Everyone has the desire of having healthy and soft hair. While we can resort to expensive beauty products and supplements, we can also make use of a home remedy readily available at our home i.e. Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera is known to mankind for its various medicinal properties for 2000 years. The Egyptians called aloe Vera as “the plant of immortality.” Aloe Vera is known for its medicinal uses like cosmetic and skin protection, wound healing, and laxative properties.
Literature also mentions various other properties of Aloe Vera like antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Let us see how Aloe Vera can be beneficial for our hair:
Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E which are essential for cell turnover and hair repair. Also, regular application of Aloe Vera to our scalp increases the blood flow. This helps in faster hair growth and hair repair processes.
Pharmeasy Recommends: EverHerb Aloe Vera Juice
While studies have shown benefits for aloe vera for skin and hair, serious conditions like hairfall due to alopecia areata, scalp psoriaisis, sebhorric dermatitis etc. require diagnosis and treatment by a trichologist.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Dandruff, also called Seborrheic dermatitis is a common occurrence. This also causes inflammation and itching of the scalp. Clinical research has shown that Aloe Vera can provide relief from dandruff because of its anti-inflammatory properties and fatty acids contained in it. Additionally, Aloe vera has soothing and cooling effects on the scalp.
By effectively cleaning and cooling the scalp, aloe vera not only supports healthy hair but may also prevent or reduce hair loss. While there is no strong evidence supporting aloe vera for hair growth, applying aloe vera may help to ease the root causes of hair loss such as dandruff, dry itchy scalp, poor nutrition and poor moisturization.
The best form of aloe vera to use on your hair is the raw gel of the plan. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E. All three of these vitamins contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are also contained in aloe vera gel. Both of these components can keep your hair from falling out.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Aloe vera reduces sebum, an oily substance present around our hair follicles. This helps to get relief from oily hair and cleansing of hair follicles.
Aloe vera can cause burning and stinging sensation when applied locally. It can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea when taken orally. Occasionally, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Hence, people with an allergy to Aloe Vera should avoid its use.
The use of Aloe Vera is not recommended during pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
Even for oily and rough hair, aloe vera might be effective in stripping extra sebum oil and residue yet be gentle enough to not damage your hair follicles. It may also be helpful if used at least once a week to make your hair get that healthy and shiny look.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Various clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Aloe Vera in conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, psoriasis, genital herpes in men, and radiation dermatitis. It also promotes wound healing.
Also Read: How To Increase Melanin In Hair: A Research-Based Guide To Restoring Color Naturally
You can use variations on this recipe such as aloe + apple cider vinegar or aloe + yoghurt.
Also Read: Why Does My Hair Get Greasy So Fast: Unraveling the Causes and Fixes
Aloe Vera is nature’s gift to mankind for its various applications in the field of cosmetology and medicine. We should utilize this commonly available “wonder plant” that helps to maintain healthy and soft hair.
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