Ask Karen - December 2005

December 27, 2005

Oiling Hair With Amla Hair Oil Or Coconut Oil?

Question

Dear Karen,

How often should I oil my hair?  I have heard that Amla Hair Oil is the only oil I should use.  Recently my hairdresser advised me not to oil my hair at all and to use a traditional deep hair conditioner instead.

I am confused.  What do you recommend?

Priya

Answer

Dear Priya,

Depending on which hair expert you talk to, it is recommend that hair be oiled at least twice a week.  Some experts believe it is best to apply the oil and leave it in for an entire day before washing.  

Some people that oil their hair will apply the oil midday, sleep with their hair wrapped up and then wash out the aged oil the next morning.

There is no right or wrong method nor is there a right or wrong oil that should be used.  Hair consumers devoted to oiling their hair often experiment to find the best oils for their hair type, texture, length and condition. 

Just like politics and religion, die hard hair oiling fans will support the oil related products and methods intensely.  Some hair consumers only use coconut oil, other use jojoba and others will swear by other oils such as Amla, olive, sesame or other oils that are readily available.

Since your hairdresser advised you not to oil your hair you are in a unique situation. 

Before proceeding with setting up a schedule oiling for your strands II would recommend that you talk further with your hairdresser to get more details about their advice. 

There are a number of reasons why your hairdresser might suggest that you not oil your hair including the possibility of oil buildup in the scalp area or on the actual cuticles.  Of course it would be impossible to hazard a correct guess of what your hairdresser had in mind.

Set up an appointment to go see your hairdresser and have a list of questions prepared about your hair type, texture and condition and why coconut oil might be better than Amla.  This will give you insight into how better to condition and care for your hair.

Of course it is always helpful to do your own research and experimenting once you understand your hairdresser's concerns about your oiling practices.    Sometimes it is helpful to also get other expert opinions to what is happening with your hair and why oiling may or may not be the best practice for you.

Best wishes,

Karen

December 17, 2005

What Is Amla Hair Oil?

Question

Dear Karen,

I have heard some of the members of HairBoutique.com's HairTalk board chat about oiling their hair with Amla Hair Oil and how it may help with hair growth. 

What exactly is Amla?  Is it just a brand name or a specific type of oil? 

Why is it better than other oils?  Finally, is oiling the hair only good for people with long hair?

Batya

Answer

Dear Batya,

Alma Hair Oil is a type of hair oil that includes extracts from the Amla fruit.  Amla is the Hindi name for the fruit.  In Sanskirt the name of the fruit is Amalaki.  The Alma fruit is famous for its rejuvenating properties for hair, skin and the body.

Amla hair oil can usually be found in Indian spice or food shops. 

Amla fruit or the extracts of Amla fruit have been traditionally used for many chronic health conditions including diabetes and the possible prevention of ulcer.

Hair consumers, especially long hair disciples, have long suggested that hair oils that are infused with extracts of Amla will provide rejuvenation and healing for damaged or dry hair.  Some devotees have gone so far as to suggest that Alma extract added to hair oils will help with hair growth.

Whether Alma infused hair oils actually help hair grow or not, may users do believe it helps to soothe and condition dry or damaged tresses.

Several companies manufacture and market hair oil formulations with extracts of the Alma fruit.

Oiling can be beneficial for all hair types, lengths (short, medium and long) and conditions although people who are committed to having healthy long tresses are more proactive towards utilizing oiling as a conditioning agent.

Oil enriches your hair, protects it and the massaging stimulates better hair growth.

Thanks,

Karen

December 15, 2005

Amla Hair Oil And Mineral Oil?

Question

Dear Karen,

I am interested in trying the Indian hair oil known as Amla.  Do you know if it contains mineral oil?

Julianne

Answer

Dear Julianne,

Although different brands of Amla Hair Oil can include different ingredients, many do include mineral oil.  If your goal is to avoid mineral oil for your hair, be sure to read the labels before purchasing.

Best wishes,

Karen

December 5, 2005

Long Hair And Amla Hair Oil?

Question

Dear Karen,

Is Amla Hair Oil only appropriate for people with long hair? 

Babs

Answer

Dear Babs,

Amla Hair Oils can be used by anyone with any type, texture or length of hair.  Long tressed hair consumers may show a preference to Amla Hair Oil compared to medium or short haired folks.

Best wishes,

Karen

December 2, 2005

Shikakai Hair Oil Ingredients?

Question

Dear Karen,

Do you have any idea what is contained in Shikakai oil?  I have been researching it.  I understand it is an oil or oil blend that can be used to oil hair that is most popular in India.  Does it contain Amla extract?

Shelby

Answer

Dear Shelby,

Shikakai oil contains Oil Extract of Amla.  It also contains Mineral oil, Coconut oil, Castor oil, Oil Extract of Shikakai, Oil Extract of Amla, Oil Extract of Brahmi, Oil Extract of Jatamansi, Indian Lilac, Indian Penny-Wort, Oil Extract of Neem, Parfum, Indian Spikenard, Phyllanthe Emblic, Octyl Methoxycinnamate Tertiary Butyl and Hydroxy Quinone.

Shikakai oil, which is popular in India, is often used for hair conditioning, oiling and beauty treatments. 

Best wishes,

Karen

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