Though it's most commonly known for its skin healing properties, the aloe vera plant has recently garnered attention for its hair growth capabilities. As a result, influencers and celebrities are experimenting with aloe vera juice to improve hair health and promote hair growth. But the results are still unfounded.
An aloe vera plant is easy to keep at home (it rarely needs watering), and the fresh aloe vera gel from the thick leaves has been used for centuries to treat skin irritation and wounds, but can it truly impact hair growth? Read on to learn more about the benefits of aloe vera.
The Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has a wide range of health benefits. It soothes sensitive skin that's seen too much sunshine and can even boost the digestive system. The gel from an aloe leaf is rich in antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory properties and is a fantastic source of essential amino acids. It also contains fatty acids and vitamin C, A, E and B-12, which all have protective benefits for the skin.
What's the Aloe Vera Hair Growth Connection?
Aloe vera is soothing and cooling when applied to the skin, so if you struggle with an itchy scalp, dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, it could help calm things down. The unique gel texture has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making a mild cleanser that naturally washes away irritants. Rub aloe vera into your scalp, and the proteolytic enzymes will gently sweep away dead skin cells and unwanted flakes.
Undoubtedly, the secret to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. Applying aloe gel directly to the head could penetrate hair follicles and potentially condition and improve damaged strands.
Though it's currently on-trend to douse your strands with aloe gel, clinical studies into its impact on hair strands present a mixed picture. Topic expert on botanicals and herbal medicine, Daniel Powers, MSc, explained, "A thorough review of the scientific literature shows that no clinical trials support the efficacy of aloe vera for hair growth."
Powers continued, "That said, an ethnopharmacological survey showed that aloe vera had been used in many different cultures as a traditional cure for thinning hair. Historical usage is a key factor that researchers look at when deciding which plants to study."
Although the jury is still out on how much aloe vera encourages hair growth and negates hair loss, with all its vitamins and minerals, it almost certainly won't do your strands any harm.
Help My Hair: Dry Scalp, Oily Hair? Try This
How Can You Use Aloe Vera on Hair?
There are several ways to use the aloe vera plant on the hair — even if it won't create hair growth. But whether you use it as a pre-poo solution or as a post-wash conditioning hair mask, it can be an affordable way to soothe a ravaged scalp.
Fresh Aloe vs. Store-Bought Aloe Vera Gel
Fresh aloe's gel texture can act as a mild cleansing agent. If you use a lot of heavy-duty products on your locks, they'll likely be some residue. Hair expert and cosmetologist Ghanima Abdullah said, "As a gel, aloe vera exfoliates the scalp and can also cleanse the hair. When you apply it to the hair and allow it to sit for at least twenty minutes, it traps dirt and sebum and softens product buildup so it can be rinsed away."
Though many bottled aloe formulas contain only natural ingredients, you might be better off using the gel directly from the plant on your hair.
If you have a store-bought formula to use, squeeze it onto your strands and use it as you would a deep conditioning treatment. Abdullah said, "Aloe vera contains various nutrients to help keep your hair strong and prevent breakage. It coats the hair similar to any other gel but doesn't dry hair out." And if you've never used aloe on your skin before, it's a good idea to do a patch test — just in case of irritation.
Make Your Own Aloe Hair Mask
Though its hair regrowth qualities are questionable, it seems aloe vera for hair can work — especially as an affordable hair mask if you have dry hair or an itchy scalp.
Like the idea of using an aloe hair mask? There are a few DIY formulas you can try.
How to Harvest Aloe Vera
Abdullah explained, "Aloe vera is best when harvested fresh, or you can buy the leaves in some grocery stores. First, remove the sides of the leaves that contain the spines. Then cut the leaf down the center. Remove the gelatinous center. You can rub it directly into the hair, but you will get more product if you blend it."
To blend your fresh aloe vera, cut it into cubes and add an equal amount of water to the blender. Blend until it is bubbly and fluffy. Strain through cheesecloth before using. "Don't neglect to strain it, because aloe particles can be tough to remove from the hair," added Abdullah.
Aloe With Coconut Oil
Abdullah suggests that this is the most noteworthy DIY conditioning mask you can make because coconut oil provides protein, leaving hair shiny and fortified.
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Blend coconut oil with aloe cubes in the blender to create a very nourishing conditioner.
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Then strain.
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Apply the mixture to the hair, cover with a shower cap and leave it on for at least twenty minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly.
Aloe With Apple Cider Vinegar
If you do want to accelerate hair growth with aloe, this could be the DIY formula to try. The combination helps the scalp maintain a healthy pH level and wards off follicle-clogging bacteria.
- Blend 1/2 cup of cubed aloe gel with approximately three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Add a few drops of marula oil to enhance the conditioning effects.
- Strain to remove lumps.
- Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle.
- Apply to the scalp, the lengths and the ends.
- Gently massage and leave for about 3 hours before washing off.
The Aloe Vera Verdict
Aloe vera is a nice treatment, but it's thicker, fuller looking hair you're trying to encourage, it's probably not the most effective option.
Hair loss can affect confidence and impact your daily routine. Rather than rely on something that might not work, you're likely to see better results when you use a targeted routine.
Photo credit: Elle Hughes/Pexels
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