Aloe Vera Gel for Hair: Benefits & Side Effects
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a plant with thick leaves that contain a gel-like material. It can be found all across the world, and many people grow it themselves. When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel is cooling and soothing, which is why it's occasionally used to treat burns and skin sores. For generations, aloe vera has been used for its therapeutic powers.
Some suggest that it can actually strengthen your hair and make your scalp healthier, in addition to its skin advantages. While there is no scientific proof to back up this claim, aloe vera is generally harmless and useful to most people.
The raw gel of the plant is the greatest type of aloe vera to apply to your hair. Aloe vera gel can be purchased at practically any drugstore or made from freshly cut leaves from a live plant if you have one.
The gel is transparent and slightly watery in appearance. Aloe vera can be used to condition and improve damaged, dry hair by massaging it into your scalp and hair and allowing it to penetrate your hair shafts. Allow the gel to stay for an hour before rinsing it out with a light wash.
Benefits of using aloe vera gel for hair
- Calms the scalp
The clinical term for the disorder we call dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. Aloe vera can help you get rid of itchy scalp and flaky skin underneath your hair. Aloe vera was proven to help relieve the scalp inflammation caused by dandruff. Anti-inflammatory qualities are discovered in the fatty acids contained in the aloe plant.
- Deep cleans oily hair
Aloe vera effectively cleanses the hair shaft, removing excess sebum (oil) and residue from other hair products. Aloe vera, on the other hand, does not harm your hair strands while cleaning. Aloe vera, unlike other chemicals in hair products, is kind and protects your hair's integrity. Hair that is healthier, shinier, and softer can be achieved by using aloe vera.
- Strengthens and repairs hair strands
Vitamins A, C, and E are found in aloe vera gel. All three vitamins aid in cell turnover, which promotes healthy cell growth and lustrous hair. Aloe vera gel also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid. Both of these elements can help you avoid losing your hair. However, no research has been done to prove that aloe vera is effective in reducing hair loss. After sun exposure, aloe vera is a popular substance that people apply to their skin. This is due to the high collagen content and cooling characteristics of the product. Aloe vera's vitamin content suggests that it may also help to restore sun damage to your hair.
- Promotes hair growth
Hair breakage and loss may be reduced after your scalp has been washed and your hair has been conditioned with aloe vera. Many individuals believe that aloe vera encourages hair to grow considerably faster. However, there is now little clinical evidence to support or refute those statements.
Side effects of using aloe vera gel for hair
When it comes to aloe vera gel, there's usually nothing to worry about, although some people are allergic to it. Do a patch test before applying aloe vera topically. To see if your skin reacts badly, rub a little amount of aloe vera on the inside of your wrist and wait up to 2 hours. This will reveal whether or not you are allergic to aloe. If you're using hydrocortisone cream on your skin, you should avoid using topical aloe. When used with cortisone, aloe vera can enhance the quantity of cortisone absorbed by your skin.
How to make an aloe vera hair mask?
A hair mask is a leave-in treatment that has multiple benefits for your hair. Hair masks may stimulate more intensive healing and repair than your ordinary hair care routine because they often contain more oils and conditioning agents than a typical conditioner and you leave them in your hair for longer periods of time.
Many varieties of hair masks are available at drugstores and online, but you can also make your own. To make a simple yet powerful hair mask, mix aloe vera gel with coconut oil. Coconut oil can make your hair smoother, stronger, and more lustrous. It may also aid in the reduction of frizziness.
The steps to make this mask are listed below:
- Gather the following ingredients: 1 tbsp. oil and 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought). If you're going to use coconut oil, make sure it's virgin and room temperature. Solid coconut oil can be melted in the microwave.
- Combine the oil and aloe vera in a mixing bowl until a homogeneous, mixed mixture forms.
- Use a towel or an old shirt to protect your clothes.
- Use your fingers to apply the mask to your hair. Long hair can be divided into portions to make application easier.
- Begin at the mid-shaft and work your way to the ends. After you've massaged the mask into your hair's ends, carefully massage the mask into your scalp. If you're applying the mask to aid with dandruff, though, you might want to start at the scalp.
- Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb after you've finished applying the mask. This makes it easier to evenly distribute the mask throughout your hair.
- Use a shower cap or plastic wrap to cover your hair. Wrap a towel around your head after that. This not only keeps your hair from drying out, but it also keeps the mask from dripping. Warming the towel may enhance the moisturizing properties of the mask.
- Allow 30 minutes for the mask to dry. For added conditioning, keep it on for up to an hour.
- Remove the mask from your hair and rinse it out. Because aloe vera gel can leave a filmy residue in your hair, you'll probably want to wash it out to make sure you get all of the masks out.
- You can use this mask in place of your regular conditioner once a week to help improve the health of your hair.
Take Away
More clinical proof is needed to confirm the advantages of aloe vera gel for hair unequivocally, and research is ongoing.
However, if you want your hair to appear its best, you should include aloe vera gel in your hair care routine. It might not work for everyone, but there's no harm in giving it a shot.