Is It Good to Use Aloe Vera for Hair?

Updated by Lily Kungu •

Updated on October 02, 2024

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Aloe vera leafes — Image by Subbotina Anna via Shutterstock

Did you know that aloe vera is not only good for your skin but may also have amazing benefits for your hair? Most recently, this moisturizing plant has wowed the internet with its potential hair repair benefits. Keep reading to find out the possible benefits of aloe vera for hair and how you can use it on your hair.

Is it good to use aloe vera for hair?

Aloe vera is widely used in haircare, but is it truly effective? Aloe vera contains compounds like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that are thought to be beneficial for hair and scalp health. Some of the active compounds in aloe vera include:

Vitamins A, C, E, and some B vitamins
Fatty acids
Enzymes
Minerals such as zinc and potassium

Nonetheless, while these compounds are essential for various body functions, including hair growth, there's limited scientific proof that our hair can absorb them from aloe vera to have any real effect.

Benefits of aloe vera for hair

Although scientific evidence is limited, many people claim that aloe vera has been beneficial for their hair. Let’s explore some of the commonly cited benefits of aloe vera for hair.

Moisturizes hair

Aloe vera is a natural humectant, which means it can attract and seal in moisture. Its high water content and rich nutrient content, like vitamins and amino acids, are thought to help lock in moisture, reduce dryness, and leave hair feeling soft, smooth, and well-nourished. Therefore, if you have brittle and dry hair, aloe vera may help restore hydration and shine to your hair.

May help treat dandruff

Dandruff may be caused by many factors such as dry scalp, sensitivity to hair products, and underlying medical conditions, among others. In some cases, it may also be present with fungal infections. Since aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal properties, and cooling effects, it might help reduce dandruff by moisturizing the scalp, reducing inflammation, combating fungi and bacteria, exfoliating dead skin cells, and promoting healing.

May support hair growth

Some claim aloe vera may help your hair grow faster, but there’s limited scientific proof to support this. Despite that, one study suggests that the way aloe vera impacts the scalp's blood vessels might help increase blood circulation in the scalp. This may increase the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair follicles, which may result in improved hair growth.

Gently cleanses hair

Aloe vera’s soothing and moisturizing properties make it a gentle option for cleansing the scalp without stripping away natural oils. While it doesn't directly reduce sebum production, it can help remove excess oil and dirt. This can benefit people with not only oily but also sensitive and dry scalps by keeping the scalp clean without over-drying or damaging the hair.

May strengthen hair

Aloe vera contains vitamins like A, C, and E, which are important for cell growth. These vitamins may have antioxidant properties that help protect hair from damage caused by free radicals. Even though there isn't much research on this, these antioxidants may help reduce oxidative stress caused by excessive amounts of free radicals, which can lead to hair breakage. Therefore, using aloe vera might potentially help strengthen hair and improve overall hair health.

Side effects of aloe vera on hair

Aloe vera is generally safe for most people when applied to the skin. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, it's recommended to do a patch test on a small part of the skin before you apply it to your scalp and hair.

Some side effects of using aloe vera topically include skin irritation or itching.

How to use aloe vera on hair

While new aloe vera haircare formulas are hitting the shelves each week, the best option might be to choose an actual aloe vera plant without any additives that might be present in cosmetics with aloe vera. If you want to use aloe vera for hair, here’s what you can do:

Carefully cut open an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel.
Apply the aloe vera gel directly to your hair. Ensure you massage the gel gently into your scalp and distribute it through your hair.
Leave the aloe vera on for about one hour.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
You can repeat this process once or twice a week.

You can mix aloe vera with other natural ingredients to potentially boost its effects on your hair. Mixing aloe vera with other nourishing ingredients may enhance its benefits for your hair. Here are some common ingredients you can mix to make hair masks.

Honey. Mix aloe vera gel with honey for a soothing mask. Honey has natural humectant properties that can help lock in moisture and add shine.
Coconut oil. Aloe vera for dry hair is great, but adding coconut oil may possibly make it even better. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that can help strengthen hair and add an extra boost of hair hydration.
Avocado. Avocado masks are packed with vitamins and healthy fats that may nourish your hair and scalp.
Egg. Eggs are good for your hair. They contain protein, which may help strengthen hair and reduce hair breakage.

The verdict: should you try aloe vera for your hair?

Aloe vera may be an excellent option if you have damaged hair, especially if you’re looking for natural remedies for hair problems. However, if you have a sensitive scalp, you may want to consult a dermatologist or perform a patch test before you apply it.

More research is needed to fully understand the effects of aloe vera gel on hair. However, it is widely recognized for its beneficial properties. Some potential benefits include moisturizing hair, promoting scalp health, reducing dandruff, supporting hair growth, and gently cleansing dirt and oil. These qualities make aloe vera worth considering for your haircare routine.

Have you tried using aloe vera for hair? Share your experiences in the comments below!

FAQ

Can I apply aloe vera directly to my hair?

You can apply the aloe vera gel directly to your hair and scalp. Just apply it to your scalp and work it onto your hair with your hands. Just make sure to do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Can aloe vera regrow lost hair?

There are many people who claim that aloe vera for hair loss actually works. But as of now, there's no evidence to prove that it can regrow lost hair.

How long to leave aloe vera on hair?

You can leave the aloe vera in your hair for up to an hour before rinsing it out. If you experience any irritation, consider avoiding aloe vera in the future or using it less frequently.

Should I shampoo my hair after applying aloe vera?

Yes, it's important to rinse your hair with a gentle shampoo after using aloe vera. This helps remove any residue and keeps your hair feeling fresh.

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that may be used to moisturize hair, help reduce dandruff, gently cleanse dirt and oil, and potentially promote hair growth and hair breakage prevention.
Aloe vera is generally safe to use, but some people may observe irritation. Therefore, it's important to do a patch test first.
To use aloe vera for hair, apply the gel to your hair and leave it on for up to 60 minutes, then rinse it off.