Aloe vera is a plant that grows in sunny climates around the world. Its fleshy leaves contain a gel or juice widely used as a natural remedy.
Indeed, it is best known to help relieve skin burns caused by the sun, but also to heal other surface wounds.
Several studies have been conducted to know its benefits for our health. Thanks to its moisturizing properties and its vitamins , aloe vera is very successful in the care of hair and dry skin.
According to research results, aloe vera is a miracle plant that relieves dandruff and helps restore healthy hair.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of using aloe vera in a hair mask, with plenty of easy-to-make DIY recipes .
No chemicals to add, only simple and natural ingredients!
The many benefits of aloe vera gel for hair
Cleans oily hair
Aloe vera is a must have for oily hair! Indeed, it effectively cleans the hair fiber, removing excess sebum and any other trace of product residue.
The advantage of this plant is the fact that it does not attack your hair during cleaning, unlike the chemical ingredients present in commercial products.
Calms itching
Seborrheic dermatitis is the exact clinical term for dandruff. You can treat itchy scalp problems with aloe vera gel.
Indeed, a 1998 study found that aloe vera helped resolve scalp inflammation caused by dandruff.
The fatty acids present in the plant have anti-inflammatory properties.
Related article: How to effectively fight against itchy scalp?
Strengthens and repairs brittle hair
Aloe vera is a plant rich in vitamins A, C and E. These three vitamins participate in cell renewal, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair.
In other words, aloe vera promotes hair growth.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid are also present in aloe vera gel. These help stop hair loss .
However, there are no studies conclusively confirming that aloe vera has any benefit in preventing hair loss.
Aloe vera is a plant widely used on the skin after sun exposure. Its success is due to its high collagen content and refreshing properties.
Its properties could also repair sun damage to your hair.
Similar article: Hair flax gel: benefits & easy-to-make recipes
Other than a 1998 study that highlighted the effectiveness of aloe vera gel for dandruff relief, there isn’t much research on the other benefits of aloe vera for hair.
However, it has been found that aloe vera gel is often used for:
- Strengthen and revitalize natural hair.
- Promote hair growth.
- Preserve its natural and smooth curls.
- Seal out moisture.
- Reduce frizz.
- Detangle hair.
Aloe vera does not have a specific hair type. Nevertheless, this plant is ideal for: oily hair, brittle hair, dry or damaged hair and curly hair.
Related article: 11 ways to define curls in frizzy hair
Aloe vera gel as a facial treatment
The liquid contained in its leaves, found in gel, helps to strengthen the elasticity of the skin thanks to the production of fibroblasts, cells that cause the renewal of collagen .
Aloe vera gel helps the skin fight against the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles .
Aloe vera is used on sensitive , combination, dry and even very dry skin. It does not leave a greasy film.
Its astringent action helps tighten pores and improves dull skin tone for combination skin.
It will be applied more on the wings of the nose and the forehead which tend to shine.
For dry , very dry skin lacking water, aloe vera gel will, in addition to its freshness, soothe and promote the circulation of water in the skin for better hydration.
Therefore favor the use of cosmetics based on aloe vera because this plant is gentle, effective and respectful of even the most sensitive skin.
Where can I find aloe vera gel?
Aloe vera is quite easy to find. If you live in a sunny, dry climate, you can plant it in your garden.
You have the possibility to buy pre-cut aloe vera leaves directly in supermarkets, among organic plants.
The best way to get pure aloe vera gel is to extract it yourself from fresh leaves . To extract the gel from the leaves, all you need is a knife, a bowl and a clean work surface.
Aloe vera gel can be kept for a week in a cool, clean container, or in the freezer for several months.
Space-saving tip : mix the aloe vera gel and pour the gel into ice cube trays. In this way, you save space in your freezer, but also you have control over the quantity to use.
You can buy aloe vera gel at a pharmacy or on the Internet.
Note that if you buy ready-to-use aloe vera, chances are it will contain added ingredients like herbs or thickeners. Make sure to take the purest aloe vera gel possible.
