Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that grows in most tropical areas and is available everywhere. It’s known for its many health, skin and hair benefits but we’re going to look closely about the benefits aloe vera offers our hair and how to use aloe vera hair masks for optimum results.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair
Aloe vera is not the new kid on the block, rather it has been used for centuries. The flesh from a cut open aloe vera leaf, also called the aloe vera gel is what we use for its many health, skin and hair care benefits across the world. It offers numerous benefits and we’re going to look at the main hair benefits aloe vera gel has to offer.
Aloe vera is a gentle cleanser and recommended especially for greasy scalp or to clarify scalp residue.
It can promote hair growth.
It soothes an itchy, flaky or inflamed scalp.
Aloe vera strengthens hair strands and adds shine and sheen to your hair.
It curbs scalp inflammation.
It soothes scalp irritation.
It is a deep conditioner and your friend if you love frizz-free hair.
It restores the scalp’s natural pH levels and gets rid of many hair problems.
It can repair hair and prevent further damage.
Aloe vera is suitable for all hair types, making it versatile and convenient to add to your hair care routine, irrespective of your hair type.
DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask Recipes
Vegan Jojoba Aloe Vera Hair Mask
This is a simple and easy aloe vera hair mask that you can try even without much DIY experience in your arsenal. It’s as straightforward as hair masks can get and suitable for all hair types.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1/4 Cup
- Jojoba Oil – 1 Tbsp.
- Lavender Essential Oil – a few drops
Directions
Nothing special, just mix or whisk the ingredients to combine. Done.
Apply on your hair and scalp and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before washing off.
You can also swap the Jojoba oil for coconut oil and make this an aloe coconut oil hair mask, or add it additionally along with Jojoba oil.
Strengthening Vegan Vitamin E Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Want to grow out your hair? Want to strengthen your locks? This mask is just what you need.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1/4 Cup
- Vitamin E Oil – a few drops
- Fenugreek Seeds Powder – 1 Tbsp.
Procedure
Whisk the ingredients together in a mixing bowl till combined. Done!
Apply on your hair and scalp using a hair color brush and let it sit for a good 30 minutes before washing off.
Aloe Vera Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair
If you’re combating frizz, you’re about ready to try anything to get rid of bad hair days. This mask helps soothe and tame frizzy hair and restore lost shine and luster in no time. For the vegan version, skip the honey and use agave nectar instead.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1/4 Cup
- Coconut Oil – 1 Tbsp.
- Honey or Agave Nectar – 1 Tbsp.
Procedure
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
Apply on your hair and scalp and wait for a good 25 minutes before washing off for stunning locks.
Vegan Deep Cleansing Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Want to fight dandruff or combat flaking? Want to cleanse and clarify your scalp? Try this deep cleansing but gentle aloe vera hair mask today.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1/4 Cup
- Lemon Juice – 1/2 Lemon
- Castor Oil – 1/2 Tsp.
- Lemongrass Oil – 4 drops
- Argan Oil – 1 Tsp.
Procedure
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Done!
Apply on your hair and scalp and let it sit for a good 30 minutes before washing off.
Growth & Shine Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Though not vegan, this mask promotes hair growth and makes your locks lustrous and shiny. For a vegan version substitute egg with your hair conditioner and yogurt with coconut milk.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1/4 Cup
- Egg – 1
- Olive Oil – 1 Tbsp.
- Yogurt – 2 Tbsps.
Procedure
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk till well combined. Done!
Apply on your hair and scalp and wait for at least 25 minutes before washing off.
How to Use the Aloe Vera Hair Masks
Ideally use fresh aloe vera gel if you have access to aloe vera leaves. All you need to do to extract the gel from the sap is cut the skin or outer skin from the bottom portion of the aloe vera lea and let the green liquid ooze out fully. Now, cut open the leaf and remove the gel – you can skip the green liquid discarding part if the gel is purely for external use. Now if you’re storing the gel or have leftovers, whisk the aloe gel with a pinch of vitamin C and e in your mixer and refrigerate it.
Do you know even applying aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp without adding in any other ingredients when you don’t have time or patience still offers good results? Yes, aloe vera is good all on its own and the additional ingredients are added bonus!
To apply the aloe vera hair mask of your choosing, prepare the mask and have it ready. Divide your hair into smaller sections. Cover each section of the scalp and hair to make sure all the areas are covered fully. Pin or clip up as you finish each section and once you’re done wrap your head with a shower cap to prevent spills.
A good idea is to wait anywhere from 25 – 45 minutes before washing off.
You can finish off with a conditioning or clarifying rinse like Apple Cider Vinegar for shiny locks.
Precautions
Aloe vera gel is pretty much suitable for everyone and most of them are able to use it without any issues. However, some people can be allergic and few can have dangerous reactions. So always do a patch to ensure you’re not allergic to aloe vera gel before you begin to use it. Wait at least for a few hours after the patch test before you take a call.
Also, if you’re using hydrocortisone creams topically, you might want to moderate aloe vera gel use of those areas as aloe vera can increase the absorption of cortisone.
There aren’t other known contraindications, so a patch test should be just what you need to ensure you’re not allergic to aloe vera gel.
Conclusion
Do give these aloe vera hair masks a try and see how they work for you. Feel free to make your modifications or tweaks to these recipes to make the recipe customized to your needs and preferences.
Don’t have time for DIY or worried about going the DIY route or no time for DIYing? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with a broad range of premium vegan hair care cosmetics from Vitamins Revive. Do check out their online store to know more about their products.
There are many studies done on the many benefits and uses of aloe vera gel and some are still ongoing and most have only positive information to share about aloe. So do give these recipes a try and see how they work out for you before you take a call.
FAQ
Is aloe vera suitable for everyone?
The best part about aloe vera is that it is suitable for all hair and scalp types. It’s a very versatile ingredient and most of them can use it. The very few who are allergic are the only ones who probably can’t use it.
What ingredients can I add to the hair mask recipes?
You can add any nourishing or hair beneficial ingredient to the hair mask recipe you’ve chosen. Rosemary leaves powder, hibiscus leaves or flowers powder, false daisy powder, Indian gooseberry powder, margosa leaves powder, coconut milk, coconut cream, milk, cream, coconut water, rose water, floral extracts, almond oil, tea tree oil, virgin coconut oil, avocado oil, mashed avocado or bananas, etc.
Can I use essential oils in the hair mask recipes?
Yes, many don’t prefer the aroma or aloe vera. If you’re one of them, or just like to add essential oils for their benefits or aroma, you can add a few drops to the aloe vera hair mask recipe you’ve chosen.
How often can I use these hair mask recipes?
You can use these hair mask recipes twice or thrice a week.
Can I use store-bought aloe vera?
Yes, you can though fresh aloe vera gel is always better and ideal whenever you can get it.
