Dermatologists say this natural ingredient can help promote hair growth

Read on to find out what skin and hair experts say this plant has to offer.

What are the benefits of using aloe vera for hair?

1. It relieves scalp irritation: Whether you’re dealing with seborrheic dermatitis or itching caused by dandruff or build-up, aloe contains certain anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve irritation. The science behind it is simple: the antioxidants in aloe help fight oxidative stress, and the nutrients in it help the skin recover afterward, Dr. Camp explains. In fact, aloe can even be used for other conditions that can affect the scalp, such as psoriasis, reducing redness, flaking and itching. Mayo Clinic.
2. It is a natural moisturizer: It may be simple, but aloe is the most important ingredient for moisture. “Aloe vera can be used as a scalp and hair moisturizer because it contains polysaccharides,” says Dr. Camp. “Polysaccharides are complex sugar molecules that help retain and attract moisture.”
3. It promotes hair growth: To be clear, aloe vera as a standalone ingredient does not promote hair growth. “The antioxidants it contains can potentially help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp’s skin and hair cells, which can contribute to hair loss,” says Dr. Camp. Aloe is rich in vitamins A, C and E, all of which can help your hair flourish for a long time. These vitamins and enzymes can help in hair growth. If you’re interested in using aloe specifically for hair growth, Dr. Shokeen recommends the following steps:

• Apply fresh aloe gel directly to the scalp.
• Massage the gel for several minutes.
• Leave on for up to 30 minutes before shampooing (longer may cause irritation or build-up).

How can aloe vera be used for hair?

Dr. Camp says that in addition to using the gel on its own, you can also mix it with a conditioner to boost moisture. Additionally, you can use it as a spray using one part aloe and two parts water. This can be especially helpful if your hair is dry.

How should you use aloe vera?

Once you have cut the aloe plant and removed the gel, it can be applied directly to the scalp or hair. But before you rush into it, make sure you are not sensitive or allergic. “To check if you’re allergic, it’s a good idea to do a spot test on the inside of your hand to see if you have a reaction one to two days before applying to your scalp,” says Dr. Camp.

Note. Many people recommend passing fresh aloe gel through a fine sieve before use to avoid leaving small aloe particles in the hair. Excessive use of aloe can also cause similar effects.

Are aloe hair products better than using the plant?

If you’re hoping to specifically reap the benefits of aloe vera, it’s most important that the product you add to your cart is either listed as 100 percent aloe vera or has aloe vera as the first ingredient on the label. “The further down the ingredients list, the less aloe the product contains,” says Dr. Camp.

Whether or not the products are specifically better than the plant is debatable. However, Dr. Shokeen believes that store-bought products are the best option. “It’s always best to use products that contain controlled amounts of aloe vera so you can see improvement and results consistently,” she says. “Be sure to use high-quality products [with] minimally irritating fragrances so you get the benefits without the inflammation.”

Best Aloe Vera Hair Products

Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Now 20% off

BIOLAGE Hydra Source Shampoo

Maui Moisture Thicken and Restore Plus Bamboo Fibers Shampoo

Now 41% off

Sabrina is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.