amla question

[geosangel]

I'm sitting here reading, trying to learn about these different herbs, and I came upon several posts stating that amla will turn your hair black. I'm asking about the powdered amla, using it (in the future) as a paste left on for a few hours. This may sound ignorant, but the pic on the box is of black hair, which made me further wonder if it's true that it will turn hair black. My hair will soon be hennaed, and I don't think I look nice with black hair, my complexion just isn't right for it, but I was hoping to be able to use amla later on, as well as a few other herbs, but definitely not if it's going to blacken my hair. Forgive me for all these questions, but I figure where better to learn than here ;)

[allnaturalboy]

I believe that indian herbs can darken hair, but your hair isn't going to turn black. I'm sure you'll be fine, but do a strand test if you're that worried.

[Varney]

The most common use of amla is probably to use it together with henna or henna+indigo. It is supposed to make the tone a bit more brownish or tone down the red. I used a little with my henna and didn't notice any difference in the colour.

You can read more about it at hennaforhair (http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/amla/) and Hennaboy (http://www.henna-boy.co.uk/howto/HB-Brunette%20With%20Amla%20Instructions.pdf).

[smcm1232]

Heard it was neutral henna no color

[Finchen]

Cassia is neutral Henna, however it can add golden tones to light hair.
Amla is not neutral Henna!

[smcm1232]

Ah! I thought used alone was just nuetral no color change and added volume and brought back curls. I know it's used in dye uptake in indigo but not neccessary from what I read. But will tone down copper in red when mixed with henna. But used alone after henna'd hair not dure if would change color thought I read somewhere that it wouldn't unless it's mixed with something. And I did read that cassia was nuetral but did give golde hues on both virgin hair and hennad. Alot of info out there gets confusing lol

[Finchen]

Yes it can be confusing. ;)

I have used Amla a few times, it did stain my fingernails, but it didnt stain my hair. I have used also other Indian herbs, like Bhringraj which are supposed to darken hair (also Brahmi).

However I didnt use Amla too often, so probably it can stain light hair when its used regularly.

And yes, in combination with Henna, Amla can make the hair browner, less reddish. I never used Henna before though, so cant report from experience. :p

[little_cherry]

Yeah..the amla will darken gradually. Personally I've used amla with henna, in an oil, amla paste mixed with SMT and in a shikakai/aritha/methi/jaswandi tea and loved the results each and every time...the darkening is gradual.

[geosangel]

I guess what I'm interested in is the amla, shakakai, reetha mix for washing/conditioning, as opposed to using the co method that I've been doing for awhile now. The reason is for the thickening/strengthening effect, not the color. I already henna, and I like my color as is...however; if I can achieve a much thicker, stronger hair type by using these herbs, well, then, I'm willing to overlook the darker color..also, I wonder how long it takes for these herbs to make a noticeable difference in thickness and strength..and how much thicker they can make my hair, which to me seems pretty thin right now..I'm not into doing any indigo, I don't want black hair, (at least overnight)..and much of what I've read about these herbs seems to almost always include indigo:(. Is the indigo a major component in the thickening process? What if you only use the other herbs without indigo and on henna only hair??

[little_cherry]

I use a shikakai/aritha/methi/jaswandi hair tea...I have been doing it for a few months now an only have a slight darkening affect to my henna only hair. I don't mind it. I know I could always lighten/brighten it by doing a few honey lightening treatments.

For thickness and strength...well, I noticed a difference in the strength after 2 weeks of washing with the tea...I noticed much less hair shed. The thickness happens in time since the baby hairs have to catch up-- I have lots of those baby hairs.

[LaurelSpring]

I just started using aritha/shikakai/amla washing a couple of weeks ago and I havent noticed any color difference. If you are worried about the amla then maybe just leave it out. I only use half a tsp in my mix so I dont think it impacts it too much.

[NouvelleNymphe2]

I was curious about Amla as well. Thanks for the posts, I think I'll leave it out for now too.

[hermosamendoza]

I am trying to add shine. I currently purchased amla powder, shakakai powder, and jasmine oil.
I'm waiting for it to be delivered around next monday.
i like my hair just a tad bit darker than it is naturally so maybe this will be good for me.