If you have had hair problems ever, you might have tried a gazillion products or home remedies before finding a fix that works for you. Sometimes, you can try and try but fail to find an effective solution for your hair. Now, we don’t want to preach another guaranteed solution to all your hair woes. We want to be 100% honest about aloe vera. This sticky, gooey, poky plant that thrives in arid weather has proven to help some and not some others. We are here to tell you how it helps improve hair and why there’s no harm in trying it for yourself. 

Does aloe vera have multiple benefits? 

Yep. According to the old history books, aloe vera has been a century-old home remedial favorite. Traditional Ayurveda, Unani, Chinese, and British herbal medicine have always vocalized aloe vera’s multi-healing effects and called it a miracle plant. Most of us already know that aloe vera is used for treating cuts, burns, and wounds and is also used as a morning empty stomach drink to improve digestion and gut health. But aloe vera has also gained fame for its hair-bettering abilities. 

How is aloe vera good for your hair?

While there has been little scientific research to guarantee a 100% efficacy of aloe vera on hair, there is enough evidence of positive results on hair after regular usage from several test studies. The most common hair condition plaguing people is dandruff, and usage suggested that aloe vera is super beneficial for treating dandruff and its side effects. We are talking - itchy scalp, flaky scalp skin, and scalp inflammation. It has eight essential enzymes and four fatty acids that contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help resolve scalp irritation and remove dandruff. Moreover, it contains around 20 of the amino acids we need for cleansing that reduce the creation of excess oil (sebum). They strip off grease, oil, and dirt from your hair while retaining its original elasticity and shine. 

Can aloe vera reduce hair fall and thicken hair? 

Aloe vera contains all the necessary vitamins needed for hair growth. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline are claimed to reduce hair fall and moisturize, strengthen and repair hair damage. Vitamin A, C, E are all anti-oxidants that promote cell creation needed for hair growth. They also nourish and hydrate the hair cells and follicles. Remember we mentioned enzymes above? A core enzyme (aka proteolytic enzymes) breaks down dead scalp skin cells and unclogs hair follicles, helping the nutrients of aloe vera seep deeper and promote hair growth. Little clinical evidence supports the actual growth of hair from the use of aloe vera, but several people who used aloe vera regularly swore by this. Our take is, why not test and try? 

Is natural or store-bought aloe vera better? 

Now that you know how aloe vera can help your hair, the question of whether natural or store-bought aloe vera is better remains. Our common sense bias will always suggest that anything in its natural form is better. And while that may be true, natural aloe vera is only effective if you grow, make, and store it correctly. Natural aloe vera also has a lower shelf-life and lasts only 1 to 2 weeks with refrigeration. On the other hand, nature-based store-bought aloe vera is just as good as natural aloe vera and lasts way longer. It also saves you the time and effort of cutting aloe vera leaves, scraping the spines, and squeezing out the gel. 

How do I find an organic aloe vera product?

To find an aloe vera product, you need to search for one that is made from organic sources and has no toxic chemicals such as parabens, sulfate, and silicone. Ideally, look for one that has organic certification. If you are looking for a premium yet affordable product that contains all the goodness of aloe vera, we have one ideal for you, irrespective of your hair or skin type. Wow, Skin Science’s 10-in-1 Miracle Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic performs ten hair and skincare practices and packs nine natural ingredients that do wonders for your face, body, and hair. The aloe vera in this mist is multi-purpose. It revitalizes hair by giving it an intense glow and hydration, repairs skin and reverses sun damage, and also helps reduce inflammation. 

How do you use aloe vera on your hair? 

Once you have chosen the aloe vera form of your choice, whether natural or store-bought, you can move on to making it a regular part of your hair care regimen. If you are using natural aloe vera, make sure you only use the gel and not the yellow sap called aloin. Simply apply it to your scalp, rub it on all sides, and leave it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash it off, and if any sticky residue remains, use a mild shampoo to clean the remnants. If you are using a store-bought product, such as a shampoo, gel, or mask, the usage will differ. Using it as a mist like the 10-in-1 Miracle Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic from Wow Skin Science will honestly be the most fuss-free option of them all, as all you have to do is spray some on your hair and you are good to go! You can use aloe vera in a mist form daily. But if you are using a shampoo or a mask, use it 2-3 times a week, and if you are using it in its natural form, stick to using it once or twice a week. 

Most of us have had hair problems at some time or the other, and there is no shame in accepting that. While aloe vera might be effective for some, and not for some others, you can always give it a try and see if it works for you. 

Sources: 

• https://www.healthline.com/health/aloe-vera-for-hair
• https://www.webmd.com/beauty/benefits-of-aloe-vera-for-your-hair#1
• https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/6-amazing-benefits-aloe-vera-hair-skin-weight-loss-1221869
• https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30174093/aloe-vera-for-hair/