But there have been few scientific studies on its effects on hair. Research on its benefits, in general, has been mixed. But this may be because it has so many properties and active ingredients. The varied effects of aloe vera may be due to the combination of chemicals and active ingredients.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Your Hair
You may have used aloe vera to soothe sunburns, but did you know that it may also have benefits for your hair? Here’s what to know about how aloe vera can strengthen your hair and help you manage an itchy scalp or greasy strands.
How Aloe Vera Can Help Your Hair
The aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years, since as early as 1750 BC. There are more than 450 species of aloe vera. It’s a succulent plant that grows in hot and dry climates around the world.
It’s beneficial for many skin problems like wounds, acne, and burns. Aloe vera is also consumed as food and in drinks and may have benefits for inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, hepatitis, and more.
But there have been few scientific studies on its effects on hair. Research on its benefits, in general, has been mixed. But this may be because it has so many properties and active ingredients. The varied effects of aloe vera may be due to the combination of chemicals and active ingredients.
These are some of the benefits of aloe vera for hair:
Strengthens hair. Aloe vera has many active ingredients and minerals that can help strengthen your hair. It has fatty acids and amino acids and is rich in vitamins A, B12, C, and E. These play a part in healthy hair follicles.
Controls greasy hair. Aloe vera has enzymes that break down fats and so strips your hair of any extra oil (sebum).
Helps an itchy scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects your scalp. It causes dandruff, red skin, and scaly patches. Researchers have found that aloe vera can significantly decrease the scaliness and itchiness.
Protection from UV damage. A study found that fresh aloe vera juice offers protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation that comes from the sun. UV exposure can cause your hair to lose its shine and color, and make it rough and less elastic, leading to breakage. The amount of protection from UV light depends on the type of hair.
Hair growth. Some people say aloe vera helps with hair growth, but there’s no scientific proof. However, researchers believe that aloenin, a chemical compound in the plant, is a primary factor in promoting hair growth, as found in people with a hair-loss condition called alopecia. It has been used to improve hair health and lessen breakage, which contributes to hair growth.
Risks of Aloe Vera
In general, there are few risks in using aloe vera on your skin. Some people may be allergic to it and develop a skin rash. Check to be sure by rubbing a small amount on the inside of your wrist. Wait about 2 hours to see if your skin has any reaction.
If you’re using steroid creams such as hydrocortisone, be careful with aloe vera. It can increase the amount of cortisone absorbed by your skin.
Also be careful if you’re planning to consume aloe vera. Aloe vera latex and whole leaf extracts are probably unsafe in high doses. Side effects include kidney problems, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. There are also potential interactions with medications like anticoagulants and diabetes drugs.
Tips for Using Aloe Vera
You can buy aloe vera gel from stores. Look for a product that has 100% aloe vera, without any added ingredients like fragrances and alcohol. You can also extract the gel from aloe vera leaves. Some natural food stores sell the leaves, or you can grow it as a houseplant.
Here’s how to remove the gel from an aloe vera plant:
- Remove a leaf from the plant. Pick the older, thicker leaves from the outside of the plant.
- Let the yellow latex drain away from the leaf. Discard the latex.
- Rinse the leaf.
- Use a sharp knife to remove the spiny ends.
- Run your knife or peeler lengthwise along the leaf to remove the skin.
- Cut out or scoop the clear gel.
Fresh aloe vera gel doesn’t last very long, but you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it.
Hair and scalp treatment. You can directly apply the raw aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp. Work it in with your hands into your scalp, hair, and ends. To help seal in the moisture, apply a few drops of castor oil and massage in. Leave the aloe vera in for about 30 minutes and then rinse off.
For greasy hair. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 cup of water. After shampooing, rinse with this solution, leave for a few minutes, and then rinse again.
Show Sources
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: “Health Benefits of Aloe Vera.”
Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine: “Aloe Vera.”
Cleveland Clinic: “The Best Vitamins, Supplements and Products for Healthier Hair.”
Indian Journal of Dermatology: “Aloe vera: A short review.”
Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources: “Comparative evaluation of photo-protective effect of Aloe vera Tourn. ex Linn. on UV damage in different Asian hair types.”
