The Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair

Aloe vera juice is pretty amazing stuff. The clear gel, found inside the spiky leaves of the aloe vera plant, has been used in cosmetics for thousands of years (Queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra are both thought to have been fans). Aloe vera gel is renowned for having a cooling and soothing effect on skin – and is often used in after-sun products. But this natural wonder is also known to do good things for hair and scalp...

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant that thrives in hot, dry environments. Its large, triangular leaves have serrated edges and grow in rosette patterns. These leaves are bursting with clear, sticky liquid: aloe vera gel. It’s made up of around 99% water – an adaptation to help the plant survive droughts. Scientists at Kew Gardens are conducting research into the gel that ‘could revolutionise how we use aloes in the future to adapt to life on a warmer planet as a result of climate change’. How good is that?!

Whatever role aloe vera plays in our future, it’s been of great significance in the past. In Ancient Egypt, it was referred to as ‘the plant of immortality’, whilst Native Americans called it ‘the wand of heaven’. The juice of this spiky plant has been revered – and utilised – for millennia. And with good reason: it might be mostly water, but the rest of it is made up of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids – all of which are believed to have various positive effects on skin and hair.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair

So, what exactly can aloe vera do for hair? 

• Cleanses Oily Hair and Scalp

Aloe vera’s natural, gel texture makes it a great cleanser for oily hair and scalps. It can gently and effectively clean skin and strands, without stripping away moisture.

• Hydrates Dry Hair

Aloe vera is known to be an excellent humectant, meaning it may deeply hydrate both hair strands and scalp. Hydrated hair looks smooth and shiny and is less prone to breakage and split ends.

• Helps Strengthen and Protect Hair

Aloe vera contains the mighty trio of A, C and E vitamins, which have antioxidants properties. This means the gel may help protect hair from pollution and free radicals, helping to keep it healthy.

• Soothes Irritation

Aloe vera is known to be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and soothing – all great news for itchy, flaky scalps. And this study, conducted in 1998, found that an aloe vera emulsion could help reduce scalp inflammation in those with seborrheic dermatitis. Of course, if you are suffering from any type of skin irritation, you should always check with your doctor before applying anything directly to it – but it does seem there’s a reason why so many people love to use aloe vera as a scalp-soother.

Does aloe vera help hair grow?

Nature is abundant with potions that people claim can help hair grow, but often these claims are based on anecdotal evidence alone – and what works for one person may not help another. The same rule for many other plant ‘remedies’ for hair loss applies to aloe vera: there’s no guarantee it will help hair grow faster, but what it can do is help your scalp stay healthy. And as the foundation for hair, a scalp that is hydrated, calm and well cared for can lead to healthier hair growth.

How to Use Aloe Vera on Hair

You can buy aloe vera leaves from grocery shops and cut the open to obtain the gel inside. There are plenty of tutorials online that show you how to apply the fresh juice to hair and scalp as a mask. But aloe vera gel is sticky, and applying it straight from the leaves can be messy, which is why many people prefer to use products formulated with aloe vera. Our Aloe Vera Shampoo and Aloe Vera Conditioner are a convenient way to bring the benefits of this much-loved succulent into your wash day.