Aloe Vera and Hair
The hair industry is filled with several products that offer different benefits to the hair. There are specific ingredients that are widely recognized and used for their power in most products. Aloe Vera is one of such ingredients. It stands out because it is from natural sources and it provides various significant benefits to hair health.
Aloe Vera is easy to find and use on the hair as DIY treatments or in professional salons. As we move further in this article, we will discuss the individual benefits of Aloe Vera to hair and how to apply this plant for such results.
Knowing Aloe Vera
Many people are familiar with the wonder plant, Aloe Vera and its value to health and lifestyle. Aloe Vera appears as a Shrub; a short plant with succulent, green pointy leaves. They spread out in a rose form which makes the plant beautiful to the eyes.
Aloe Vera is stemless and the leaves margin are serrated to give a unique look. Some plants also have white flecks on the leaves. There are over 300 species of the Aloe plant but the most common and user-friendly is Aloe barbadensis which is well known as Aloe Vera.
You would find this spiky plant growing naturally in dry, tropical climates. Such locations include Africa, Asia, Southern and Western parts of the United States, and Europe. For over 6000 years, people have recognized Aloe Vera as more than a beautiful plant and for its therapeutic properties, medicinal uses, and much more.
The plant has proven useful across various fields and industries. It is not selective of age, gender, or any other factor. Aloe Vera is suitable for use by anyone, without fear of side effects or damage. Some top uses and benefits of Aloe Vera across industries include:
- Beautiful and healthy skin
- Treatment of burns and wounds
- Dietary supplement
- To eliminate digestive issues
- Dental care
- Adaptogenic applications
- Ornamental uses in homes, offices, and other environments
The list goes on and on for the powerful Aloe Vera plant. A characteristic feature of Aloe Vera is the hard leaf bark which can be cut open or peeled to reveal a succulent gel-like substance within. This gelatinous part is used in the health industry to solve various problems and contribute to healthy living.
Why is Aloe Vera Beneficial to Hair?
Aloe Vera contains more than 70 active ingredients including vitamins and choline. The body needs these ingredients in different ways to obtain balance and health. In the hair industry, the aloe plant provides what is needed for the hair to become lustrous, strong, and healthy. This helps to prevent issues like shedding, breakage, or lack of growth.
The specific ingredients that help Aloe Vera achieve this include:
- Vitamins
The function of vitamins in the body is numerous. It is responsible for a healthy immune system and much more. Vitamins provide protection and strength to the hair. Aloe Vera is packed with beta-carotene which represents Vitamin A. The plant also contains Vitamin C, E, and B12 and antioxidants.
- Minerals
The body requires minerals to maintain the proper function of enzymes. Minerals are also recognized for their role in hair growth. Deficiency of minerals in the body can lead to hair loss. The minerals present in Aloe Vera are potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chromium and zinc.
- Enzymes and Fatty Acids
Enzymes offer protective and healing benefits to the hair. They break down dead skin cells and work with fatty acids to boost healing of damaged hair follicles. They also prevent inflammation and this helps to soothe scalp irritation. The enzymes in the plant include peroxidase, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, carboxypeptidase, aliiase, catales, and bradykinase.
The fatty acids are β-sisosterol, campesterol, lupeol, and cholesterol.
- Moisture
Hair strands need to stay hydrated to look healthy and lock in nutrients. The gelatinous nature of the aloe plant gives it the moisture it provides to the hair.
The Benefits of Aloe Vera to Hair
- Calms itchy scalp and irritation
Most itchy scalp is caused by hair problems such as dandruff. This condition and frequent scratching quickly lead to skin or scalp irritation. Aloe Vera can be applied to calm this itching sensation and treat dandruff. It reduces the inflammation caused by the condition. The plant can do this because if its anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory properties. Dandruff is also reduced because of the anti-fungal properties of the plant.
- Strengthens and repairs the hair
Hair damage or weakness can be caused by exposure to the sun and frequent manipulation. If left untreated, this can lead to hair loss. The wonder plant Aloe Vera helps people overcome this problem by providing powerful nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, C, E, and B-12, folic acid, and collagen. These ingredients all contribute to cell turnover and reversal of damage to the hair. They promote cell growth, prevent hair loss, and give the hair a shiny appearance. Aloe Vera provides the strength and sheen that everyone wants in their hair.
