Aloe vera for your hair can provide many health benefits such as preventing hair loss, removing excess oil from the scalp, moisturizing the hair, promoting hair growth, protecting against damage caused by sunlight, and helping in the treatment of dandruff or scalp infections.
The part of aloe vera plant that is used for hair is the gel inside the leaves. When extracting the gel, you should be sure to discard the aloe leaf lining, which has toxic effects. Before using aloe vera gel, it is important to do an allergy test by applying a small dab of the gel to the back of your hand and waiting for about 2 hours. If your skin becomes red or irritated, it is not recommended to use aloe vera gel for your hair.
Aloe vera can be purchased in health stores, pharmacies and some farmer's markets. This plant can also be easily grown at home, as it does not need special care.
Health benefits
Aloe vera has natural moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing, antifungal and sun-protective properties. It can be recommended for use on the hair in the following situations:
1. Treating hair loss
Aloe vera helps with the production of collagen and, therefore can help to strengthen follicles and prevent hair from falling out. Because it contains minerals and water, it reinforces the entire strand, making it stronger and less brittle.
2. Promoting hair growth
Aloe vera helps to remove dead cells from the scalp, due to the presence of enzymes in its composition. It contains vitamins (such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C and E), minerals (such as calcium), and folic acid that help to nourish, hydrate and strengthen hair strands.
See other ways to make your hair grow faster.
3. Managing oily hair
Aloe vera is rich in enzymes, such as lipases, which help to break down the fat, sebum or hair product residues present on the scalp. This can reduce scalp and hair oiliness, which helps control oily hair, without harming the strands.
4. Combating dry and brittle hair
Due to the vitamins present in its composition, aloe vera can promote cell growth and healthy hair. It can provide greater elasticity to the strands, which helps to prevent dry and brittle strands.
5. Reducing scalp inflammation
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties, which help to treat scalp inflammation, soothe the skin and relieve symptoms of dermatitis or fungal infections, like itching and irritation.
6. Fighting dandruff
Aloe vera helps eliminate dead skin cells from the scalp, and also promotes scalp hydration and reduces skin inflammation. These factors make it a great way to treat dandruff. Learn about other home remedies for dandruff that you can prepare.
7. Protecting against UV rays
Aloe vera has antioxidant properties that can help protect hair strands from damage caused by UV radiation from the sun. Furthermore, due to its moisturizing capacity and the vitamins present in its composition, aloe vera can help keep the hair healthy.
In addition to being a great ingredient for maintaining hair and skin health, aloe vera can also be used to treat problems such as muscle pain, burns, wounds, flu, insomnia, athlete's foot, inflammation, constipation and digestive problems. Learn more about the health benefits of aloe vera and how to use it.
How to apply to the hair
Aloe vera can be used on hair in several ways, which include:
1. Aloe vera moisturizer with coconut oil
Aloe vera moisturizer with coconut oil can be used to help stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair strands, making them less brittle.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Directions
Place the ingredients in a clean, dry glass container and mix well. Then, apply all over your hair. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water and shampoo. This process should only be repeated once a week.
2. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel can be used to treat inflammation caused by ringworm or other infections.
Ingredients
- 2 aloe leaves
Directions
Wash the aloe leaves, cut them in half lengthwise and remove the gel from the leaf, placing it in a clean, dry container. Then, moisten a clean towel or gauze with the gel and rub it into your scalp about 3 times a day.
3. Aloe mask with egg whites
An aloe vera hair mask with egg whites can be used to stimulate hair growth and provide deep hydration.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of the inner gel of aloe vera leaves
- 2 egg whites
Directions
Mix the ingredients well and apply to the hair, ensuring that the roots are well covered. Wait 5 minutes and remove with cold water and shampoo. Check out other home remedies for hair growth.
4. Aloe vera with yogurt
Aloe vera with yogurt can be used to combat dandruff, due to its ability to remove dead skin cells from the scalp.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Directions
Mix the ingredients and massage the mixture into your scalp for about 5 minutes. Then let it sit for another 30 minutes. Finally, wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo. This mask should only be done once a week.
5. Aloe vera spray
Aloe vera spray helps to moisturize hair strands and can be applied daily or after washing your hair.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1/2 cup of water
Directions
In a clean, dry spray bottle, add the ingredients and mix well. Then, spray the aloe vera spray on your hair strands and let it dry naturally. It can be used daily or as necessary.
Contraindications for use
Aloe vera should not be consumed orally, but only on the scalp or hair. Furthermore, it should not be used by people who are allergic to this medicinal plant, which is why it is important to carry out an allergy test before using it.
Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women should be assessed by their doctor before using aloe vera.