Suffering from hair fall or dandruff? Have tried various therapies, but none of them have helped to reduce hair fall? Well, you need not fuss over your locks anymore. Aloe vera may be the right solution for you.
Aloe vera is a plant with health benefits known to many. This plant is used since ages for multiple purposes and was known as “the plant of immortality” by the ancient Egyptians. Since then, it is gaining popularity and is amongst one the effective therapies for sunburns. Though Aloe vera uses are majorly for skincare, its effectiveness for hair shouldn’t be undermined.
Why and how of Aloe vera gel for hair
The range of Aloe vera gel usesis huge. It is used since ages for various conditions like digestive problems, dental plaque, burns, oral ulcers, and wounds. Some of the benefits of Aloe vera for hair are healthier hair, improved growth, decreased loss, and shiny hair.
Aloe vera has almost 75 active constituents that make it so useful for various conditions. Amongst those constituents, the below-mentioned plays an important role for hair care:
Vitamins
Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which play a key role in cell growth and repair. Aloe vera improves blood circulation, improving healthy hair cell growth and repairing damaged hair strands. Moreover, vitamin B-12 and folic acid in Aloe vera prevent hair loss. All this results in softer, healthier, and shinier hair. Vitamins can boost hair repairing after sun damage.
Saponins
Aloe vera sap has cleansing properties and removes dirt and oil from hair follicles. It also has a soothing effect and is seen to protect against environmental hazards and harmful sun rays. The most amazing fact about Aloe vera is that it cleanses the hair without damaging the hair strands, unlike the chemicals found in hair products.
Salicylic acid
This along with other constituents like lupeol, sulfur, and phenols acts as an antiseptic and antifungal. Fungal infection is amongst one of the common causes for hair fall. Using Aloe vera gel reduces the formation of dandruff and thus hair fall.
Mucopolysaccharides
They soften and nourish the hair as they have a moisturizing effect. This can be used as a treatment against dry hair and helps to maintain moisture when added to a hair regimen.
Proteolytic enzymes
They naturally stimulate hair growth without causing any side-effects.
Fatty acids
Aloe vera is rich in fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the scalp resulting in flakes (dandruff). This anti-inflammatory property of Aloe vera prevents dermatitis of the scalp. Aloe vera gel also has antipruritic properties that prevent the itchy sensation of the scalp.
Ways of using Aloe vera gel
Eager to know how to use Aloe vera for healthier hair?
• Pure form: Aloe vera gel can be used in its pure form. To obtain the Aloe vera gel, cut the bitter part of the leaf and wash it thoroughly. After cutting edges of the leaf, slice a thin layer. This step should be done carefully as you should not cut off the gel. The last step is to scoop out the gel. This Aloe vera gel can be used as both – standard and leave-in conditioner.
• Mixed with other constituents as a hair mask: Aloe vera can be mixed with eggs, onion, coconut oil, lemon, honey, yogurt, neem oil, and olive oil. Apply either of the masks for 10-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Aloe vera has various other uses for hair like serum after hairstyling, preventing split ends, and a natural shampoo. Massaging Aloe vera gel for 20 minutes before a shower is seen to soothe an itchy scalp. Thus, use your favorite Aloe vera now for healthier, softer, and shinier hair.
