How is Aloe Vera Beneficial for Hair?
The aloe vera plant has a range of benefits, usually associated with skin care for sun burn and irritation. Along with these advantages, did you know that you can use aloe vera for hair and scalp conditions? Packed with vitamins A, E and C, selenium, collagen and zinc, this plant offers great benefits for your hair, which we will discuss in more detail below.Summary
- What is Aloe Vera?
- What are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Hair Care?
- Can Aloe Vera Make Hair Thicker?
- What are the Side Effects of Aloe Vera Hair Care?
- How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair Loss?
- Conclusion: Improve Your Hair Care Routine with Aloe Vera
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a plant which grows in hot and dry climates. Its grey-green leaves are thick and fleshy and contain a gel that’s used for its health benefits and cosmetic purposes. Sometimes it produces yellow flowers at its top. For millennia people have used the gel for its healing properties for wounds and burns. Today it’s used as a common ingredient in body care products and medication.
What are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Hair Care?
When it comes to healthy hair, this plant is primarily used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, a disease that causes itchiness, scalp rash and dandruff. The main advantage of aloe vera here is its ability to deeply cleanse the scalp and kill bacteria, which, in turn, ensures the growth of stronger hair.
Moreover, due to its rich vitamin and antioxidant content, aloe vera nourishes the follicles and creates a protective shield around the hair shafts. It can help to promote hair growth, along with providing relief for a range of conditions and illnesses that have hair alopecia as their symptom. 5 of the benefits include:
1. Stimulating blood circulation to the scalp
Another reason why this plant is good for hair loss is the fact that it stimulates blood circulation. If you apply an aloe vera mask onto your scalp, the blood flow to your hair follicles will increase, subsequently, more oxygen and nutrients will be supplied to your hair.
All these benefits together make this succulent a great solution for those who want to tackle hair loss and improve the quality of their hair.
2. Reducing the production of sebum
Sebum build-up is a common cause of slow hair growth. Sebum is a fatty excretion produced by the sebaceous glands of the head. Its main function is to keep the scalp moisturised. However, excessive sebum hinders hair growth by clogging the capillary pores.
3. Nourishes and soothes the scalp
Its gel contains a remarkable amount of nutrients that can improve the overall condition of your hair and scalp, as well as relieve inflammation and irritation.
4. Fights dandruff
By maintaining the balance of the hair’s natural oil, it can help prevent dryness and a flaky scalp. Its antibacterial properties can also treat dandruff caused by bacteria.
5. Adds shine and provides protection
The gel from its leaves is an excellent humectant (hygroscopic substance providing moisture) that will make your hair look glossier and protect it from external factors.
Shop the Dr. Balwi 98% Aloe Vera Gel
Dr. Balwi has developed this aloe vera for hair, face and skincare. Aloe vera has many benefits due to its moisturising, cooling and soothing properties. With 98% aloe vera content, this product is ideal for use on irritated skin, itchy scalps, razor burn and sunburn. Try our aloe vera gel for yourself!
Can Aloe Vera Make Hair Thicker?
A frequent question asked is whether applying aloe vera gel for hair can make it thicker. The answer is, it is not directly used for this purpose, as hair thickness is, on the whole, genetically preconditioned. Some people simply have fewer or thinner hair follicles.
Nevertheless, aloe vera can activate follicles that are in the telogen or “sleep” phase of growth or those deprived of the nutrients essential for new hair formation. As a result, your head of hair can become thicker after treating it using the plant’s gel.
What are the Side Effects of Aloe Vera Hair Care?
While its gel can also result in side effects these only occur very rarely. Adverse reactions, like stomach pain and vomiting, may occur if it is ingested. However, external use is safe. Sometimes aloe vera can cause skin irritation and rash as an allergic reaction.
To make sure the treatment is suitable for you, apply a few drops of gel on your skin and wait for a few hours to see if any adverse reaction takes place. In terms of application, you shouldn’t use aloe vera as a treatment for your hair every day (at least not at the very beginning of the application until you know how it will react). 2-3 times a week should be sufficient to improve hair health depending on your type of hair.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair Loss?
So how exactly can you use aloe vera to help with hair loss? There are various methods of application with the easiest one being a hair mask. You only need to rub a small amount into the scalp so mix 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a few drops of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and rub the mask into your scalp.
There is no need to make your hair wet before applying the mask, but you can cover your hair with a damp towel to add some more moisture to the mask.
Let it incorporate into your scalp for at least 1 hour and then rinse it off with a mild shampoo. Do not leave aloe vera gel on your scalp for too long (even if you use it without any oil), as it turns sticky and can leave an unpleasant smell after some time.
Conclusion: Improve Your Hair Care Routine with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is great for those who suffer from various scalp conditions as well as for those who simply want to improve the general state of their hair by adding more gloss and shine to it.
Using aloe vera for hair is safe and relatively easy. Besides doing a weekly mask, we also recommend adding other hair products containing aloe vera juice to your hair routine.
Do you have more questions or are you suffering from hair loss issues? Then feel free to contact our friendly team who can provide you with advice and answer any questions you have. Furthermore they can also offer a free and non binding hair analysis!