- Cleanses oily hair
Oily hair tends to retain residue and extra oil from hair products. This is unhealthy and can limit hair growth. Aloe Vera is an ideal cleanser for oily hair because it cleanses the hair, removes extra oil, and preserves its integrity. Aloe Vera does not damage or strip oily hair. It provides gentle treatment.
- Boosts hair growth
A lot of people struggle with hair growth and health. This leads them to use various hair products that sometimes damage rather than help. Aloe Vera stands out as a plant that naturally stimulates hair growth. It increases blood circulation to the scalp and protects the hair as it grows.
- Restores pH balance
The human hair and scalp oil have a pH balance of between 4.5 and 5.5. This is mildly acidic and prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria on the hair. Aloe Vera has the same pH level which makes it ideal for restoring pH balance to the hair and enhancing cellular regeneration.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair Treatment?
Aloe Vera should be used after confirmation of no sensitivity to the plant. You can do this by simply rubbing the gel on your skin and waiting for a few minutes.
Hair growth, shedding, thinning, and breakage are all conditions that can be solved with Aloe Vera. Here are some ways to use the plant for hair treatment.
- For hair growth
RECIPE 1- Castor oil and Aloe Vera
Ingredients and Materials
- Towel
- Shower cap
- Fresh Aloe Vera gel- 1 cup
- Castor oil- 2 tablespoon
- Fenugreek powder- 2 tablespoon
Procedure
- Mix all the ingredients in a clean bowl to a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste on the hair from the roots, scalp to the strands. When the hair is completely covered, use the shower cap. You can use a towel to wrap the shower cap to boost heat.
- Leave your hair in this state overnight.
- Wash with a quality shampoo and conditioner in the morning.
- Repeat this procedure once or twice every week for results.
This treatment speeds up hair growth and also prevents breakage or split ends.
RECIPE 2- Eggs and Aloe Vera
Ingredients and Materials
- Shower cap
- Egg yolk- 1
- Fresh Aloe Vera gel- 4 tablespoon
- Olive oil- 3 tablespoon
Procedure
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl till you get a smooth paste
- Apply the paste to the hair in a massaging gentle motion and cover with the shower cap
- Leave to sit for 25 minutes.
- Wash with cold or cool water, shampoo, and condition to finish.
- Repeat this process once weekly.
This egg and Aloe Vera Treatment acts as an effective conditioner that nourishes the hair and boosts growth.
- As a leave-in-conditioner for consistent nourishment
Using Aloe Vera as a leave-in-conditioner helps to prevent shedding, thinning, and promote lustrous shiny hair.
Ingredients and Materials
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Essential oil
Procedure
- Mix equal part of Aloe Vera and water together. Use a blender if needed.
- Add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture.
- Store in a spray bottle and spritz once a week.
- As a deep-cleaning conditioner
Ingredients and Materials
- Olive oil
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Comb
Procedure
- Mix equal parts of both ingredients together.
- Apply on the hair using a comb.
- Brush the hair afterwards.
- Fresh application of Aloe Vera
Some people who have access to the plant prefer to apply it directly to their hair. This is equally effective.
To do this, cut a leaf from the plant and obtain the gel with a spoon. Rub it directly on the scalp and leave it to sit for an hour. Wash afterwards with a mild shampoo. You can repeat this process 2 or 3 times in a week.
There is so much that Aloe Vera can do for the hair and living. To know more stick with us as we discover them. You can also check our products section for some interesting Aloe Vera products for health and living.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Aloe Vera Gel Beneficial for Hair Growth. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3523409
Aloe Vera for Hair: Benefits for Hair Growth. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/aloe-vera-for-hair
Tarameshloo M, Norouzian M, Zarein-Dolab S, Dadpay M, Gazor R. A comparative study of the effects of topical application of Aloe vera, thyroid hormone and silver sulfadiazine on skin wounds in Wistar rats. Lab Anim Res. 2012;28(1):17-21.