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5 Amazing Benefits Of Aloe Vera On Hair That You Cannot Ignore

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Aloe Vera is a plant that is known to have many soothing and healing properties. People all over the world use aloe to obtain amazing benefits for skin, health, and even weight loss. You can use all parts of the plant for pretty much everything for your daily use. But did you know that there are benefits of aloe vera on hair that you just cannot ignore?

Yes, you read that right! Aloe vera can be used on hair for various reasons and in numerous ways as well.

In this article, we will gloss over five ways aloe vera can benefit your hair, how to use aloe to improve hair health and also some common frequently asked questions you may have about the miracle plant.

Benefits Of Aloe Vera On Hair

We have all mercilessly subjected our hair to endless amounts of chemicals and toxins in the form of shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, and the like. Seldom do we stop and think about natural ways to take care of our hair.

Aloe Vera is nature’s answer to most of our hair problems. It is made up of 96% water, a type of protein that contains 18 out of the 20 amino acids found in the body, Vitamins A, B C, and E. Best of all, it is all natural and super cheap to get your hands on. In fact, you can even grow it easily in your home.

So how exactly does it benefit our hair?

1. Soothes Itchy Scalp

Aloe Vera naturally contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help keep the scalp healthy and free of infection. Scalp inflammation can easily lead to dandruff or flakey skin. This causes the scalp to become dry and itchy.

Photo by Mariia Zakatiura from Unsplash

The fatty acids found in aloe Vera have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing scalp redness, swelling, and scaling.

After all, aloe has long been used on burns and external wounds as a cooling agent. Similarly, when used on the scalp, it provides a soothing effect.

The enzyme bradykinase in aloe is known to kill infections, and the proteolytic enzymes help to repair dead skin cells on the scalp.

Excessive dead skin cells are directly related to conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which aloe helps to eradicate thanks to its antifungal properties.

Using Aloe Vera, deep cleans the hair shaft, removing excess sebum and other buildup from hair without really stripping it of its natural oils.

Although there are many products on the market that clean the dirt from hair, they usually hurt the hair shaft while they clean because the ingredients in them are too harsh.

Aloe Vera cleans hair gently and effectively, without causing damage to the structure of the hair as it is devoid of any chemicals, making hair healthier, shinier, and softer as it cleans.

2. Removes Excess Sebum From Hair

Aloe vera has great cleansing capabilities when used on the hair. Excess sebum from the scalp can accumulate on hair strands, weighing it down and making it look greasy. Oil, sweat, and residue from hair products can also gather on hair, giving it a dull and dirty feel.

Using aloe vera, deep cleans the hair shaft, removing excess sebum and other buildup from hair without really stripping it of its natural oils.

Although there are many products on the market that clean the dirt from hair, they usually hurt the hair shaft while they clean because the ingredients in them are too harsh.

Aloe vera cleans hair gently and effectively, without causing damage to the structure of the hair as it is devoid of any chemicals, making hair healthier, shinier, and softer as it cleans.

3. Conditions & Detangles The Hair

Not only does aloe vera clean hair efficiently, it also acts as a natural humectant or moisturizer! It draws moisture from the environment to pull into your hair, keeping it well hydrated. This is especially beneficial for dry and brittle hair and even scalps.

Aloe vera also helps to lock in moisture in hair shafts, so that a protective barrier is created between your hair and the harmful elements of the environment that can stress it out.

The conditioning properties in aloe vera ensure your hair stays silky smooth, healthy, and full of shine. The vitamins A, C, and E contribute to hair’s vibrant health, reducing snags and making detangling the hair easy and effortless.

Next time, your hair feels dull and filled with knots, try aloe vera in the shower as a conditioner to get a boost of shine and vitality.

4. Repairs Damaged Hair Strands

Even though aloe vera does not contain any proteins, its chemical make-up is quite similar to that of keratin.

Keratin is the primary protein of hair that fortifies the follicles. It is made up of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and even sulphur.

Aloe’s structural similarity to keratin allows for deeper penetration of nutrients and oxygen along the entire length of the hair shaft. This allows for easier repairing of damaged hair follicles, adding both strength and luster to hair.

Plus, aloe vera is super rich in vitamins E, A, B12 and even folic acid which help to keep your hair from breaking, snapping, falling out, and thinning.

5. Promotes Stronger Hair Growth

As we already know from above, proteolytic enzymes in aloe allow the break down of sebum and slough off dead scalp cells clogging your hair follicles. This creates a clean and fresh scalp environment for new hair to grow out stronger and faster.

When the scalp is clean, blood circulation in the scalp improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrition to hair follicles.

The vitamins, minerals, and amino acids limit the chances of breakage, split ends, and hair loss. Instead, they contribute to keeping hair strong, long, and healthy.

How To Use Aloe Vera On Hair

As you already may know, there are many ways to use aloe vera for your hair. You can really be as creative as you want with how you want to use it. Here are a few of my recommendations of how you may incorporate aloe Vera into your daily hair care regimen:

1. Aloe Vera Oil Mask

Photo by iHerb

  • Blend ½ a cup of fresh aloe vera gel until there are no lumps.
  • Add in 3 tablespoons of castor oil and mix well.
  • Apply to your scalp and hair and massage for a few minutes.
  • You can leave it on for 30 minutes to upto an hour before washing it off.

