Aloe vera is extremely beneficial for your hair. Aloe vera promotes healthy hair growth thanks to a special enzyme found in aloe called proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes effectively break down dead skin cells on the scalp that may clog hair follicles. If you are looking for some good hair care recipes, you can look up these aloe vera based DIY masks for healthy hair.
How does aloe vera help your hair?
It is a known fact that aloe vera gel when used regularly can help to strengthen your hair and promote a healthy scalp. It is important to note that there is no clinical evidence to support this claim, but since it is a naturally derived ingredient it safe to use for most people and can provide multiple benefits for your hair. However, it is highly recommended that you carry out a patch test before using the product on your scalp. Some of the benefits of using aloe vera gel on your hair include:
- Promoting hair growth
- Fixing damaged hair
- Removing traces of dandruff
- Keeping your hair healthy
- Taming a frizzy mane
- Preventing scalp infections ( because of its anti-microbial properties)
While aloe vera is found in many hair products that can be used, here are some aloe vera based DIY masks for healthy hair.
How to use aloe vera gel for your hair?
The best way to use aloe vera gel is to scoop out the raw gel directly from the plant. If you do not have an aloe vera plant at home, you can buy a pure aloe vera gel that is free from preservatives and chemicals. Fresh aloe vera gel found in plants is clear in color and slightly watery. For normal hair, when you need that extra nourishment, take a couple of spoons of aloe vera gel, section your hair and apply from the tips to the roots. Massage for a few minutes to ensure the gel penetrates into the hair follicles to condition your hair. Let it stay for about an hour and wash off with a mild sulfate free shampoo or a shampoo bar.
Let’s look at some easy to make aloe vera based DIY masks for healthy hair. I have listed a mask for each hair type.
5 aloe vera based DIY masks for healthy hair
Frizzy hair: Aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey mask
Frizzy hair is hard to tame and you’ll need to use this mask at least twice a week to tame those wild tresses. Mix together four tablespoons of pure coconut oil, five tablespoons of aloe vera, and about three spoons of organic honey in a bowl till it is blended completely. Massage your hair and scalp with this mixture. Tie your hair into a bun or secure with a band if you have long hair. Cover your hair with a hot towel and let it stay till it cools down. Unwrap the towel and let the mixture stay on your hair before you wash off with a mild shampoo. Proceed to tie your hair and cover it with a warm towel. Let this sit for an hour before you wash it off.
Hydrating mask: Aloe vera, honey, and banana hydrating mask for dry hair
Take one ripe banana, add to this one tablespoon of organic honey and two spoons of aloevera gel. Blend this in a mixer till you get a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your hair and keep it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. This mask works wonders on hair that is dry and dehydrated as it gives the instant nourishment your hair needs. A quick easy DIY sitting at the comfort of your home, without having to step into a spa for a nourishing treatment.
Hair growth: Aloe vera and fenugreek mask for hair growth
One of my super favorite masks that gives that instant shine and much needed nourishment. Soak about 1/4th cup of in water overnight and grind it to a paste with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Do not discard the water from the soaked fenugreek seeds. You can add this to the paste to get the consistency you desire. Apply this mask to your hair and scalp and leave it on for an hour. Then, wash it off with a mild shampoo. This mask promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss, too.
Shiny hair: Aloe vera, yogurt, honey, and olive oil mask for shine
Who doesn’t love shiny tresses? A simple remedy that guarantees silky, smooth and shiny hair, of course if you have normal hair. Mix together three teaspoons of aloe vera gel with two teaspoons of yogurt, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of olive oil. Whisk this till it is completely blended and use this mixture to section your hair and apply from the roots to the tips. Once done, massage your hair to boost blood circulation and to ensure that the goodness of this mix penetrates deep into the follicles. Let it stay for an hour and wash off with a mild shampoo. One tip I would add here is that of you have dandruff prone hair, use a dandruff shampoo to rinse your hair for extra benefits.
Anti-dandruff: Aloe vera and apple cider vinegar mask for dandruff removal
Mix together half a cup of aloe vera gel with one table spoon organic apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Blend it well and apply this mask to your scalp and let it stay on for 30 minutes. Later, wash it off with a shampoo. This mask works well to reduce the intensity of an itchy scalp that gives rise to dandruff. You can use this mask twice a week. If you have very dry hair, I would suggest using this mask once a week as ACV has the tendency to dry your hair.
Must Read: Organic Shampoos available in India
Additional Notes:
I have mentioned the use of natural, mild, organic and chemical-free shampoos to wash your hair. Some of the shampoos that I recommend are:
- Shampoos by Juicy Chemistry. They have a range of liquid shampoos as well as shampoo bars. However, these shampoos have a transition period, which you read about here on their blog. You can also use the code PRATIBHA when buying from Juicy Chemistry to get a flat 15% off. The coupon code is not valid during sales.
- Omved Therapies: They have a varied, but a limited collection for shampoos that are free from sulphates and other nasties. Since they are low on lather, you may need to rinse your hair more than once, but the after-effects are brilliant!
- Mamaearth Shampoos – They have actually a wide range of shampoos that are suited for almost every hair type, so you can check the variants and use the one that suits you the best.
- Soap Square: They largely have shampoo bars which works wonderfully on your hair to remove all traces of dirt and accumulated grime.
‘This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’
Shalini says
Ah! I just found a few aloe vera plants in Dad’s garden while walking Muffy. I will definitely try out a DIY and let you know my experience.
Pratibha says
Yess!!! Please do share your experience!
Mayuri Nidigallu says
These are some super hair mask recipes, and all-natural too! Thanks for sharing.
Pratibha says
Thanks! But nothing to beat the fab hair oil you make! 😛
Vasumathi_The Scarlett Dragonfly says
Thanks for sharing this. I have loooooaaadssss of AloeVera growing. Will be sure to try some. We have very horrible water so hair problems are always there
Brinda Vijay says
I know aloe vera has so many medicinal benefits but did not know it could be used on the scalp. The recipes are very useful and I will try them out soon.
Pratibha says
Please do and let me know the results!