Phyllanthus emblica — Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is a classic hair-care fruit in Ayurveda, valued for its shine-boosting, scalp-balancing properties and gentle toning effect on colour. Finely milled from the dried fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, amla is naturally rich in tannins and antioxidants. In herbal colouring, it’s used to soften henna’s brightness, add subtle cool depth, and support a healthy-looking scalp—without synthetic additives.

Known across the Indian subcontinent for millennia, amla is referenced in Ayurvedic texts as a rasayana (rejuvenative). Traditionally infused in oils, pastes, and hair rinses, it has been a household mainstay for lustre, breakage reduction, and scalp comfort. As herbal powders entered modern routines, amla found a new role: a simple, single-ingredient way to enhance shine and adjust tone in plant-based hair colour.

Botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis)
INCI: Emblica Officinalis Fruit Powder / Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Powder
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Part used: Dried, finely milled fruit (not seeds)
Notable constituents: Tannins, polyphenols, organic acids (naturally low-pH profile)

Traditional: Hair oils and masks for shine, scalp comfort, and breakage resistance; cleansing pastes; cooling herbal infusions.

Modern: Mixed into herbal colour to tone down henna’s copper, nudge results slightly cooler/neutral, add slip/shine to pastes, and used as standalone masks for scalp balance and glossy finish.

Choose amla if you want:

• Extra shine and smoothness with plant routines
• A way to temper henna’s brightness toward neutral/cooler copper
• Scalp-friendly care in a simple, single-ingredient format
  

It’s not ideal if you’re seeking dramatic colour change by itself—amla is a supporting ingredient, not a dye. (For browns/blacks, see Henna + Indigo.)

• Tones & balances: Its tannin-rich, naturally acidic profile can soften warm copper from henna and lend a slightly cooler/ash hint on lighter bases.
• Boosts gloss: Smooths the look of the cuticle for a glossier, more reflective finish.
• Scalp support: Many users find amla masks leave the scalp fresh, less oily, and comfortable.
• Texture feel: Can make hair feel a touch fuller when used in masks or mixed into plant pastes.

Amla fruit contains tannins and organic acids that sit in a low-pH range. On hair, a mildly acidic environment helps the cuticle lie flatter, which enhances shine and can subtly influence how warm tones are perceived. When used with henna, amla does not “cancel” red; rather, it moderates the coppery cast toward neutral by optical effect and by gently affecting dye behaviour during paste time. It doesn’t lift melanin or permanently alter structure—think tone refinement, not chemical dyeing.

Amla is a long-lived fruiting tree cultivated across India. The cosmetic powder is made via a short chain—harvest → clean → dry → grind—with no synthetic colourants. We look for fruit-only material, clean milling, and a fine, even grind for smooth mixing and easy rinse. Packed in resealable, recyclable pouches; store cool, dry, and sealed.