What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a succulent plant from the Liliaceae family. It is best known for its cosmetic uses, for skin and hair care.
Its gel, extracted from fresh leaves, has an exceptional composition.
On one hand, it is composed of 99% water making it an excellent moisturizing agent.
On the other hand, it contains various vitamins (A, B, C, E) and a wide range of minerals and trace elements (calcium, zinc, potassium…). These nutrients contribute to a healthy head of hair.
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Aloe vera can be consumed and used in cooking to benefit from its nutritional qualities. It is also ideal for external use, applied directly to the hair.
What are its benefits for the hair?
It hydrates the hair fiber
Thanks to its water-rich content, aloe vera is among the best natural moisturizing agents. Hydration is essential to maintain soft and shiny hair, well-protected and easy to style.
Applied as a treatment, it penetrates the hair fiber and meets the hair’s water needs.
It is particularly beneficial for curly or frizzy hair. These are generally drier and more prone to dehydration.
Finally, aloe vera is also a humectant which means it can retain water within the hair fiber. This helps maintain good hydration levels.
It promotes hair growth
Aloe vera works in various ways on hair growth.
On one hand, it stimulates blood microcirculation and oxygenation at the scalp level. The hair follicles, responsible for new hair growth, are thus better nourished. This action is partly explained by its richness in vitamin E (84 mg/100 g).
On the other hand, it strengthens the hair fiber, prevents breakage, and slows down hair loss. Its vitamins are ideal for faster and stronger hair growth.
It soothes the scalp
Applied to the scalp, aloe vera has a soothing action. It relieves irritation and itching.
It is also recommended in cases of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, which manifests as redness, patches, and scales.
In this study, applying an aloe vera-based emulsion helped relieve seborrheic dermatitis.
It regulates sebum production
Aloe vera shows beneficial effects on sebum production on the scalp. Thus, it can regulate secretion by the sebaceous glands, making it an ideal ally for oily hair.
Furthermore, as shown in this study, it has an antibacterial action. It cleanses and purifies the scalp.
Usage precautions and recommendations
Aloe vera is generally well tolerated by the scalp. However, it can cause allergies.
Before the first application, first perform a skin test to detect any allergic reactions.
How to apply it on the hair?
As a scalp massage
You can apply it as a massage, directly on the scalp. This massage will be very pleasant in case of itching or irritation. It helps to quickly soothe discomfort.
Pour aloe vera gel onto your fingertips and apply all over the scalp.
Leave it on for 1 hour, under a towel or a hair care cap. Rinse and do your usual shampoo.
Repeat this massage twice a week.
In your shampoo
You can also add it to your shampoo for additional moisturizing action.
Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel for every 100 ml of shampoo.
As a hair mask
Aloe vera is excellent as a hair mask. You can use it pure or mixed with other natural ingredients: vegetable oils (coconut, castor, jojoba…), cider vinegar, yogurt, lemon juice, shea butter…
Apply the mask before shampooing. Let it sit for 1 hour before rinsing and washing your hair.
Repeat this mask twice a week.
As a hair serum
Finally, you can use it as a hair serum on the lengths and ends. In this case, it hydrates and styles the hair. It also helps to tame and shape curls.
Warm a dollop of aloe vera gel in your hands, then apply it to dry hair.
