The soothing and deeply moisturizing properties of aloe vera are known to everyone. That’s why we are so eager to use it in case of skin burns or during other skin problems. But did you know that aloe vera also has amazing nutritional properties for our hair? It is worth learning what you gain by using aloe vera for hair care and how to use it to nourish your hair.
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a plant that is often found in our homes and is a window sill ornament. However, its remarkable health properties should not be overlooked either. Aloe comes from the family of monocotyledonous succulents. Its leaves are unusual because over the centuries the plant has adapted to very harsh conditions through its ability to accumulate a gel-like substance just inside them.
Extraordinary properties of aloe vera
Aloe vera is a plant that contains more than 200 active substances that have extraordinary health and healing properties. These include amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, and E. In addition, aloe vera contains minerals and trace elements such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, iron and chromium, copper and manganese. With this wealth of ingredients, aloe vera is perfect for moisturizing dry hair and scalp. Moreover, the gel-like substance nourishes and strengthens the hair by stimulating the hair follicles to grow. As a result, hair is soft, frizz-free and regains its natural shine. Due to the strong moisturizing properties of aloe vera, it is also used in reducing inflammation of the scalp, itching sensation and when reducing sebum secretion that makes hair oily. Aloe vera also shows excellent results in the fight against dandruff. Not surprisingly, it is an ingredient in many cosmetics, including those for hair.
How to use aloe vera for hair?
Aloe vera can be used in many ways to improve the condition of our hair. You can use both homemade gel and those purchased at drugstores. The most popular method of incorporating aloe vera into hair care is oiling the hair. Oiling your hair allows you to deeply nourish your hair and scalp. Combine your favorite vegetable oil (from nigella or flaxseed) with aloe vera. Preferably in a 1:1 ratio. The concoction thus created is carefully applied to the entire length of the hair. It is good for the hair to be slightly damp. We also do not forget about the scalp. Here it is worth spending a few minutes on a gentle massage, which will improve and accelerate the penetration of nutrients into the hair roots. The hair is then wrapped in cling film or a foil cap and a towel. It is best to leave the aloe vera along with the oil overnight, and in the morning after waking up, wash your hair thoroughly with a light shampoo.
It is also worthwhile to use aloe vera by including it in the cosmetics that you use every day. Pure aloe vera can be added to shampoo or your favorite hair mask. You can also prepare a nourishing serum for your hair at home. To do this, aloe vera leaf gel is mixed with coconut oil in a 2:1 ratio. Apply the resulting mask to the hair and scalp and comb the hair to evenly distribute the ingredients. Then the hair should be wrapped in a towel, preferably warm, then the moisturizing effect will be even greater. Leave the mask on the hair for about 30 minutes. After this time, the mask is washed off thoroughly, preferably with a shampoo of natural composition.
For those who have scalp problems, an aloe vera rub is especially recommended. Rub a small amount of aloe vera into the scalp and leave it without washing it off. Aloe vera is quickly absorbed into the skin and deeply moisturizes it. With regular use of such a rub, we will get rid of problems with dry skin and dandruff, in addition, skin inflammation will be alleviated. Just remember not to use too much aloe vera at once.
For a home spa for hair, you can use plants that you grow yourself. All that is needed is to gently extract the gel-like substance from the leaves. This is best done by cutting off the green skin of the leaf with a sharp knife. The aloe vera gel obtained in this way can be rubbed directly into the scalp or added to a homemade mask or vegetable oil, preparing a concoction for oiling the hair. Of course, you can just as well buy ready-made aloe vera gel available at most drugstores. Just be sure to read the composition carefully and choose pure aloe vera gel, without unnecessary additives.
Aloe vera is an excellent complementary substance for hair care. So it is worth using it regularly to keep your hair moisturized, nourished and full of shine. In addition, aloe vera will be indispensable when caring for the scalp, which is sensitive and often dries out, causing recurrence of unwanted dandruff.