8 easy homemade recipes using aloe vera gel
1. Aloe vera and coconut oil mask
Coconut oil and aloe vera make a great conditioning recipe that helps seal in moisture in the scalp. This mask will also help maintain your hair, so you won’t have to cut your hair as often.
In a bowl, mix:
- 5 tablespoons of aloe vera.
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil.
- 2 tablespoons of honey.
Massage the mixture into your scalp, paying particular attention to the ends of your hair. It’s important to focus on the ends, as these are usually the most damaged parts of your hair.
Once all of your hair is coated in the mixture, cover your mane with a shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing.
Related article: Coconut oil hair mask: 9 DIY recipes & benefits
2. Another alternative to coconut oil: coconut milk!
Coconut milk has conditioning properties to keep hair healthy. It deeply nourishes the scalp.
In a bowl, mix:
- 4 spoons of aloe vera gel.
- 4 spoons of coconut milk.
- 1 spoon of coconut oil.
Mix well so that your mask is homogeneous.
Massage this mixture into your scalp and apply it all over your hair until it is thoroughly wet. Leave it on for about half an hour and then wash it off.
3. Repairing mask with aloe vera and green tea
We don’t talk about it much, but green tea is a very good combination with aloe vera. Green tea is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which helps neutralize scalp damage, thereby promoting hair growth.
Mix half a cup of freshly brewed green tea with half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel.
Make sure there are no lumps, as these can stick to your hair.
Massage the mixture into your scalp so that your hair is completely saturated there. Leave on for ten minutes before rinsing.
4. Aloe vera and amla gel mask
Amla is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that improve hair texture while stopping hair loss.
Amla’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties help maintain overall scalp health.
Take 1 tablespoon of amla oil and aloe vera gel in a bowl. You can also use amla pulp.
Mix using a spoon and apply the paste on your scalp and cover your head with a shower cap.
Wait 30 to 40 minutes then rinse. You can make this mask once or twice a week if you wish.
5. Aloe vera gel and onion juice for hair growth
This mixture helps to slow down hair loss and promotes regrowth . Onion juice stimulates your scalp and stimulates hair growth.
Take about 3 or 4 large onions and blend them into a puree in a blender. Use a strainer to extract the juice. Add the aloe vera gel and mix well.
Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it through your hair until your hair is saturated with liquid.
Leave it on for about an hour, then rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and/or conditioner.
6. Aloe vera and fenugreek gel
Fenugreek is generally widely used for breastfeeding.
It contains hormonal properties that promote hair growth and help rebuild hair follicles.
The day before your treatment, soak a cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Grind them into a paste and add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to them.
Mix thoroughly and apply this paste on your hair and scalp.
Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for 1 hour. Rinse your hair with water then wash with a mild shampoo.
7. Revitalizing mask with aloe vera gel and egg
Another way to use aloe vera for hair growth is to make a hair mask with egg yolk.
The yolk of an egg contains all the fat and protein, making it a conditioning ingredient. An ideal mask for dry and dull hair .
For best results, add olive oil and aloe vera gel to stimulate growth.
In a bowl, mix the aloe vera, olive oil and yolk into a smooth, homogeneous paste.
Cover your scalp with the mask and wear a shower cap for best results. Leave on for about 20-25 minutes before washing off with cold water.
Related post: Egg Hair Mask: 11 Homemade Recipes [Quick & Effective]
8. Aloe vera gel and castor oil
Castor oil is an excellent treatment that helps stimulate hair growth and restore volume.
This oil is ideal for very dry and brittle hair. The addition of aloe vera helps stimulate hair regrowth and also curbs hair loss.
In a bowl, mix the two ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
I advise you to focus well on your roots and ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes or overnight before washing.
Related Post: How To Use Castor Oil For Hair Growth
So ! You have the choice among the many recipes offered, you tell me the news. Do not hesitate to tell me in comment your results with aloe vera gel.
By the way, you also have another alternative to aloe vera: linseed gel .
I invite you to discover its many benefits and recipes!