Aloe vera! I always say it like a parrot in my head! Well, ‘hello Vera’ indeed.
Aloe vera is a curly-hair favourite, found in lots of products, and who hasn’t seen it produce amazing curls on Insta?
I want to look at the actual benefits and possible downfalls of this ‘natural wonder’.
Is aloe vera good for curly hair?
If you’re asking ‘Is aloe vera good for curly hair’, the answer is yes, aloe vera has lots of properties that make it a great addition to a curly or wavy hair routine.
First, it is full of vitamins. We’re talking vitamins A, C, E, B12, as well as folic acid, minerals and amino acids.
Vitamin A – contributes to a healthy scalp. Vitamin A helps your skin’s glands to produce sebum. This is a natural oil that we make to keep our scalp and hair moisturised. Vitamin A also helps with cell growth, which can mean healthier follicles and a healthy hair-growth cycle.
Vitamin C – helps your body produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps us make strong, healthy hair. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. This means that it helps fight free radicals, which can cause hair ageing.
Vitamin E can help improve blood circulation. Improved blood circulation to the scalp means that nutrients and oxygen can reach your hair follicles, creating the right environment for healthy hair growth.
Vitamin B12 – helps your body to produce red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients around your body and to your hair follicles. This also means that B12 helps encourage hair growth.
The properties of aloe vera mean that it contributes to moisturised hair, a healthy scalp and hair growth.
It is also known to be a great detangler and smooth frizz by making hair shinier and conditioned.
Can I use aloe vera instead of hair gel?
Yes, aloe vera can be used in place of your regular curly hair gel. It provides a light hold and can help to define your hair’s curly or wavy texture. Use the raw gel of the plant – it is clear and has a watery texture.
The level of hold is light, so if you’re used to using a firm-hold cult hair gel, you might not find it strong enough. It will give you soft, crunch-free hair, though!
What are the disadvantages of aloe vera for hair?
Aloe vera is shown to carry few risks; however, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to contact with aloe vera. It is recommended to carry out a patch test on yourself before applying it all over your hair or scalp.
That said, topical application is usually safe, and it is best to avoid ingesting it.
Raw aloe vera gel, or pure gels without alcohol, are considered the lowest risk.
If you are in a particularly arid, low-humidity environment, use aloe vera with caution. It acts as a humectant, and if the air is low in moisture, it might pull moisture from your hair instead of moisturising it.
One more thing to bear in mind, with regular use, aloe vera can leave a residue on your hair, which can build up. This can lead to curls that are weighed down.
Can I leave aloe vera gel on my hair every day?
Yes, you can leave aloe vera in your hair. Aloe vera can act as a gel, a leave-in conditioner or a curl-refresh product if mixed with water. It is not advisable to do this every day. As mentioned above, residue from the aloe vera can build up on your hair over time. Also, if you are going to be using it regularly, it is best to use raw aloe vera (which you can buy in shops/online) rather than a gel that might also contain alcohol.
Can aloe vera repair damaged hair?
No, aloe vera won’t repair hair that is already damaged. It can, however, improve the softness and shine of your hair and help maintain its overall condition by preventing damage from worsening.
Improvements to scalp health and its emollient properties mean that it can reduce tangles and breakage. It also supports hair growth, so you should see an improvement in the health of your hair over time. Aloe vera is good for curly hair, but it won’t provide a quick fix for damage.
Is it better to put aloe vera on wet or dry hair?
Apply aloe vera to wet, damp, or towel-dried hair for optimal results. This is best for styling and keeping your hair moisturised. If you are going to refresh your hair with an aloe vera and water mix, start by lightly spraying your hair with water. This will help to reform your curls.
DIY Aloe Vera recipes for curly hair
To make a refresh spray
Mix ¼ cup of altered water with 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel (you can also add a few drops of an essential oil for fragrance, if you wish). Shake well and pop the mixture into a spray bottle, ready to mist over damp curls.
To make a leave-in conditioner
Mix 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of your favourite conditioner, then apply to wet hair before styling. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
If you’re asking ‘Is aloe vera good for curly hair’ or looking to try it for the first time, I hope that this post has been helpful!
Speak soon,
Sources:
Medical News Today – Benefits of aloe vera for hair
Scalp and dandruff clinical trial (30% aloe emulsion) PMC clinical study
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