Can you use aloe vera as a hair gel? Comprehensive Hair Guide

From the inside part of the aloe vera leaf, we can generally extract a clear thick gelatinous substance. This is very well known to impart coolness and soothe itchy skin and scalp. Well, for the skin, aloe vera’s benefits are very pronounced such as the treatment of burns. But, when it comes to hair, very little did we know about the usefulness of aloe vera. With this, can you use aloe vera as hair gel?

In this blog post, we will unravel the usefulness of aloe vera and its advantages to the skin, hair, and scalp. Moreover, we will discover if aloe vera can be used as hair gel. Additionally, we also have various applications of aloe vera in different forms. So, let us explore the wonders of using this gelatinous plant.

Can You Use Aloe Vera as Hair Gel? What is it?

A succulent plant that comes from the Arabian Peninsula, aloe vera is widely found in tropical countries around the globe. Usually, the clear, thick gel inside the plant is used as a primary ingredient in treating burns. However, when it comes to hair care, many people are asking “Can you use aloe vera as hair gel”?

Well, aloe vera works wonders on the scalp due to the presence of proteolytic enzymes. This natural substance inside the aloe vera gel aids in repairing dead skin cells. Aside from that, it also acts on any itching within the scalp, reduction of dandruff, and conditioning of the hair. All of these benefits should be credited to its moisturizing property.

Aloe Vera and Its Established Benefits

Aside from the hair, the aloe vera plant has lots of health benefits to offer. Studies show that the healing properties of aloe vera have yielded the following details in general:

• Possible correlation between aloe vera gel and enhanced healing ability for burns
• Aloe vera acts as a laxative however, its safety of use for this category is not yet tested
• Exhibits early signs of its benefits in the treatment of diabetes

Aloe vera has been widely used over the years of many people. Generally, they are using this plant to deal with multiple health issues. Folks and popular cultures are already using the above-mentioned remedies but there are no scientific evidence and study about most of those claims.

Proven Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel

In terms of hair care, the treatment for seborrheic dermatitis has also been linked to the claimed benefits of aloe vera. Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition of the skin that results in a pinkish-red rash with some crusty scales in yellow-white colors. Those can generally be found on the skin surface which also tends to be swollen and greasy. Usually, seborrheic dermatitis develops predominantly over the face and scalp which infants with this condition at the scalp is called a cradle cap.

Another study reveals that aloe vera treatment helps in lowering itchiness and scales due to seborrheic dermatitis. Moreover, this skin condition may result in hair loss; aloe vera is then used for hair growth. The studies show that the health-associated advantages of aloe vera are due to its ability to enhance the circulation of the blood. Aside from that, it also supports the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients within the hair follicles.

Natural vs Store-bought Aloe Vera Gel

One of the safest and most effective ingredients in hair care is the aloe vera gel. With that arises the question “can you use aloe vera as hair gel”? Well, before we dig into that, let us find out first what is better, is it the natural aloe vera gel or the store-bought version of aloe vera.

In general, aloe vera gel contains mainly water making it a popular natural hair ingredient. Aside from that, it has 20 minerals and also includes 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and around 200 phytonutrients. It is really easy to access the aloe vera gel and get the most out of it through those abundant ingredients. You just simply need to open an aloe vera leaf through cutting.

This method is naturally been used by many people who are experiencing sunburns and those who want to moisturize their skin. Others are also using this aloe vera plant to incorporate the clear, transparent gel into their hair care regimen. With this, you may conclude that the answer to the question “can you use aloe vera as hair gel” is a yes!

In terms of the store-bought aloe vera gel, most of those that claimed “100% pure aloe vera gel” are available in the market as a mixture. This mainly consists of, well, aloe vera gel, preservatives, polymers to add viscosity, and some other additives. Those add-ons may have an effect that can alter the usefulness of aloe vera gel in the hair.

