Many of us use aloe vera as a skin care product for sunburn. It is really good for the skin. But did you know that aloe vera also has many benefits for your hair? Aloe vera is a great natural remedy for itchy scalp, oily hair, and for strengthening hair. So today, let's talk about the great benefits of this small plant.
How does aloe vera help your hair?
Aloe vera is not something we have been using for centuries. It is a plant that has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. It grows well in hot, dry climates around the world.
Aloe vera is very beneficial for many skin problems, for example, wounds, acne, and burns. In some countries, aloe vera is consumed as a food and drink. It is also believed to have some benefits for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and hepatitis.
But there is still a lack of scientific research on its effects on hair. But there is a reason for that. Aloe vera has so many beneficial ingredients that it is all combined to provide these benefits. Simply put, it is a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
Let's see what are the main benefits of aloe vera for hair.
| Benefit | How does it work? |
|---|---|
| Strengthens hair | Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, B12, C, and E, as well as fatty acids and amino acids. All of these are essential for healthy hair. These nourish the hair follicles and strengthen the hair. |
| Controls oiliness | Does your hair get oily quickly? The enzymes in aloe vera break down and remove excess oil (sebum) from your scalp and hair, leaving your hair looking clean and fresh. |
| Reduces scalp itching | Research has found that aloe vera provides relief from a skin condition called ``Seborrheic dermatitis``, which is characterized by flaking, redness of the scalp, and scaling. It significantly reduces itching and scaling. |
| Protects from the sun's rays | Just like our skin, our hair is also exposed to UV radiation from the sun. When exposed to these rays, hair loses its shine, changes color, becomes rough, and becomes brittle. A study has found that fresh aloe vera juice has the ability to protect hair from these UV rays. |
| Helps hair growth | Although some people claim that aloe vera can help grow hair, there is no solid scientific evidence to support this. However, researchers believe that a chemical compound in aloe vera called ``aloenin`` is a key factor in helping hair grow in people with hair loss conditions like ``alopecia.`` However, it helps to reduce hair breakage, which helps hair grow healthy and long. |
Things to be careful about when using aloe vera
Generally, there is no major risk in applying aloe vera to the skin, but there are some things we need to be careful of.
The most important thing is to do an allergy test. Some people may be allergic to aloe vera. If that happens, a rash may occur. Therefore, before applying it all over your head, apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and wait for about two hours. Only use it if there is no change in your skin, such as itching or redness.
If you are using a steroid cream like hydrocortisone, be careful when applying aloe vera gel, as aloe vera can increase the amount of cortisone absorbed by the skin.
Also, be careful if you are thinking of eating or drinking aloe vera. Taking large doses of the latex and the juice of the whole leaf can be dangerous . It can cause kidney damage, stomach upset, and diarrhea. If you are taking any medications, especially for diabetes or blood thinners (anticoagulants), be sure to talk to your doctor before consuming aloe vera.
Simple ways to use aloe vera
You can buy aloe vera gel at the store. If you do, make sure to choose a product that is 100% aloe vera and does not contain added fragrances or alcohol. Or, even better, grow your own aloe vera plant and extract the fresh gel from it.
Here's how to make the gel at home:
1. Pick a well-grown, slightly plump leaf from the plant.
2. Leave it for a few minutes to completely remove the yellow milky liquid ``(latex)`` that oozes out, then remove that part. This is not suitable for use.
3. Then wash the leaves thoroughly with water.
4. With a sharp knife, gently cut off the two thorny edges on either side of the leaf and remove them.
5. Now, using a knife or a vegetable peeler, gently remove the skin from the top of the leaf.
6. The clear, transparent gel inside can be scooped out with a spoon or cut into pieces with a knife.
This fresh gel cannot be stored for long. However, it can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for about a week. If desired, you can also freeze it in an ice cube tray.
As a hair and scalp treatment:
Apply the prepared aloe vera gel directly to your hair and scalp. Massage it well into your scalp, hair follicles, and hair. To help retain moisture, add a few drops of castor oil and massage again. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
For oily hair:
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 cup of water and mix well. After you shampoo and wash your hair as usual, apply the mixture to your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with clean water.
Take-Home Message
- Aloe vera is a very effective natural remedy that helps strengthen hair, control oiliness, and reduce scalp itching.
- Before applying to your hair, it is very important to test it on a small area of your skin to see if there are any allergies.
- Always consult your doctor before consuming aloe vera as a food or drink, especially if you are taking medication for other conditions.
- You can make aloe vera gel at home, or if you buy it from the market, choose one that contains 100% aloe vera and does not contain any other chemicals.
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