Aloe Vera For Hair

From repairing damaged hair to managing frizz, aloe vera can be the answer to all your hair woes. It is widely believed that it can promote hair growth and maintain hair health. The ancient Greeks and Ayurveda practitioners claimed it to be beneficial for the hair (1). Despite the lack of scientific data, aloe vera is a common ingredient in hair care products, DIY masks, and home remedies. What makes it great for your hair? Read this article to find out how aloe vera benefits the hair and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine.

What Makes Aloe Vera Beneficial For Your Hair?

Aloe vera has 75 potentially active constituents, including essential proteins and amino acids, saccharides, salicylic acid, proteolytic enzymes, antioxidants, saponins, minerals, and vitamins (1). The presence of all these compounds makes aloe vera beneficial for your hair health.

Here is how aloe vera may keep your hair and scalp healthy.

Aloe Vera Benefits For Your Hair

1. May Calm An Itchy Scalp

Anecdotal evidence and Ayurveda suggest the use of aloe vera to soothe an itchy scalp. Aloe vera gel or extracts can calm scalp conditions, such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, scalp irritation, and eczema. It contains proteolytic enzymes and salicylic acid that dissolves excess dead skin cells to soothe the itchy scalp and reduce inflammation (1), (2), (3).

2. May Deep Clean Oily Hair

Aloe vera contains saponin (1). Saponin is an effective cleaning agent that helps clean dirt, grease, and oil, and product buildup from the hair. Aloe vera has moisturizing properties, and it cleanses the hair without leaving it dry (2), (4). It makes the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.

3. May Strengthen And Repair The Hair

Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth (2). The antioxidants in aloe vera protect the hair from free radical damage, helping repair damaged hair. Its moisturizing properties make it an effective conditioning agent to keep the hair strong and healthy.

4. May Promote Hair Growth

Proponents of Ayurveda believe that aloe vera can treat baldness and prevent hair thinning. Although there is no scientific evidence, it is thought that aloe vera promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation that stimulates hair follicles. Aloe vera also has moisturizing properties (2). This may protect the hair shafts and prevent damage and hair breakage.

If you want to use aloe vera on your hair, we have shared some home remedies. Check them out in the next section.

How Do I Use Aloe Vera On My Hair?

You can use aloe vera directly on normal or oily hair. However, it has mild astringent properties that can dry your hair. Hence, it is recommended to add natural oils or glycerin, especially if you have dry, brittle, or damaged hair.

You can also try home remedies to keep your hair healthy. Home-made hair masks with simple ingredients are widely used to nourish the hair and keep it hydrated. Check out some popular home remedies in the next section.

How To Prepare Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Aloe Vera Hair Mask For Hair Growth

1. Aloe Vera And Castor Oil Hair Mask

Castor oil is said to promote hair growth and is a popular home remedy to prevent hair thinning. This mask can keep the hair moisturized and protected.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of castor oil
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

Process

1. Warm the castor oil.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
3. Massage this mixture onto your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off with shampoo.
5. Use this mask once a week.

Aloe Vera Hair Mask For Dandruff

1. Aloe Vera And ACV Hair Mask

This home remedy is widely used to treat dandruff. Apple cider vinegar is said to soothe the scalp and maintain the pH level. A shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil was found to be effective in minimizing dandruff (5).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 drops of tea tree oil

Process

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mask to your scalp with a cotton ball.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Use this mask once a week for a month and once every other week after that.

2. Aloe Vera And Yogurt Mask

Yogurt contains Lactobacillus paracasei (6). Research shows that this strain of good bacteria in yogurt helps reduce dandruff (7).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
• 2 tablespoons of yogurt

Process

1. Mix both the ingredients and apply the mask to your scalp and hair.
2. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off.
3. You can use this mask weekly for the best results.

You can also use aloe vera as a leave-in conditioner. Scroll down to learn how.

Aloe Vera As  Leave-In Conditioner

Aloe vera has a pH similar to our hair, so it can be used as a leave-in conditioner. This natural conditioner contains rosewater and oils that moisturize and nourish your hair, leaving it silky soft, shiny, and manageable.

You Will Need

• ¼ cup aloe vera juice
• ¼ cup rosewater
• 1 teaspoon of argan oil (You can also use grapeseed or sweet almond oils)
• ½ teaspoon of glycerin
• 2-3 drops of essential oil of your choice (for fragrance)
• 1 spray bottle

Process

1. Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before spraying it on your hair. Avoid the roots.

These are some ways you can incorporate aloe vera in your hair care routine. If you are wondering how often you should use aloe vera on your hair, find the answer below.

How Often Should You Put Aloe Vera On Your Hair?

You can use aloe vera once a week on your hair for the best results. However, this depends on your hair type. If you have normal or oily hair, you can use it once or twice a week. If you have dry hair, use it twice or thrice a week.

Every ingredient has some side effects. Keep reading to learn about the risks of using aloe vera.

Does Aloe Vera Have Side Effects?

Aloe vera is considered safe for topical application (1). It is also safe for sensitive scalps. However, if you are allergic to it, aloe vera may cause a few side effects like:

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Rashes
• Hives

Avoid using aloe vera if you:

• Are allergic to garlic or onion (Liliaceae family)
• Use steroids (hydrocortisone)
• Have contact dermatitis
• Are pregnant

You can try a simple patch test to verify if you are allergic to aloe vera. You may also get a blood test done to identify the ingredients you are allergic to.

Conclusion

Aloe vera is a versatile ingredient that can promote hair growth, improve hair thickness, fight dandruff, and repair hair damage. While there is not enough evidence to support the claims, those who have used aloe vera rave about its benefits. Remember, store-bought aloe vera gel is not as same as the pure aloe vera extract. Hence, always do a patch test to be on the safe side. Go ahead and try these recipes at home to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions

Can aloe vera regrow lost hair or thicken hair?

While there is no scientific evidence, anecdotal evidence suggests that aloe vera can help boost blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.

How can I use aloe vera for styling my hair?

You can use aloe vera gel as pre-styling serum or dilute it with water and use it as hairspray to fight frizz and keep the hair shiny.

Is aloe vera gel safe for consumption?

Aloe vera gel and skin can be eaten. However, it is not suggested to consume aloe vera as it reportedly causes diarrhea, vomiting, kidney problems, electrolyte imbalances, and colic.

How can I preserve fresh aloe vera gel?

You can freeze fresh aloe vera gel to preserve it for a week. You can increase the shelf life (up to 2 months) of fresh aloe vera by adding vitamins E or C.