Can You Use Aloe Vera as Hair Gel? A Step-by-Step Guide in Making Aloe Vera Hair Gel

Despite our innovative world today, there are still several DIYers who make the most out of their skills and abilities. One of those is the discovery of ways on incorporating aloe vera into hair styling gels and conditioners. So, can you use aloe vera as hair gel? Of course, yes, in fact, the pure gel from aloe vera leaves is a natural alternative to other store-bought hair gels. And, if you want to make your version of aloe vera hair gel, here is a procedural guide for you.

1. Cut the leaf of the aloe vera

Initially, you need to open the aloe vera leaf by cutting it into a slice. Once opened, get a spoon or a knife and scrape the clear, thick gelatin pulp. Place it into a clean bowl. However, if you do not have time to do this or you cannot get any natural aloe vera leaf, you may consider buying an aloe vera gel at the store. Just make sure that it is 100% pure.

2. Concoct the aloe vera

In preparation for the hair gel mixture, you need to concoct the aloe vera. Simply combine the aloe vera gel with your preferred essential oils. Good suggestions are a few drops of lavender, rosemary, or peppermint. The essential oils can generally help in providing enhancement of invigoration.

It is highly recommendable to use 1 tablespoon of essential oil mix with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. You can also opt to add almond, coconut, or olive oil if you still want to have more moisturizing and conditioning effects. Adding these oils is also the same as that of the essential oils.

3-Mix all together

Blend everything when you already have your aloe vera hair gel mixture. So, can you use aloe vera as hair gel? Yes, this is proof that aloe vera can be incorporated into your hair care regimen, and use it as a hair gel or any hair care product.

Other Ways to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Hair Care

Now that we know that you can use aloe vera as hair gel, it is not surprising that you can also use it in other hair applications. Here are the other alternatives in which you can apply aloe vera into your mane.

PRE-POO TREATMENT

Aloe vera can be used as a pre-poo or pre-shampoo treatment. Primarily, this application aims to eliminate dandruff and buildups. The enzyme content of aloe vera is the one responsible for destroying the excessive dead cells of the skin and fungus. Usually, the growth of the fungus is the one that results in dandruff.

The use of aloe vera gets the pH level of the scalp well-balanced and moisturizes the hair as well. Generally, you can apply this to your scalp as a hair care treatment before washing. The end result will be a new beginning for your hair.

Simply massage the aloe vera gel into the scalp. Let it stay in your hair for about ten minutes. Afterward, rinse the hair before the application of shampoo. You can also use it as a regular co-wash.

Moreover, you also have the option to use aloe vera juice instead of the gel. Mixing the aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil will give you a lighter version of the pre-poo treatment. Yet, the proportion for this formula will highly be based on the type of your hair. That’s why it is usually best to test, try, and find the best ratio combination that suits your hair and scalp.

HAIR SHAMPOO

So, aside from a pre-poo treatment, the aloe vera hair gel is also an excellent moisturizing shampoo. Aloe vera has a moisturizing property which is an innate characteristic of this plant. With that, using it as shampoo will make your hair strong and moisturized. To make use of it as shampoo, look for the aloe vera in the top 5 ingredients list in shampoos. Or you can make your version of aloe vera shampoo by adding a few quantities of aloe vera gel into your favorite shampoo.

HAIR CONDITIONER

Generally, hair products containing amino acids primarily give off moisture and, at the same time, condition the hair. Like what we’ve mentioned above, aloe vera contains 20 amino acids. With that, aloe vera gel is a good option to provide hair moisture through conditioning it. There are ready-made aloe vera conditioners available in the market. You can also mix the aloe vera gel with your favorite commercially-made conditioner.

However, if you’re some kind of a DIYer, here is a basic method for a homemade aloe vera conditioner:

1. Initially, cut the leaf of the aloe vera.
2. Remove out all the gel from it by using a spoon.
3. From the scalp right down to your hair tips, apply the aloe vera gel directly into the damp hair.
4. Using a warm, damp towel, immediately wrap your hair and let the aloe vera gel stays on the tresses for about 5 minutes.
5. After the treatment, proceed on washing the hair.