If you do not have fresh aloe vera, you can also use a store bought organic aloe vera gel for your hair masks. I personally love and use Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel for hair and even skin! It moisturizes, soothes, and smells fantastic. The tub lasts me forever so it’s a great value for money!

2. Aloe Vera As A Leave-In Conditioner

  • Make 2 cups of green tea and let it cool down.
  • Blend ½ cup of fresh aloe vera gel until there are no lumps.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to aloe vera gel and green tea and mix until well combined.
  • Apply the mixture to the entire length of your hair & scalp after your shampoo.

Photo by iHerb

If you are not into DIY and want a quick fix, try the Aloe Vera Mild Formula Conditioner by Mill Creek Botanicals. This deep conditioning hair mask  reaches deep into the roots of your hair to provide hydrating and soothing treatment that will last throughout the day, fight against dry scalp and restore your hair’s natural shine and moisture balance. It is free from sulfates, parabens and it also protects color.

3. Aloe Vera Hair Rinse

  • Blend ½ cup of aloe vera again until smooth and add 15 drops of rosemary essential oil.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water to the mixture.
  • Pour over your scalp and hair after a hair wash.
  • Massage for a few minutes before rinsing it out with water.

Use this rinse once a week to give your hair a boost of shine and vitality.

Most Common Aloe Vera FAQs

Photo by mozo190 from Pixabay

Q. Are there side effects of Aloe Vera on hair?

Generally, aloe vera is safe to use. The external use of aloe vera does not have any risks associated with it. However, some people may be allergic, especially if they have an allergy to garlic, onions, and even tulips.

Always do a patch test to check for potential allergies.

Consult with a doctor and avoid topical use of aloe if you are using hydro cortisone cream on your skin as it allows more cortisone amounts to be absorbed than desired or considered safe.

Q. Can aloe vera cause hair loss?

Aloe vera is not known to cause hair loss. In fact, it is used to reduce hair loss. However, if you are noticing hair loss with the use of aloe vera, there could be several reasons. It could be as a result of:

  • An allergic reaction
  • Prolonged usage (using aloe vera too often)
  • Overexposure (leaving aloe vera on for too long)
  • Aggressive massaging (dislodging hair while applying aloe vera)
  • Underlying health condition (thyroid, hormone imbalance, vitamin or mineral deficiencies)

Q. Can I use aloe vera gel on my hair everyday?

Since aloe vera is a natural substance, free of any kind of chemicals, it is assumed to be safe to use on a daily basis. Should you use it daily, depends on your specific hair type and hair need.

For example, you can use aloe every day if you have dry hair to give it back some moisture. But there is a caveat to this. Raw, undiluted aloe vera gel can quickly make your hair sticky & stiff if you use it every day, especially if you are not properly rinsing it out afterwards.

Also, hygral fatigue (over-moisturizing) can easily occur with daily and prolonged use of aloe vera. This makes hair feel gummy in texture and have lots of frizz because of over hydration and lack of protein.

Q. Can aloe vera be left in hair overnight?

A whole lot of beauty bloggers on social platforms like YouTube and Instagram are in favor of leaving aloe vera on their hair overnight for added benefits. Personally, I wouldn’t suggest doing so.

Here’s why:

Once again, hygral fatigue can occur. Pure aloe vera gel may form a film on the hair making it have a “crunchy” texture. This is especially the case for those with very fine and dry hair.

Your specific hair type (straight, curly, coarse, fine, dry, or oily) is what will determine how well aloe vera will work for you.

Best case scenario is to leave it on for a few hours and see how your hair feels after it is washed before you decide to leave it on overnight.

Q. How do I make fresh aloe vera gel and store it?

Photo by Ingoldfranziska from Pixabay
  • Cut a leaf from a live aloe vera plant or use a freshly cut leaf from your local grocery store.
  • Scoop the gel out of the leaf using a spoon and place it in a blender.
  • Add a few teaspoons of water for easy mixing.
  • Blend the mixture until smooth.

Your gel is ready to use!

Store the fresh aloe vera gel in an airtight jar/ container for upto a week in the fridge. Apply the aloe gel to your hair upto 2 times a week, or as needed.

Apply the fresh gel directly on your hair and scalp. Leave the gel mixture on your hair for an hour and then wash thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner as usual.

For a super smooth consistency, you can strain the mixture using a cheesecloth.

In Summary

As you just read, the benefits of aloe vera on hair cannot be ignored if you are looking to improve not just hair health but scalp health as well. This is definitely the herb you need if you suffer from dry hair, itchy scalp, or even dandruff.

Aloe vera is available in a wide variety of hair products from conditioners to hair masks to even scalp treatments. You can even add fresh aloe to your DIY hair masks directly on your hair or use it as a final rinse. Not only is the herb easy to find in stores but it is also super easy to grow fresh at home.

