Aloe vera is a succulent plant used for various medicinal purposes for centuries. It is a popular ingredient in many hair care products due to its calming and soothing properties.
Aloe vera benefits for hair are numerous, and a hair mask made with the plant can help nourish and protect the scalp and improve overall hair health. It can also relieve itchy scalps and soothe irritation caused by dryness or dandruff.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best benefits of using an aloe vera hair mask and provide some DIY aloe vera hair mask for hair growth at-home recipes to suit your needs!
Best Benefits Of Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Here are three benefits of aloe vera on hair everyone should know:
- Soothes an irritated scalp – Aloe vera helps to reduce inflammation and prevent scalp infections.
- Promotes hair growth – Aloe vera may stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp.
- Nourishes the hair – Aloe vera is a natural conditioner that can help to improve the texture and overall health of the hair
Aloe Vera Hair Mask Benefits
Soothes An Irritated Scalp
One of the primary benefits of aloe vera for hair is its ability to soothe[1] an itchy and irritated scalp. This is because aloe vera has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent scalp infections. Additionally, the enzymes in aloe vera may break down dead skin cells, which can clog hair follicles and lead to dandruff.
Promotes Hair Growth
An aloe vera hair mask for hair growth and thickness may be possible due to the enzymes in the aloe plant.[2] These may stimulate hair follicles by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. This increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which promotes healthier hair.
Nourishes The Hair
Aloe vera is a natural conditioner that can help improve the hair’s texture and overall health. It contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair, making it stronger, shinier, and more manageable. Aloe vera also contains amino acids[3] that can help to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.
How Does An Aloe Vera Hair Mask Help Hair Growth?
Aloe vera is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes that can help improve our overall health, both internally and externally. Using aloe vera as a dietary supplement has been shown to boost immunity and digestive health.[4] Still, it can also be used topically to improve the condition of our hair and scalp.
Aloe vera is a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex that nourish the hair follicles and help promote healthy growth. Some companies have even created shampoos made with aloe vera and biotin supplements based on the evidence that they support healthy hair.
An aloe hair mask can help promote hair growth by reducing breakage and damage, stimulating circulation, nourishing the scalp and hair, and controlling dandruff and itchiness.[5] Aloe has hydrating and moisturizing properties, and applying it as a hair mask can help reduce dryness and brittleness of hair, a common cause of hair breakage and damage.
Aloe vera contains enzymes[2] that can help stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. Improved blood flow to the scalp can help deliver essential nutrients, oxygen, and moisture to the hair follicles, thereby promoting growth.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties[5] that can help control dandruff and itchiness on the scalp. Dandruff and itchiness can hinder growth by weakening hair follicles and increasing hair fall.
Best Aloe Vera Hair Masks That You Must Try
The following aloe vera hair mask recipes can be easily made at home with fresh aloe vera gel or bottled aloe vera gel and other ingredients found in the kitchen or bathroom. Leave each hair mask on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Applying aloe vera gel to hair is easier when the hair is slightly damp.
Aloe Vera And Honey Hair Mask
Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and locks in moisture, making it ideal for dry hair types. This mask will deeply hydrate your strands and leave your hair feeling soft and moisturized. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of honey for a simple aloe vera hair mask at home.
Aloe Vera And Avocado Hair Mask
Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that nourish and strengthen the hair. This mask will add shine to dull, lifeless hair. Mash one ripe avocado in a bowl, then mix in 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with washing with a mild shampoo – condition, dry, and style.
Aloe Vera And Coconut Oil Hair Mask
This mask will help restore moisture to dry, damaged hair and promote overall hair health. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and apply to your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up. Cover with a shower cap for 20-30 minutes, then rinse out.
Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask
Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the scalp’s pH, which can help prevent dandruff and promote a healthy scalp. Mix 1/2 cup of fresh aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and apply to your hair. After 10-15 minutes, follow with two to three washings of your hair with a mild shampoo.
Aloe Vera And Olive Oil Hair Mask
Olive oil is a natural conditioner that can help to soften, smooth, and tame frizzy hair. It also contains antioxidants that help to improve hair health and prevent damage. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and apply to your hair. Cover with a shower cap, leave for 15 minutes, then thoroughly rinse.
Aloe Vera And Egg Hair Mask
Eggs are rich in proteins and vitamins that help to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. This mask will help nourish and strengthen your hair, making it shiny and healthy. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe with one beaten egg and apply to your hair. Leave on for 20 minutes so the egg doesn’t dry out too much, then rinse with cool water.
Aloe Vera And Banana Hair Mask
Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamins that help to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. They also contain natural oils that can help to moisturize and soften hair. Mix aloe vera gel with one ripe banana and apply to hair. Cover with a shower cap and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse out.
Aloe Vera And Tea Tree Oil Hair Mask
Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial, and combined with aloe vera, it makes a super dandruff buster. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the hair, massaging it into the scalp. Cover with a towel or shower cap and let set for 15-20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse out.
Aloe Vera And Yogurt Hair Mask
Yogurt is a natural conditioner that can help to moisturize and soften hair. It also contains lactic acid, which can help to exfoliate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel with 1/2 cup plain yogurt and apply to the hair. Let it set for about 15 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing.
Are There Any Risks?
Although aloe vera is widely recognized for its healing properties, using it on the hair is not without potential risks. When applied topically on the scalp, aloe vera can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to itching, redness, and inflammation.
In rare cases, it may trigger an anaphylactic shock, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Doing a patch test before applying aloe vera to hair in large quantities is advisable.
Using aloe vera too frequently or in high concentrations may cause build-up, making it difficult for the hair to breathe and absorb nutrients. As a result, the hair may look dull, greasy, and difficult to manage.
Summary
While conclusive research is hard to come by, evidence suggests that aloe vera is an incredibly beneficial ingredient for hair care. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hair growth-stimulating properties, combined with its conditioning abilities, make it an excellent, budget-friendly choice for anyone looking to enhance their hair’s health and appearance.
+ 5 Sources
- Seyyed Abbas Hashemi, Seyyed Abdollah Madani and Saied Abediankenari (2015). The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds. BioMed Research International, [online] 2015, pp.1–6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/714216.
- Sánchez, M., González-Burgos, E., Iglesias, I. and M. Pilar Gómez-Serranillos (2020). Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules, [online] 25(6), pp.1324–1324. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324.
- Hekmatpou, D., Mehrabi, F., Rahzani, K. and Aminiyan, A. (2019). The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iranian journal of medical sciences, [online] 44(1), pp.1–9. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/.
- Saeedeh Darzi, Paul, K., Shanilka Leitan, Werkmeister, J.A. and Mukherjee, S. (2021). Immunobiology and Application of Aloe vera-Based Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, [online] 22(4), pp.1708–1708. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041708.
- Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya, Salim, R., Mohamad, I. and Harun, A. (2017). Antifungal Effect of Malaysian Aloe vera Leaf Extract on Selected Fungal Species of Pathogenic Otomycosis Species in In Vitro Culture Medium. Oman Medical Journal, [online] 32(1), pp.41–46. doi:https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2017.08.