This much-loved succulent can help with various hair problems, but you must be cautious about where you get it.
While aloe vera is a popular ingredient in self-care and cosmetic products these days, this gel-filled succulent is anything but. For thousands of years, aloe vera has been praised for its medicinal, health, aesthetic, and dermatological properties—the ancient Egyptians referred to it as "the plant of immortality." It was a staple of Cleopatra's and Nefertiti's beauty routines. Over the last several thousand years, research has identified dozens of possible applications for aloe vera, from boosting intestinal health to curing psoriasis—aloe vera has become highly valued for hair care.
We spoke with Tonya Lane, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of the popular YouTube channel Curly Chemistry, and Patrick Obukowho, president of Advantage Research Lab and a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, to learn more about the actual benefits of aloe vera for hair and how effective the products on the market are for those seeking solutions for their hair-related woes.
Hair Benefits of Aloe Vera
Lane adds that aloe vera provides a slew of hair advantages, whether you want to cure your scalp or pamper your locks. According to her, the component is a humectant, a compound that prevents moisture loss by drawing moisture from the environment into the skin and hair.
"Aloe vera is incredible at producing long-lasting moisture that you can see and feel," Lane explains. "You'll notice a difference in the softness and manageability of your hair." She also mentions that aloe gives the skin a gentle glow. Aloe's therapeutic qualities, on the other hand, go beyond only preventing dehydration.
Lane explains, "Aloe vera can help to maintain a healthy pH balance in the hair, scalp, and skin. [This] is really important for our overall health, and pH abnormalities are responsible for a number of scalp problems. Including aloe vera in your regimen will undoubtedly be beneficial." However, she points out that everyone reacts differently to different components, even natural ones, and it's crucial to use the products and treatments that your hair responds best to.
According to research, Aloe vera is also an anti-inflammatory element that helps protect against UV radiation, which can strengthen and improve both your hair and scalp. UV-protective qualities help keep your hair looking brilliant by preserving colour and gloss. Aloe vera also can prevent grease since it contains enzymes that can remove excess oils from the hair (and skin). As if that weren't enough, aloe vera may aid hair development by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and providing vitamins A, C, and E, which assist in battling inflammation and free radicals.
The Truth About "Aloe Vera-Based" Hair Products
Lane and Obuko, who have worked with aloe vera in the past to formulate skin and hair treatments, prefer to work with it in its gel-like liquid state rather than the powder form, which they believe is less efficient. However, Obukowho warns that simply buying a hair-care product that claims to contain aloe vera won't guarantee you'll get all of the above benefits.
"We utilize aloe vera a lot, and the tales behind the ingredients are all about where they came from. It appeals to marketers because aloe vera is a natural, organic component with a compelling story to tell "he declares "I've been creating formulations for 27 years, and the aloe vera concentration in every solution I've worked with is less than 1%, notwithstanding what marketing states."
While aloe vera has been around for thousands of years and has been used for several purposes, its efficacy in goods is debatable, according to Obukowho. He believes there isn't enough evidence to support all of the claims claimed regarding aloe. Surfactants, chemical molecules that can bind water and oil, can interfere with aloevera's integrity, according to Obukowho. Nearly all shampoos and conditioners on the market and many other hair-care products are formulated with surfactants, which can interfere with aloevera's integrity.
Surfactants are used in hair-care product formulations to remove dirt, so they're an essential part of the process. However, they also break down the buzzy active ingredients listed on labels, which are the initial draw for consumers (think: olive and argan oils, vitamin E, or aloe vera), according to Obukowho. However, some formulations have bases that will work with active ingredients. Obukowho claims that aloe vera-based oil- or water-based products are likely to be more successful than your standard drugstore shampoo that claims to be created with aloe.
Furthermore, Obukowho observes that clients frequently overlook that hair is no longer alive. If you want to encourage hair growth and repair, you'll need to apply something to your scalp. If you're going to treat dandruff or other scalp problems, enhance hair growth, or improve the overall condition of your hair, you'll need to apply a product directly to the scalp. While an aloe vera-based conditioner may help nourish your hair, you won't benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties or see longer strands.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair
Suppose you don't want to look into aloe-based hair care products. In that case, the substance is also quite effective in juice form and direct from the plant, both of which are becoming more widely available in supermarkets and should be available at most natural-food stores.
"Those who have a dry or flaky scalp should rinse with aloe vera juice once a week to encourage a healthy scalp and minimize itchiness," Lane adds. "Aloe vera juice hair rinses are also a terrific way to give your hair a juicy treat throughout the week, especially if it's feeling a little dry." For an all-natural (and highly inexpensive) hair mask, scoop out the gel found in the core of aloe vera leaves (or get it bottled) and apply it directly to the scalp and strands.
If you're looking for something
different than raw aloe to add to your daily or weekly hair-care routine, it's
worth your time to hunt for the ones that will give you the most bang for your
buck. All-natural shampoo with a short, straightforward ingredient list may be worth
the effort for individuals looking for scalp relief and enhanced hydration. If
you want to boost hair growth, aloe vera-based thickening spray that you may
apply to your roots could be a good alternative. Remember that everyone reacts
differently to different products and substances, so if you add a new phase to
your self-care routine, keep an eye on how your scalp and skin feel.