This ingredient makes an incredible natural hair mask
With hundreds of different beauty ingredients to choose from, it can be confusing to know what is and isn't good for you – but there's no denying the benefits of aloe vera for hair.
The wonder ingredient is often thought of as a skin soother first and foremost, but beauty experts are wising up to the incredible effect it can have on your strands. The gel from inside the plant has a similar pH level to your hair's natural pH, a high water content and is filled with vitamins and minerals – plus, it's entirely natural.
We asked experts including hair guru Jon Hala who has A-list celebrity clients and Kieran Tudor, hair stylist and co-founder of haircare brand Centred, for their advice.
Here's what you need to know:
What are the benefits of Aloe Vera in hair products?
Aloe vera is "one of nature’s finest healing ingredients" and has been used traditionally as a beauty miracle for thousands of years, according to Kieran Tudor.
He says: "The skin healing properties of aloe vera make it a fantastic ingredient for the scalp, especially those that suffer with dry, itchy and irritated scalps. Aloe vera also offers intense hydration and when used internally, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.
"It strengthens hair, reduces breakage, enhances shine, and tames frizz, making it a versatile, wonder ingredient for maintaining healthy, vibrant and youthful-looking hair."
Jon Hala agrees: "Aloe Vera has many active ingredients and minerals that strengthen your hair such as calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, potassium and zinc."
He adds: "Aloe vera also supports hair growth and is a natural protection from UV damage just as advised to layer up after bathing in the sun for protection for skin."
How does aloe vera affect your hair?
Aloe vera contains essential amino acids and minerals like copper and zinc and, when used as a conditioner, can be extremely nourishing.
Kieran describes Aloe vera's effect on hair as "transformative" helping to make it feel softer and more hydrated.
He says: "I advise looking for products that contain Aloe vera as a key ingredient as they will tend to have better absorbability and won’t weigh the hair down."
What hair products contain aloe vera?
Plenty. Beauty brands are bringing out aloe products as the ingredient gains momentum, but some have been using the gel for years. Christophe Robin products often contain aloe, and are favourites of beauty bloggers.
Meanwhile, as the co-founder of hair care brand Centred, Kieran recommends his own products, which are infused with Aloe vera.
"My favourite shampoo is our Daily Calma Shampoo infused with Aloe vera, chamomile and 0range blossom, it's a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser that soothes and calms the scalp whilst adding strength and moisture to the hair," he says.
Meanwhile, Jon favours homemade products, saying: "This is really a time-related issue and involves you being your own masque maker. Simply cut a leaf from the Aloe Vera plant and using a spoon collect that gelatinous type gel, blend with an almond oil. Rub the miracle masque mixture directly into the scalp and hair and leave for one hour. Use a mild shampoo to wash the hair and scalp and repeat two to three times a week if needed."
If you're unsure where to start, look for natural products that have a high amount of aloe in them – we've rounded up some of below:
Can you put aloe vera straight onto your hair?
Absolutely. Influencer Farah Dhukai shared a video that went viral in 2016, which showed her using aloe vera gel as both a hair and face mask. People have been using the ingredient naturally for hundreds of years, but she managed to make it mainstream once again, and now it's a regular in YouTube videos and blogs.
For best results, scoop the gel from the inside of an aloe vera plant leaf. Put it in the blender or mash it, then apply and leave for at least 30 minutes – but ideally overnight.
You Might Also Like
