Henna V Amla

Henna V Amla

Henna and Amla are my all-time favourite ayurvedic herbs. I have been using both for over a decade and believe me, picking one over the other is simply impossible. But hey, let’s get into it!!

Let’s look at the properties, benefits and what to expect after using these two powerhouses over time.

 

HENNA'S PROPERTIES

Henna was the first herb that I came across. My mother would make henna treatments sparsely over the years since I was 9 years. Henna is an amazing herb and one of the only herbs that builds up on your hair over time. Let’s imagine a strand of hair with shingles all around the shaft of the hair. Now, if any of these shingles gets lost, the result is a damaged, raggedy and fragile hair. Henna has the ability to fill in these areas where you have missing cuticles almost like a filler. What further enhances this process is the ability of Henna to build up over time with each application. This has an accumulative effect on the hair, resulting in thicker hair strands. Nevertheless, henna has been shown to have an elongation effect in hair hence it is advised to always do a strand test when using a new ayurvedic ingredient.

The active ingredient in Henna is the Lawsone dye. This is released when the henna is allowed to sit in the hair for a couple of hours to get all the astonishing benefits. However, due to the lawsone dye being released, the hair is going to have a reddish-brown tint. This is desired by some and not necessarily by others. If you have a full head of grey hair bear in mind that it will stain the hair. For black hair, this stain is really not very visible.

 AMLA'S PROPERTIES

Amla on the other hand is Indian gooseberry, which is a vitamin C packed fruit that is dried down and powdered. Amla does the opposite in long term to what henna does. It tightens curls over time. Therefore, if you are going for a loose, elongated curl then henna might be your preferred option. Contrarily, if you are struggling with curl damage then Amla is your go to.

In addition, Amla can stimulate the melanin in your hair causing it to darken. This is particularly important to notice if you have a blonde hair or a colour treated hair. Nevertheless, Amla is definitely the better of the two powders when it comes to colouring. Just make sure to do your strand test guys.

Amla has less slip compared to henna mainly due to the part of the plant Amla is derived from. Henna is derived from the leaves while Amla is the Indian gooseberry.

APPLICATION - ITS A MESSY BUSINESS BUT WORTH IT

That is a quick overview of these two ayurvedic powders. Now let’s get to application!!

When it comes to application, both powders should be applied to cleansed damp hair. Another key step to consider during application is to work in sections. Part your hair into sections as this makes application easier and ensures that all parts are covered. Be sure to get a pair of gloves especially when using henna to prevent getting your hands and nails from getting stained. In addition, apply a balm on the edges to prevent colour transfer on skin.

Both of these powders combine really well with each other as well as with other ayurvedic powders depending on your hair needs. You can reach for some Shikakai, Jamun fruit and much more. Both do best when combined with hot water (not boiling) especially the henna. The kinetic energy in hot water allows for the release of all the goodness a lot quicker. For example, the lawsone dye in henna exits the powder a lot faster and bioavailable to the scalp. Unlike the Amla powder, the henna mixture needs to sit for at least 4 hours before being applied to the hair.

 HOW TO MIX THEM 

Ingredients that can be added to your mixture are; coconut milk, honey, yogurt, olive oil, castor oil, rose water and aloe vera juice. However, butters and oils have been shown to impede the uptake of the lawsone dye by the hair. Therefore, if are wanting to tone down the strengthening effect with some hydration then definitely reach for your oils and butters, otherwise refrain.

You can boost the benefits of both powders by adding essential oils such as basil, rosemary, lavender, tea tree. See a full video of a comparison and application by checking out the video below. Be sure to check out the henna and amla collections here. 

 

 


6 comments

  • Dr. Debboe

    I have RELAXED HAIR and would love to know “HOW TO OFTEN TO APPLY TEAS, FENUGREEK EXLIR, AMLA AND HENNA MASKS” OR ANY CURLY PROVERBS PRODUCT…?

  • Sujey

    Hiii !! Am so exited to say am in love with the masque Amla & Bhringraj. I have try many others from amazon but this one left me blown away… amazon masque left my hair dry but this one … wow my hair its soft, bounce. Am so happy i tried it . God bless you !!!

  • Rae coleman

    Ive been using your products for since 2020 and my hair is so long now! However, i noticed that henna leaves my hair super dry… what am i doing wrong?

  • Patrice

    Hi Farida! I would like to know if you have a daily, or weekly and monthly regimen for all the products you offer and how to us each one. For example, I saw your video explaining that if you are a first time user of henna and you start with a gloss, you should follow-up every 2 weeks with the treatment. How long would you do the every 2 week regimen until switching to glossing weekly and can you put the teas in the hair 3 times a week the same week you did your first gloss? t seems you benefit the most by using the mask, gloss, and teas along with taking MSM, Vitamin C and juicing daily. However, I’m confused on how often all of the products integrate on a daily/weekly and monthly basis. Is it possible to purchase a calendar or a hair regime for proper usage when using the main items in conjunction with one another…which include Mask, Gloss and Teas?

    I would like to purchase all your products, but would love to have a schedule on how to use them all.

    Thank you so very much and I’m looking forward to being able to get started with your products!
    Best Regards!

  • Eli Caraballo

    Hi Farida. Thank YOU for helping us with your great advises and amazing products. How many minutes do I leave the amla mask ON, how may times per week or per month can I repeat the application ? Thank you tremendously. Eli .


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