by staying true to its Ayurvedic roots while offering a wide range of thoughtfully formulated products. Their Nurture Hair Oil is a lightweight blend featuring amla oil and bhringraj—commonly known as the "King of Hair" in Ayurveda—to help nourish the scalp, tame frizz, and promote healthier-looking hair. 

Sahajan's formula absorbs easily and works equally well as a weekly scalp treatment or a finishing oil to smooth out annoying flyaway strands. Applying this formula is always a nightly joy thanks to its silky texture and subtle earthy fragrance with hints of sweet citrus. I've had other hair oils stain clothes and bedsheets, but Nurture Hair Oil is anything but greasy. 

Pros

• Lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly.
• Versatile enough for both weekly scalp treatments and finishing touches.
• Helps nourish the scalp while smoothing frizz and flyaways.

Cons

• Higher price point than many traditional Ayurvedic hair oils on the market.
• Lightweight formula may not provide enough richness for very coarse or extremely dry hair on its own.  

Best Traditional Formula: Khadi Strong Amla Hair Oil : $29.99

Khadi’s Strong Amla Hair Oil was my first experience with traditional Ayurvedic hair oil treatments. It features a classic herbal formulation that reminds me of the oils my desi girlfriend's mother uses on my hair during my occasional visits to Mumbai. While many modern formulas prioritize a lighter texture, Khadi embraces a richer, heavier herbal blend that's designed to be massaged into the scalp before washing. It's certainly more of a commitment before bedtime, but this classic Ayurvedic oiling ritual is well worth it.

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Khadi is meant to be worked into the scalp before washing and left on for at least 30 to 60 minutes, though an overnight treatment gives the formula even more time to help minimize breakage, enhance shine, and reduce frizz. When you first open the bottle, you'll immediately notice its distinctive scent: earthy, botanical, and slightly medicinal thanks to ingredients like ylang-ylang, neem, and amla—all staples of the Ayurvedic wellness tradition. 

Pros

• Rich, traditional Ayurvedic formula designed for deep pre-wash scalp treatments.
• Helps soften dry hair while improving shine and reducing frizz.
• Botanical blend featuring a variety of ayurvedic wellness tradition

Cons

• Thick consistency may feel too heavy for fine or oily hair.
• Strong herbal scent may not appeal to everyone.

Best Value: Life & Pursuits Amla Brahmi Hair Oil: $16.99

With an impressive ayurvedic formulation of ingredients such as amla, hibiscus, coconut, and castor oils, Life & Pursuits’ Amla Brahmi Hair Oil is thoughtfully crafted without carrying a premium price tag. While it may seem easy to dismiss this product instead of the higher-end brands featured in this roundup, for readers looking to experience their first foray into ayurvedic hair treatments without making a significant investment.

Designed as a pre-wash treatment, the Amla Brahmi Hair Oil is meant to be massaged thoroughly into the scalp, giving the botanical ingredients time to saturate both the hair and scalp. This is not a lightweight styling product and requires a bit of preparation before applying. My preference is to settle into a hot bath with a good book while I let the hair oil nourish every strand. 

Pros

• Excellent value for the ingredient quality.
• Rich blend of traditional Ayurvedic botanicals.
• Mineral oil-free formula.

Cons

• Easy to overapply and may require two rounds of shampoo to fully rinse out.
• Herbal botanical scent may take some getting used to for first-time users. 

Best Luxury Experience: RANAVAT Mighty Majesty Hair Serum: $70.00

The RANAVAT Mighty Majesty Hair Serum is Ayurvedic haircare at its most luxurious. Founded by Michelle Ranavat, the brand has built a reputation for blending centuries-old Indian beauty traditions with contemporary beauty innovation. Built around three core ingredients—amla, jasmine, and sunflower oil—and finished with a jasmine-forward fragrance, it makes a compelling case for the idea that less is more. 

Mighty Majesty Hair Serum is versatile enough to work as both a scalp treatment and a finishing serum, making it one of the most adaptable products in this roundup. Its jasmine-forward fragrance feels right at home in a luxury salon, while its silky finish makes it a primary candidate for an everyday routine rather than a product reserved for traditional oil treatments. My favorite feature, however, is its heat protection. Whenever I diffuse my curls, I apply a few drops beforehand to help shield my hair from the heat while keeping it soft and manageable.

Pros

• A little goes a long way, so only a few drops are needed per application.
• Versatile enough for both pre-wash treatments and everyday styling. 
• Easy to incorporate into an existing haircare routine without changing your regimen.

Cons

• Highest price point in this roundup.
• Smaller bottle size than many traditional Ayurvedic hair oils, making frequent use a more expensive habit.