How to Use Aloe Vera for Shiny, Healthy Natural Hair

If you think that's where the list of benefits of aloe vera ends, think again. Aloe vera gel also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be especially beneficial for soothing an itchy, dry scalp. Not only that, but "aloe can also help protect the scalp and hair from damage [caused by] free radicals, like sun exposure and pollution, and protect hair color from becoming oxidized," adds Dr. King. This helps to preserve that fresh-out-of-the-salon vibrancy and enviable softness that continue to top our #hairgoals. "For those who have a dry or flaky scalp, doing aloe vera juice rinses weekly will help promote a healthier scalp and can also reduce itchiness as well," says Lane. Whether you buy a tub of aloe vera gel from the store or purchase a plant and scoop out the gel yourself, you can apply aloe vera directly to your hair to reap the benefits.

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This is especially true for fine hair types since you don't want to be stuck with greasy locks post-treatment. If you don't love the texture of aloe vera gel or the fact that you have to wash it off, she recommends several aloe-including products. One of her favorites for after-sun soothing is Sun Bum Cool Down, a lotion that combines aloe and additional vitamin E to relieve sunburnt skin. However, some people do experience allergic reactions, so it is always important to do a “spot test” before extensive use. To do a spot test, apply the product on a small patch of your skin and wait minutes to observe whether there are any negative effects. This will ensure that using an aloe vera treatment will not irritate your scalp.

6 Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice - Health Essentials

6 Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice.

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What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair?

Additionally, aloe vera is known to prevent skin damage caused by UV rays. It may similarly be able to prevent UV damage in hair, protecting it from growing dry and brittle after sun exposure. People with curly hair will benefit in particular from this protection since this type of hair is more prone to dehydration than straighter hair. There are many benefits of aloe vera for your skin—the succulent does so much more than soothe sunburn. Prepare a fine paste by adding 2 tsp of hibiscus powder to ¼ cup of aloe vera gel. Apply this paste from the middle of your hair strands to the tip.

Aloe Vera for Your Hair: What Are the Benefits?

Leave it for 2-5 minutes before going for your final hair rinse. Aloe vera isn't new—the plant has been used among many cultures throughout history to address a myriad of beauty-related concerns, thanks to its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's the reason aloe vera is commonly used for healing burn wounds and skin irritation, says dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. It's also the reason aloe vera can be beneficial for soothing your scalp too. Start hydrating from the first step of your hair care routine with shampoo that contains both coconut oil and aloe vera. Celebs like Kourtney Kardashian and SZA have publicly touted their love for aloe vera and its hair-improving properties.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Shiny, Healthy Natural Hair

Aloe vera promotes healthy hair growth thanks to a special enzyme found in aloe called proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes effectively break down dead skin cells on the scalp that may clog hair follicles. If hair follicles are blocked with excess sebum, dirt, or dead skin, they won't be able to grow properly. Aloe can also help cleanse the scalp so more nutrients can penetrate the hair follicle, helping hair grow faster and more efficiently. You can combine aloe vera gel with coconut oil to make a simple yet effective hair mask.

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"It is best to leave it on for a little while — approximately five to 10 minutes — and then rinse as leaving pure aloe vera gel on for too long can lead to potential irritation and dryness." "Aloe is well known for its ability to help provide anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits to the skin, hence why it's so commonly used to help treat sunburn," cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson tells Allure. "It can also hydrate and provide antioxidant benefits. Because of this, it is being used more and more in skin care and hair care." Now that you know the potential benefits of aloe vera for hair, why not give it a shot? All you have to do is take our hair quiz and add the “hydrate” hair goal to any product you want to see in your shower caddy or on your vanity table. Generally, aloe vera is thought to be safe when applied topically.

What are the benefits of using aloe vera on hair?

"Since aloe doesn't contain all of the additional parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances in traditional shampoos, it provides a much gentler cleanse that preserves color and keeps hair healthy," says Bonilla. Finding a high-quality product is relatively inexpensive, and in the event that it doesn't work for you, you can always use it on your body because aloe vera has a wealth of benefits beyond hair. There are plenty of people who claim that aloe vera actually causes hair to grow much faster. But as of now, there’s little clinical evidence to prove or disprove those claims. When your scalp has been cleansed and your hair has been conditioned with aloe vera, you might see that hair breakage and loss slows down. All three of these vitamins contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair.

While research has uncovered dozens of potential applications for aloe vera over the last several thousand years, from improving gut health to clearing psoriasis—aloe vera has become especially coveted for hair care. To apply, saturate the hair and scalp with a thin layer of aloe, and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. "No need to shampoo after; just make sure the hair feels like it's completely rinsed and no residue is left behind," says Urban.

That said, it’s important to remember that the amount of aloe vera in haircare products will vary, so there is no guarantee of results. It’s always best to consult your dermatologist or physician if you think you have seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp issues come in many forms, from itchiness, scaliness, and flakes to scalp sunburn. But with some fresh aloe vera on your side (or an aloe vera-based hair product), you can possibly bid some scalp issues goodbye. To help you weed out the truth from the tall tales, we’ve dived deep into the scientific literature to pull out five potential benefits of aloe vera for hair. So sit back and take notes on what the plant might be able to do for your tresses.

Aloe vera can be applied with topical natural remedies, like pumpkin seed oil and vitamin E oil. If desired, use your hands to work small amounts into the scalp and down the length of the hair strands. There’s usually little cause for concern when using aloe vera gel, but some people are allergic to it. Aloe vera is one of the prettiest plants out there with its striking bright green foliage that springs up from the earth in a starburst-like shape.

Research shows that topical application of aloe vera is likely effective for healing burns and helping other skin conditions. Then, decide whether to treat the scalp and hair as a short-term mask or a leave-in treatment. You may consider taking some of the gel into your hands, working it into your scalp and strands, and then leaving it overnight. If your locks feel extra dry, add a few drops of coconut oil or a comparable alternative for added hydration. Many skincare products contain aloe vera as a key ingredient due to the ingredient’s calming and hydrating properties. It may not even be a “featured” ingredient, but still be included in the mix.