Can aloe vera really make your hair grow faster and thicker? Let’s find out!
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows in both tropical and subtropical climates, and it is widely famed for its medicinal properties–particularly for soothing a sunburn.
Whether it’s in the garden or on an office desk, aloe vera is a beloved plant, and it’s been acclaimed for millennia for its healing powers.
And while it’s true that the research on aloe vera is limited, it is known to possess an array of vitamins and minerals–some of which may be linked to healthy hair growth.
But when it comes to supporting a healthy scalp and mane, it takes more than learning the benefits of aloe vera–it’s also about the application! And one of our favorite things about aloe vera is its versatility.
Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of aloe vera, and how you can use it for lush, abundant hair growth.
If you thought aloe vera was only helpful for sunburns, think again! Aloe vera can support a healthy scalp and mane in a myriad of ways, like the ones listed below.
Soothing Benefits of Aloe Vera for an Itchy Scalp
Inflammation affects the body in a number of ways. And when it comes to the scalp, dandruff is often the culprit. If you find yourself dealing with an itchy scalp, aloe vera may offer some relief.
Clarifying Benefits of Aloe Vera
If you have an oily scalp, aloe vera may make a great addition to your hair regimen. Aloe vera helps lift excess sebum from your scalp, along with any product residue that’s collected in the hair follicles.
And unlike many clarifying ingredients on the market, aloe vera doesn’t harm your strains while it cleanses. In other words, aloe vera cleanses the scalp while keeping your hair shiny and soft.
On top of that, aloe vera is rich in vitamins known to support cell turnover: vitamins A, C, and E, which foster hair growth and shine. Aloe vera also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, which may help prevent hair fallout.
Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
When you’re actively preventing breakage and damage in your mane, you can expect hair growth to improve over time; and as we’ve established, aloe vera can do wonders against damage and inflammation.
One study even found that a hair tonic made with aloe vera can help accelerate the growth of hair to 0.1635 cm/day, or 2.6617cm per month.
On top of that, aloe vera contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals, so it can help strengthen your hair’s follicles by way of deep nourishment.
As you’ll soon find, aloe vera is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be found in many hair care products. Here are some ways you can use it yourself for a healthier mane!
Aloe Vera To Control Frizziness
To combat frizziness with aloe vera, combine one cup of aloe vera with one cup of sunflower or coconut oil. Heat the mixture over the stove or a hot plate until it becomes slightly dark. Allow the mixture to cool before massaging into your scalp and hair, and leave in for at least thirty minutes.
Aloe Vera As leave-In Conditioner
Incorporate ten to fifteen drops of an essential oil of your choice to half a cup of aloe vera gel, stirring to combine. Then, transfer the mixture to a pump bottle, which you can use on the hair as a leave-in conditioner after each hair wash. We especially love this mixture for summertime after the pool or beach!
Aloe Vera For Soft And Shiny Hair
If you’re looking to enjoy aloe vera’s hydrating, strand-softening benefits, we recommend a nourishing hair mask.
Combine two teaspoons of aloe vera gel with two teaspoons of yogurt and two teaspoons of honey or agave nectar in a bowl before applying to your scalp and hair. Leave the mixture in for half an hour before rinsing off.
Aloe Vera as Overnight Spray
Thanks to aloe vera’s lightweight, blendable texture, it makes the perfect hydrating ingredient for overnight spray. To make your own aloe vera hair solution, mix half a cup of aloe vera gel with a quarter cup of ginger juice. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and apply it to your scalp and strands before bedtime, massaging into your scalp. Wash mixture out in the morning.
Aloe Vera For Hair Growth
While research on aloe vera for hair growth is still in its infancy, it’s believed that aloe vera can help boost hair growth while preventing damage. Apply aloe vera throughout your scalp and hair, and leave it in for 30-45 minutes before rinsing out with a gentle shampoo. Repeat this process twice a week.
Aloe Vera For Dandruff Treatment
To soothe a flaky, itchy scalp, massage three to four teaspoons of aloe vera gel into the scalp. Leave it in your hair for thirty minutes to twelve hours, and then wash it out with a clarifying shampoo in the morning. For extra soothing benefits, try adding two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
While it’s not recommended to wash your hair with aloe vera every day, consistent use is key to promoting scalp health and hair growth.
In general, it’s recommended that you use aloe vera for scalp growth about once a week. If your scalp is extremely dry, twice a week may be more suitable. Make sure to follow up with a gentle, hydrating shampoo.
After applying aloe vera to your hair, you can leave it in for one to six hours. Keep in mind that soaking your hair in aloe vera for an extended period may lock unwanted dust particles in your scalp, although those with a severely dry scalp and frizzy hair may actually benefit from an overnight soak.
This depends on how you’re using aloe vera for hair. For instance, if you are using aloe vera as a leave-in conditioner, you’ll want to apply aloe vera to wet hair. On the other hand, you should apply aloe vera to dry hair if you’re using it to combat frizziness on a humid day. However you’re using aloe vera, use your best judgment!