Aside from that, you can also make a leave-in aloe vera conditioner by following the steps below:

1. Basically, in a clean bowl, combine 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel and 15 drops of lavender essential oil.
2. Once the mixture is already done, transfer it into a pump bottle.
3. After your regular hair washing, apply the aloe vera conditioner over the entire length of your mane and into the scalp.

OVERNIGHT SPRAY

For a good overnight aloe vera spray, just do the following:

1. In a blender, put on 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel and 1/4 cup of ginger. Make sure that the two ingredients are both fresh.
2. Blend the ingredients until you have a well-blended consistency.
3. Once achieved, place the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Spray it all over the scalp and massage your hair and scalp for 20-minute time.
5. Let it stay into your scalp for overnight period and wash the hair the following morning.

HAIR OIL

You can use aloe vera as hair gel, but in addition to that, you can also use it as hair oil. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Initially, blend about one cup of aloe vera gel. Make sure that there are no lumps left.
2. Afterward, in a saucepan, put on coconut oil and aloe vera gel.
3. Heat the mixture until the bubbling subsides and the residue is already dark in color.
4. Cool down the oil for a while.
5. Strain it then transfer inside an easy-to-use bottle and store it there.
6. It is highly recommended to use it for about 3 to 4 hours before shampooing the hair. Or, you can leave it on your hair and scalp overnight for best result.

VINEGAR HAIR MASK

The vinegar hair mask is another nice application of aloe vera into the hair in addition to hair gel. Check these and see how it works:

1. Basically, you need to combine 1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar of about 3 tablespoon.
2. Mix them all together thoroughly until well combined.
3. Place it into a spray bottle.
4. Put it into the scalp and into the full length of the tresses.
5. Gently massage the scalp and leave the mixture there for about 3 to 4 hours before washing.

CASTOR OIL MIXTURE

Castor oil generally acts by reducing the damage of the hair, eliminates split ends, dandruff, and hair loss. Aside from that, castor oil has the ability to conditions the hair naturally while enhancing its luster at the same time. If you mix this with aloe vera gel, you will have a perfect hair mixture that works wonders for your natural mane. Here is a basic method of having an aloe vera – castor oil mixture:

1. In a bowl, pour 1 cup of fresh aloe vera gel, castor oil of about 2 tablespoons, and 2 tablespoons of fenugreek powder.
2. Blend the mixture very well until you have a smooth consistency.
3. Apply it all over the scalp, roots, and tips of the hair.
4. Leave it overnight with a shower cap on.
5. The next morning, wash your hair using cool water before shampooing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: DO YOU PUT ALOE VERA ON WET OR DRY HAIR?

A: Aloe vera gel can also be applied to the hair in the form of a leave-in conditioner. Through that, the application should be done if the hair is still wet just right after the usual conditioner. However, if you put it on the hair as a mask, then apply the aloe vera over wet hair and wash it after an hour or so.

Q: DO YOU WASH YOUR HAIR BEFORE APPLYING ALOE VERA?

A: Well, you can usually wash the hair before you put on aloe vera of any form. However, right after the application of aloe vera gel, make sure to let it stay on the hair for about 1 to 2 hours before washing it. That way, you can get a generally effective result due to the moisture content of aloe vera. It will condition the tresses while locking in more nutrients and hydrating them.

Q: HOW LONG CAN ALOE VERA STAY IN THE HAIR?

A: You can generally leave aloe vera in your hair. But, let it stay there for about 30 minutes if you want to use it as a hair treatment. Afterward, wash it off as usual and style your hair.

Final Thoughts

Well, because of the plethora of benefits of aloe vera into the hair you can use aloe vera as hair gel. It is very lightweight and so natural leaving the hair protected, shiny, and healthy. Aside from that, aloe vera gel also can calm your itchy scalp, promote the growth of hair, and repair the damage into the tresses.

So, what are waiting for? Have a pick of this wonderful plant and see how it can tame those tresses away!