Ahhh, aloe vera, this one ingredient alone is responsible for so much wonderful stuff.
Not everybody knows this, but it’s perfectly ok to use aloe vera on your face and even on your hair. Actually, it’s a bit of a natural wonder product.
And the beauty of it is it’s available in all sorts of different forms, such as a gel, juice, cream, and tablets. Some people also recommend you use it directly from its natural source, the aloe vera plant.
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a plant that’s renowned for having soothing properties. They’re perennial succulents that look a bit cactus-like and are native to Africa and were referred to by the Egyptians as a ‘plant of immortality.’1
All in all, there are thought to be as many as 360 different species of aloe, which has been used for thousands of years
Two parts of the plant tend to be used these days. The first is the clear gel that’s inside the leaves. It can either be taken directly from the plant or put inside liquid or capsules and taken orally.
The second part is something that’s called aloe latex. This is the yellow pulp just under the leaves’ outer part. It’s believed to have laxative properties and is taken orally to help with constipation.2
Is aloe vera good for your hair?
Rich in vitamins and minerals, aloe vera is thought to be able to improve the health of your hair.
Aloe vera can be great for controlling how oily your hair gets, strengthening your hair and even help promote hair growth!
Keep reading to find out just what aloe vera can do for your hair.
What are the benefits of aloe vera on hair?
Now that we’ve briefly covered the backstory of aloe and the aloe vera plant, let’s focus on what you came here for, the advantages of using aloe vera gel for hair.
You’ll be pleased to hear there are a few of them:
1.Cleaning hair
Aloe vera can be used to give hair a really good clean and, it turns out, you can use aloe vera for scalp cleansing, too.
It works by removing oil and residue left behind on your scalp and hair, from hair products that may have built up over time.
Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that isn’t too harsh that can help to repair hair, but more on this below…3
2. Aid hair strength
Just when you thought aloe vera couldn’t get more impressive, we tell you this – it can help to strengthen hair strands!
The reason? It contains Vitamins A, C and E, which can lead to healthy, shiny locks.4
3. Aid hair growth
It’s not a magic hair growth potion, but you can try aloe vera for hair growth.
Aloe vera can, as we’ve just mentioned, help cleanse and condition hair, which can make it less prone to breaking and falling out.5
What are the side effects of using aloe vera on your hair?
Whilst aloe vera can do your hair so much good, like with most things there are some potential effects to be aware of.
You could have an unknown allergy to aloe vera that could show up as a rash. So, before you use that aloe vera shampoo and conditioner, it’s always best to patch test on a small area before using it!
If you plan on taking aloe vera internally as a juice or supplement, it’s always best to check with a doctor before you start using it to make sure you’re being safe.
Top aloe vera products for your hair
Customer rating: 4.2 stars
Customer review:
Serenko – 5/5 stars - Great for sensitive scalp
‘This is my go-to shampoo, it leaves my hair and scalp feeling clean and light. I have a very sensitive scalp and many products irritate it. This one is so soothing and calming, I wouldn't change it for anything else.’
Doctor Organic Aloe Vera Conditioner
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Customer review:
KATE – 5/5 stars - Amazing
‘Great for sensitive scalp and thick hair, leaves hair feeling refreshed and like silk.’
The final say
It’s safe to say that aloe vera is a great plant for keeping your locks in tip-top condition, so why not add some into your haircare routine today? Just remember to complete a patch test before giving it a go.
Last updated: 17 January 2023
*source: hollandandbarrett.com