Next time you get your hands on an aloe vera plant, why not scoop the gooey-gel out to give your hair some extra lovin’!

How are you going to use aloe vera for your hair?

If you have already used aloe vera for hair, how has your experience been so far?

I would love to hear from you so please do leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Sasha

Sasha

Hair-enthusiast turned blogger helping women achieve their hair goals with natural and sustainable haircare methods.

12 Responses

  1. I love this article. I have an aloe vera plant growing in a pot outside and I bring it in every winter. We live in a colder region. So this is a great way to trim the plant and use its gel towards something good. We do use the plant when we have a sunburn, but to use it on your hair is a wonderful idea.

    I will definitely try the techniques you suggested and if it goes well, I will probably purchase some of the ready made products. I’m also going to share this with my daughter. She is into hair masks and solutions to increase the health of the scalp and hair. I’m sure she’ll find this very interesting.

    Thanks for such a great post. I really enjoyed reading it!
    Nina

    1. Hey Nina, having an aloe vera plant has soo many uses! It definitely is a must-have plant! I bring mine indoors too for the winter and use the fresh gel for so many things- skin, hair, wounds, burns, etc. I am glad to read my post has given you some great ideas to use aloe for your hair and that you would share with your daughter. Do let me know if you have any questions!

  2. I have over 20 aloe vera plants growing on my property. I have so many I don’t know what to do with them all 😉 Besides their many great properties I also think that they’re beautiful plants to have and at certain times of the year they grow flowers. I sometimes cut off a stem and use the gel for my face, but I was wondering if I could also use it for my hair. If I apply plain aloe vera gel on my hair, for how long should I leave it there before rinsing it out?
    I think I’m also going to make the aloe vera hair rinse, it looks easy to make and I have all ingredients here, except for the rosemary oil.

    1. You could leave it in for 15-20 mins, Christine.
      I have never had any of my aloe plants bloom flowers!! That must be a sight to see! Also, I live in a much colder climate so I am guessing that has a lot to do with why mine haven’t been able to grow flowers.

  3. I love your site! Aloe Vera plant on my hair, wow, that is amazing.

    I often use Aloe Vera for sunburn, but I never thought about using it on my hair, and my hair needs all the help it can get as it is quite thin.

    I have to be careful of hair conditioners as they tend to keep my hair flat, and I seem to attract more dust and dirt.

    Thank you for the instructions on how to get the gel out of the skin and mix it with a little water in the blender.

  4. Hi Sasha,
    thanks for such a detailed text on the benefits of aloe vera. I knew it was good for the skin, but I didn’t know that it had such effects on the hair. I also didn’t know that it is not recommended to wear a mask at night. So far, I’ve kept all the masks on overnight. I would like to try aloe vera on my hair. I wonder how many treatments you recommend since I have very dry and curly hair? It is also important to know how to put it correctly.
    Keep writing useful texts like this.
    Greetings,
    Danijela

    1. You could definitely leave the mask on overnight. I personally wouldn’t recommend it especially for women with thin or fragile hair. But if your hair isn’t thin, you could probably benefit from leaving it overnight. Again, try it out for a few hours in the day first to see how your hair handles that length of time.

      The number of treatments varies on your hair type. Start with 1-2 times a week to see how your hair feels. When your curls have its definition and bounce back, you know that the aloe mask is working. Hope that helps! 🙂

  5. Hi Sasha,

    It’s cool that we can have aloe vera to help our hair grow and repair dead skin on the scalp. I can’t wait to try some ways you shared here, especially the aloe vera hair rinse. I wonder adding 15 drops of rosemary essential oil is a must, or we can mix and match other essential oils too? For example, tea tree oils or chamomile essential oil?

    My neighbors grow a lot of aloe vera in their garden and share it with me this summer, so I feel quite excited about new ways to do it. Thanks a lot for sharing.

    Cheers,
    Matt

    1. You can definitely add or switch other essential oils. However, just remember that essential oils are quite potent so you don’t want to mix too many. Tea tree and chamomile are great options- take a quick look at my choices of essential oils that work best to repair hair. Hope that helps and do let me know if you have further questions! 🙂

  6. I’ve heard about the healing properties of Aloe Vera, and used to buy it as a liquid supplement. I’ve never thought of using it on my hair, but after reading your post I’m certainly going to try one of your recipes. I like the idea of combining it with green tea and apple cider vinegar to make a leave in conditioner. I have dry hair so this will well. However, I think I might try Deep Restore as it also contains argan which is a good ingredient.Thanks for sharing such an informative post:)

    1. No problem, Kathy- glad I was able to provide helpful info! Do let me know how it goes- argan is amazing for hair; it brings back shine and luster to hair.

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Sasha's Bio
hi, I'm Sasha

Covid-19 changed not just the world but my hair too. Unfortunately, for the worse.

As I struggled to try everything under the sun to tame my mane (while being in lockdown), I noticed that natural remedies were most effective!

Here I am now,  sharing my tried & tested haircare methods to help women who are in the same boat as me.

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