How To Use Aloe Vera To Get The Best Hair Of Your Life
Aloe vera is one of those do-it-all ingredients that tons of people rave about. The plant's gel can be found in most personal care products, from lotions to shampoos, conditioners, serums, ointments, and more, likely because it's historically been used to treat acne, sunburns, wounds, and even constipation since it's a natural laxative.
Meet Our Experts: Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Divya Shokeen, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Ocean Skin And Vein Institute
Most commonly, aloe vera has been touted as the key to fast hair growth, and while there is some truth to that, it has plenty of other benefits worth knowing about.
Read on to learn about all the things this plant has to offer, according to skin and hair experts.
What are the benefits of using aloe vera for hair?
It soothes scalp irritation: Whether you're dealing with seborrheic dermatitis or itchiness from dandruff or build-up, aloe contains certain anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation. The science behind it is simple: antioxidants in aloe help address oxidative stress, and the nutrients it contains help the skin repair itself after, explains Dr. Camp. In fact, aloe can even be used for other conditions that can affect the scalp such as psoriasis by reducing redness, scaling, and itching, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It's a natural moisturizer: This one might be a no-brainer, but aloe is a top-tier ingredient for all things moisture. "Aloe vera can be used as a moisturizer on the scalp and hair because it contains polysaccharides," says Dr. Camp. "Polysaccharides are complex sugar molecules that help retain and attract moisture."
It promotes hair growth: To be clear, aloe vera as a standalone ingredient doesn't promote hair growth. "The antioxidants it contains can potentially help reduce oxidative stress experienced by scalp skin and hair cells that may contribute to hair loss," says Dr. Camp. Aloe is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, all of which can help your hair flourish long-term. Those vitamins and enzymes can help promote hair growth. If you're interested in using aloe specifically for hair growth, Dr. Shokeen recommends the following steps:
Apply fresh aloe gel directly to the scalp.
Massage the gel in for several minutes.
Leave it in for up to 30 minutes (any longer may cause irritation or build-up) before shampooing it out.
How can aloe vera be used on the hair?
Aside from using the gel on its own, you can also mix it with your conditioner for a boost of moisture, says Dr. Camp. Additionally, you can use it as a spray using one part aloe and two parts water. This can be especially helpful if your hair is feeling dry.
How should you apply aloe vera?
Once you cut your aloe plant and remove the gel, it can be applied directly to your scalp or hair. But before rushing into it, make sure you're not sensitive or allergic. "To check if you are allergic, it is a good idea to do a test spot on the inside of your arm to see if a reaction develops one to two days before applying it to your scalp," says Dr. Camp.
Note: Many people advise running the fresh aloe gel through a tight-knit strainer before use to avoid small particles in aloe from leaving residue on your hair. Using aloe excessively can also lead to similar effects.
Are aloe hair products better than using the plant?
If you're hoping to specifically reap the benefits of aloe vera, what matters the most is that the product you're adding to your cart is either listed as one hundred percent aloe vera or labeled with aloe vera as the first ingredient. "The farther down on the ingredient list, the less aloe the product contains," says Dr. Camp.
Whether or not products are specifically better than the plant is up for debate. However, Dr. Shokeen believes store-bought products are the best option. "It’s better to always use products with controlled amounts of aloe vera so you can consistently see improvement and results," she says. " Make sure you use high-quality products [with] minimal irritating fragrances, so you can reap the benefits without the inflammation."
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