Amla powder is made from the ground-up leaves of the Indian gooseberry. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat everything from diarrhea to jaundice. The powder has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, leading some people to chalk it up as the next big thing in beauty.

But can using amla really lead to a healthier scalp and luscious locks? Here’s what the research says, how to make your own hair mask, and more.