Journal of Dermatological Treatment: “A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.”
Mayo Clinic: “Aloe.”
Mount Sinai: “Aloe.”
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Aloe Vera.”
Pharmacognosy Review: “Aloe vera: Potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities,” “Plants used for hair growth promotion: A review.”
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: “Aloe: Asphodelaceae Family.”
How to Make Your Own Aloe Vera Hair Gel
Aloe vera hair gel is one of those products you can easily put in the DIY category. We love a good D.I.Y. project, especially if it saves us some money on our haircare supplies. With the popularity of natural beauty products, it’s no surprise aloe vera has gained popularity in the beauty world. Using aloe vera for hair gel makes a great alternative if you’re conscious about what goes into your products. Plus, it’s always fun to get creative at home.
With one simple ingredient, you’ll have a lightweight, easy-to-use hair gel without spending a ton of money. By making your own aloe vera hair gel, you’ll be able to help maintain your overall hair health, and your locks can be slicked back to perfection.
What is aloe vera?
Keep scrolling to find out more amazing benefits of this natural ingredient, and learn how to make your very own at home!
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair Gel
Being a little skeptical, about aloe vera and how it can benefit your strands as hair gel is totally normal. Aloe vera is a succulent plant that originated in the Arabian peninsula but can now be found in tropical climates around the world. The plant may sound familiar because the clear gel found in the leaves is a common ingredient used to treat burns.
When it comes to hair, aloe vera is amazing for your scalp because the proteolytic enzymes in the plant help repair dead skin cells. It also helps with any itching on your scalp, reduces dandruff, and helps condition hair because it is very moisturizing.
In addition, aloe vera also helps promote hair growth, shiny and smooth strands, and helps prevent breakage due to vitamin A and vitamin E found in the plant. This is also because the chemical makeup of aloe vera is similar to keratin, the primary protein our hair is made up of.
How to Make Aloe Vera Hair Gel
Aloe vera is a more natural alternative to other ingredients found in store-bought hair gels because of its ability to help keep your locks soft, strong, and frizz-free.
Step 1: Cut your aloe leaf.
Cut open a slice of an aloe vera leaf. Using a knife or spoon, scrape out the clear, gelatinous pulp inside each leaf and put it in a bowl. You can also use 100 percent aloe vera gel, which is sold at any drugstore.
Step 2: Concoct your aloe vera hair gel mixture.
Now it’s time for the fun part! Mix your gel with any essential oils of your choosing. You can add a few drops of rosemary, lavender, or even peppermint. This will help give your hair a boost of invigoration. When mixing in the essential oils, use one tablespoon of oil for every two tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
If you want to add even more moisturizing and conditioning benefits, feel free to mix in coconut, olive, or almond oil. For these oils, the ratio will be the same as the essential oils.
Step 3: Mix everything together.
Once you have your aloe vera hair gel mixture, blend everything together, and voilà: You have a perfect aloe vera hair gel for styling. Yes, it’s seriously that easy!
For Styling
TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel
You should note that this hair gel is a simple formula, and is meant to smooth out flyaways and frizz. If you’re in need of a hair gel for intricate hairstyles like spikes and mohawks, you may need a stronger option rather than aloe vera hair gel. We recommend using TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel if you need a high-power hair gel with a firmer hold. It offers long-lasting control that leaves you with perfectly styled locks all day long.
For Curly Hair
Emerge Style Goals Gel
We also love Emerge Style Goals Gel if you need a stronger option for natural hair. It uses pequi oil, shea butter, and almond milk to help control frizz and add shine.
Alternative Aloe Hair Products
For Hair Care
Suave Professionals Charcoal & Aloe Vera Clarifying Shampoo
For Hair Care
Suave Professionals Charcoal & Aloe Vera Clarifying Conditioner
If you are looking for other ways to infuse this ingredient into your hair care routine, consider an aloe-based shampoo and conditioner duo. Suave Professionals Charcoal & Aloe Vera Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner use aloe to soothe and rejuvenate your strands.
Try it out for your next D.I.Y. project and don’t forget to share the results with us at @Allthingshairus. Good luck!
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