You may have heard of aloe vera in lotions or other skin products to treat things like rashes and sunburns. But did you know it is also used in hair care products and can be highly beneficial to the health of your hair and scalp?
Aloe vera can be used as an active ingredient in hair products. Kavella creates aloe-based shampoos, aloe-based conditioners and styling products that replace a water base with aloe. Read on to learn more about the benefits of aloe vera in your hair care routine.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows naturally in the desert and hot climates. The plant is primarily harvested for the aloe gel that is extracted from the aloe vera leaf. It is cultivated around the world, and its use dates back thousands of years.
Aloe vera has historically been used for skin conditions and wound healing. An Egyptian medical record from 16 BC even called aloe vera “the plant of immortality.” Today, aloe vera is used in a variety of products, including:
- Food
- Cosmetics
- Hair products
- Supplements
- Herbal remedies
- Skin treatments
In recent years, there have been a number of studies that suggest aloe vera has nourishing and healing properties. Since aloe vera is a natural substance, it is generally tolerated well and unlikely to result in a negative reaction. However, if you have particularly sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to talk to your stylist or dermatologist.
Benefits for the Hair and Scalp
Your hair and scalp can be sensitive parts of the body that need a little extra care to stay healthy. Products like aloe vera are natural, moisturizing, rebalancing, and can have a number of benefits when used regularly in your hair routine.
pH Balance
Your hair and scalp naturally have a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. Aloe vera extract also has a pH level in that range, so it is naturally pH balanced and can rebalance your hair and scalp if you’ve been using harsh products.
A balanced pH will allow your hair to function how it’s supposed to, protecting it from styling, chemicals, and outdoor elements. Balanced pH also keeps your hair and scalp healthy and not too oily or dry.
Strengthening
Most people put their hair through a lot. Between color treatments, styling, use of heat, and using harsh products, your hair can weaken over time.
Aloe vera reinforces hair strands with natural nutrients that make your hair more flexible, hydrated, and less prone to breakage.
You may have heard of keratin treatments as a way to nourish and strengthen hair. Aloe vera contains many of the same ingredients as keratin and has a similar chemical makeup. If you are looking for a more natural nourishing treatment for your hair to help it regain its strength, consider an aloe-based hair mask.
Hydration
One of the most common problems with hair is lack of moisture. Dry hair can lead to several problems, including:
- Frizz
- Breakage
- Itchy scalp
- Dandruff
- Split ends
- Unruly hair
Aloe vera is a natural element that draws in moisture. It contains 20 different amino acids that not only condition hair but promote moisture all day long.
Using an aloe-based conditioner can help significantly with detangling and retaining the natural oils produced by your scalp. It is also lightweight, so you won’t feel like your hair is weighed down.
Scalp Health
We often focus on the health of our hair, but scalp health is just as important. A dry or oily scalp can be uncomfortable and can contribute to hair problems. It is a little-known fact that our scalps are prone to bacteria buildup, which can eventually lead to serious conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis.
Aloe vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help significantly to ward off harmful bacteria. In addition, the enzymes in aloe vera exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells, which can clear dandruff and alleviate an itchy scalp.
Products with Aloe Vera
From shampoo and conditioner to hair masks and gels, there are many products on the market with aloe vera. All you need to do to find them is look at the ingredient list or product label. Just pay close attention to the amount of aloe, as some products use it as a base while others use a small amount as one ingredient.
Aloe-Based Shampoo
Shampoos with an aloe base replace water with aloe. Most shampoos are made up of 80% water, so replacing it with aloe vera can have a significant positive effect on your hair.
Aloe vera is a versatile product and can be mixed with other elements to give you the hair result you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for more volume, use our aloe-based volume shampoo, the Kavella Volumizing Shampoo.
Aloe-Based Conditioner
Conditioners can also contain a lot of water or filler material for the base. An aloe-based conditioner will have less filler product and give you all of the benefits of aloe for your hair and scalp. A naturally moisturizing conditioner can give you all of the benefits of hydration without excess water or harsh chemicals.
Aloe-Based Hair Mask
Oftentimes, using a conditioner in the shower is not enough to give hair the hydration it needs. Adding a regular hair mask to your routine can make a big difference. Try an aloe-based hair mask once or twice a week. It can be a great supplement to your other products and leave your hair moisturized without weighing it down.
Add Aloe Vera to Your Hair Care Routine
Aloe vera is a natural product that is tolerated well and unlikely to result in any negative reactions. You can easily incorporate it into any hair care routine. Switching to aloe-based products often leads to stronger, more hydrated, and more healthy-looking hair overall.
If aloe vera has not worked for you in the past, there are other options for natural hair treatments that do not contain aloe. Looking for an aloe-free shampoo or aloe-free conditioner? Check out our Healing Tea Shampoo and Conditioner.
