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When shopping for hair products, you see a lot of them that contain aloe vera, but what is aloe vera and why is it so good for our hair?
Aloe vera has been a lifesaver for me when it comes to repairing damaged hair. In this article I’m going to delve into the science of why aloe vera is good for your hair, how to use it, and what to look for when you are shopping for aloe vera products to make sure you are getting what your hair needs.
What Is Aloe Vera and What Are The Benefits of Aloe Vera For Hair
Before we get into the benefits of aloe vera, what is it? Aloe Vera is a type of plant known as a succulent. Its leaves contain a gel-like substance that is full of nutrients that are known to benefit your skin and hair. The leaves also contain a yellow sap, which has some benefits but can cause irritation in large quantities. This sap is removed from commercially sold aloe vera gel and you should be careful to remove most of it if you are planning on making your own aloe vera hair products from scratch.
Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Family: Asphodelaceae
Type: Succulent
Origin: Originally native to the Arabian Peninsula, today it can be found growing wild in many tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world.
Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine across various cultures for millennia:
- Ancient Egypt:
It was known as the “plant of immortality,” and was used in embalming and as a beauty treatment. - Ancient Greece and Rome:
It was used to treat wounds and skin conditions. - Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Aloe vera is often used in Chinese medicine for its cooling properties to treat various skin ailments. - Indian Ayurveda:
Known as “Ghritkumari,” it is used in India for its soothing and healing properties. It is also used to treat digestive disorders.
Aloe Vera gel, and products containing it, can;
- Moisturize and Condition Your Hair
Aloe vera gel penetrates the shaft of each strand of hair. This helps hydrate and condition the hair without making it oily or greasy. - Promotes Hair Growth
Alow vera gel is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which can promote hair growth. - Prevents Hair Loss
Aloe vera gel contains vitamin B-12 and folic acid, which can prevent hair from falling out. - Reduces Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
Aloe vera is known to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp. - Repairs and Strengthens Damaged Hair
Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes can help repair the dead skin cells on the scalp, it can also help strengthen hair and preventing breakage.
Different Ways to Use Aloe Vera for Hair Repair
You can easily incorporate aloe vera into your hair care routine. There are several methods and products that you can use to do this.
Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Aloe vera hair masks are an easy but luxurious way to incorporate aloe vera into your haircare routine. I use one once a week and I’ve noticed my hair looking softer, shinier, and healthier.
Recipe and Application Process:
– Combine 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of melted coconut oil.
– Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, making sure you have an even coverage.
– Leave it on your scalp for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner
Using an Aloe Vera shampoo and conditioner is a great way to include aloe vera in your haircare routine if you want something more frequent than a weekly hair mask application. I’m a big fan of the Faith In Nature set personally.
You can also create your own aloe vera shampoo if you like, I’ve used this recipe a few times:
– Mix 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel with 1/4 cup of castile soap.
– Add some drops of your favorite essential oil to add fragrance (optional).
– Use this mixture as your regular shampoo.
And similarly, you can also create your own aloe vera conditioner by combining 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel with 1/4 cup of melted coconut milk.
Tips for Sourcing and Storing Fresh Aloe Vera
You can source aloe vera plants from most garden centres and even some grocery stores. Once you have extracted the gel, you can store it in the fridge for a week.
While it can be fun to extract the gel yourself, if you plan on making a lot of your own aloe vera products at home, I would recommend buying the gel itself in bulk. You can get 99& aloe vera gel in bottles, which is what I usually buy.
Precautions
If you have not used any aloe vera products before, you should first put a small amount of the gel on a patch of skin and wait for 24 hours. This is to check if you have any allergic reactions. You don’t want to find out you’re allergic after you’ve already covered your scalp!
If you have any adverse reactions to using aloe vera products, you should stop using them immediately.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is a versatile ingredient that has countless benefits for your skin and hair. If you’re not already using aloe vera in your haircare routine, it’s time to start! Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for ways you could incorporate aloe vera. Remember it can take a few weeks for the results to be apparent, so stick with it. Maintaining consistency is key to achieving and maintaining healthy hair.