In our seemingly endless search for the perfect remedy to transform our hair into bountiful locks and give it new life, one may stand out from all the rest: the humble aloe vera plant and its many uses.
You can drink it, eat it, slap it on your sunburned skin--even make clothes out of this hot-climate species.
But can you use aloe vera for hair?
Yes, you can use Aloe Vera for hair care.
Native to the tropical regions of the world and easily identified by its flat, wide, and spiky leaves, aloe vera is renowned for its healing properties.
It's a hardy evergreen perennial that originally came from the Arabian Peninsula, and so it thrives in hot and dry conditions.
Known as the "plant of immortality," it was beloved by ancient Egyptians and reputedly used by Cleopatra to enhance her beauty.
The goodness inside
Slice open a leaf, and you’ll see its gel-like interior start oozing out. It can be used for so many things, including hair care.
Let's look at the benefits of aloe vera for hair, and you can then decide if you want to try it yourself.
Note for "aloe newbies"
Note that if you're new to aloe vera, do a patch test before proceeding to make sure you're not allergic.
Just place a small amount on the underside of your wrist and wait an hour or two to see if there's any reaction, such as redness. If not, you're fine with going ahead and enjoying the benefits of Aloe vera.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for hair care
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to heal, restore, and add lustre to people's skin and hair. But what does aloe vera do for your hair exactly, and is it any good for hair growth? First, the basics, and that starts with hydrating your hair.
One of the first secrets of aloe vera that you may not know is that the plant, despite its rather robust look and feel, is almost entirely made of water.
Great moisturizer and damage-repair agent
Aloe vera is 99 to 99.5% water.
That's what makes it a great moisturizer and why we use it in our Aloe Hydration Leave-in Conditioner.
It's especially beneficial if you've been using lots of hair products, including colorings that may have dried out or damaged your hair, as well as blow-drying, which strips out moisture.
Applying aloe vera gel can quickly restore your hair and make it feel soft and gentle instead of brittle and dry.
Strengthening Your Natural Hair with Aloe Vera
Another property of the aloe vera plant is its ability to strengthen follicles and, therefore, give you a more vibrant and fuller head of hair.
Aloe packs a punch of hair-healing amino acids and enzymes
The amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and hair is 95% protein (Keratin).
It also houses 10 powerful enzymes that can transform dull and listless strands into the strong hair that you desire.
Iron and its benefits for hair
A study found that the therapeutic aspects of aloe vera are boosted by a significant amount of iron in the plant, adding further strength to the follicles as blood flow is increased (source).
Aloe vera is also packed with antioxidants to help counter the effects of air and other pollutants whose toxic materials can find their way into our hair. Applying aloe vera gel regularly will help to ensure your hair is healthy and shines, drawing admiring looks from friends, colleagues, and family.
Can You Use Aloe Vera for Curly & Kinky Hair?
Yes, you can use Aloe for curly hair.
It's a good way to accentuate those curls you were born with or transform the frizz into wavy or curly hair.
Due to its varied vitamin content, aloe vera nourishes hair roots and strands, making them more elastic and, therefore, bouncier and more curly.
It contains:
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Vitamin A: Helps with the production of the oily substance sebum, which keeps the scalp and hair moisturized–important because curly hair dries out quickly.
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Vitamin B12: Encourages the development of bouncier curls due to improved blood flow in the scalp and around the hair follicles. Vital if your curly hair breaks easily.
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Vitamin C: Brimming with antioxidants, it helps remove toxins from the hair and aids in the production of collagen, which supports strong hair and the shape of curls.
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Vitamin E: Keeps moisture locked in, which is essential for curly hair and eliminates frizz by smoothing the hair cuticles.
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Folate (Vitamin B9): Adds more volume and vibrancy to curly hair by supporting cell growth and preventing shedding.
Aloe for luscious curls
These essential elements, as well as trace minerals magnesium, sodium, and potassium, have highly effective hydrating properties, and they turn frizzy hair into something far more manageable and attractive.
Curly hair becomes luscious, making you look and feel amazing.
Does Aloe Vera Work for Hair Growth?
Yes, there are plenty of people who apply an aloe vera hair mask regularly and say they have experienced a fuller head of hair.
Aloenin in Aloe vera promotes growth
The studies are yet to catch up, but the anecdotal evidence is already there.
What we do know from the experts is that a compound in aloe vera called aloenin may promote hair growth, especially in people experiencing alopecia and other types of hair loss.
If that's you, it certainly can't help to use aloe vera every now and then, especially given its other proven hair benefits.
Is aloe good for hair growth in any other way?
It certainly helps to improve scalp health -- the foundation for any good head of hair -- with natural cleaning agents called saponins that help get rid of impurities and keep follicles clean.
It can also help to balance the pH of your scalp, thereby reducing greasiness by preventing the overproduction of oil. Additionally, its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can soothe itchy and flaky scalp, leading to dandruff.
Aloe Vera Benefits in the Sun
Another way that aloe vera is good for your hair is by acting as a sun-blocker.
It can provide some degree of protection from the sun because it contains substances called aloin and aloe-emodin that help to block UV rays.
Its moisture content ensures hair doesn't dry out so quickly when it's exposed to the sun. And its antioxidant properties will help ward off free radical damage from exposure to UV rays.
So, is aloe vera good for your hair?
Yes, it is–Aloe Vera is very good for your hair.
It has many beneficial properties, from supporting scalp health to strengthening hair follicles and encouraging growth.
Many people incorporate it into their haircare routine, applying it several times a week for maximum results.
Great for the Environment
Another benefit of using aloe vera for your hair is that it's a sustainable and environmentally friendly product.
That's because the plant is abundant and has minimal water requirements. Its natural pest-resistant properties, due to the aloin it contains, mean fertilizers are not needed.
And making aloe vera products doesn't use many resources, including energy, delivering a low carbon footprint. So it's a guilt-free treatment that's kind to the planet and incredible for your hair.
Ready to give Aloe vera a try?
Would you like to see your locks transformed from dull and listless to healthy and rich?
If yes, you’ll want to try our Aloe Leave-in Conditioner–a luxurious blend of aloe vera gel, avocado oil, and vegetable glycerin.
For maximum hydration that is immediately absorbed, consider the Honey Aloe Deep Conditioner.
Both will strengthen your hair and make it shine.