It looks like aloe vera has broken the Internet with its goodness! Yes! We are talking about the humble yet amazing plant that has pledged its allegiance to heal human ailments. People all over the world are testifying to the incredible health benefits that this plant has to offer. (1)
Aloe is believed to be the foundation of beauty and health since antiquity. It is known to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula, but due to its wide footprint, it's difficult to track its exact source.
Aloe vera gives high-end health and beauty treatments of present times a run for their money.
We can go on and on rambling about this plant. However, for now, take a look at our seven aloe vera hair masks to treat several of our most annoying hair problems.
Contents
Method 1: Aloe Mask for Hair Growth
Aloe vera gel contains proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes help repair and heal the damaged cells in your scalp by promoting healthy hair follicles which boosts faster hair growth. (1)
The fenugreek seeds used in this mask have nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) and lecithin that help rebuild your hair follicles and facilitate hair growth. (2)
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and omega-6 essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp and increases blood circulation to the roots of your hair, promoting hair growth.
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – 1 cup
- Fenugreek powder – 1 tablespoon
- Castor oil – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Make a paste with aloe vera gel, fenugreek powder, and castor oil
- Pour 1 cup of freshly extracted or store-bought aloe vera gel into a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of castor oil into the mix.
- Blend the mixture with an electric hand whisker until you get a smooth paste.
Step 2. Apply the paste on your hair
- Section your hair using a comb.
- Apply the mask, starting from your roots and scalp. Focus more on the scalp, roots, and tips of your hair.
- Once you’re finished applying the paste, tie your hair into a bun and cover it with a shower cap. Wrap a towel around the shower cap to keep it from shifting and for added heat.
- Go to bed and let the mask work overnight.
- The next morning, wash your hair with shampoo and rinse it with cool water. Finish with a conditioner or a leave-in conditioner, if you use one.
Use the mask twice a week to get your hair to grow faster and longer.
Method 2: Aloe Mask for Dry and Frizzy Hair
Aloe vera gel is high in water nutrients which aid in moisturizing the broken cuticles on hair shafts. This will help to reduce the frizziness in your hair. (1)
This mask also uses coconut oil, which contains fatty acids and proteins that help moisturize and improve the texture of your hair. (3)
The honey in the mask draws in moisture from the air and prevents moisture loss in your hair.
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Extra-virgin coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Mix the aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and honey together
- Pour 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of honey into a mixing bowl.
- Blend all the ingredients well using an electric hand whisker.
Step 2. Apply the mixture to your hair
- Part your hair into sections.
- Apply the paste from the roots to the tips.
- Leave it on for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Wash it out using your regular shampoo.
Do this twice a week to get luscious and smooth hair.
Method 3: Aloe Mask for Shiny Hair
Aloe vera closes the hair cuticles, which smoothens your hair and conditions it. The honey in this mask locks moisture into your hair, and olive oil deeply hydrates it, making your hair look shiny. The acidity of yogurt also contracts the hair cuticles, adding further shine to your locks.
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Yogurt – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Combine the aloe vera gel, honey, olive oil, and yogurt
- Pour 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel into a mixing bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 tablespoons each of olive oil and yogurt.
Step 2. Blend the ingredients well & apply the hair mask
- Whisk the ingredients together well using an electric hand whisker.
- Section your hair and apply the paste from your scalp down to the tips of your hair.
- Leave it on for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Wash it out using your regular shampoo.
Do this 3 or4 times a month to get luscious, smooth and shiny hair.
Method 4: Aloe Mask for Dandruff
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory agent that soothes an itchy and flaky scalp. It moisturizes the scalp and can prevent recurring dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and antiseptic and will kill the dandruff-causing bacteria and clear out clogged hair follicles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm your irritated scalp.
The honey in the mask balances your scalp’s pH levels, keeping it moisturized and alleviating dry skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Raw honey – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Mix aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey
- Pour 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and raw honey into a mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients well.
Step 2. Apply the mixture on your scalp
- Apply the mixture on your scalp and the roots of your hair.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with tepid water, then shampoo your hair as usual.
Do this twice a month to get rid of an itchy and dandruff-laden scalp.
Method 5: Aloe Mask for Hair Conditioning
Aloe vera gel is rich in water minerals and nutrients that seal in moisture and improve the quality of your hair. The egg in this mask moisturizes your hair, adding extra shine and bounce to it. (4)
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – ½ cup
- Egg – 1
Step 1. Mix aloe vera and egg
- Pour ½ cup of aloe vera gel into a mixing bowl
- Add 1 whole egg to it.
- Whisk the ingredients well
Step 2. Apply the mask to your hair
- Apply the mask on the entire length of your hair, starting from the roots.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with water and wash with a mild shampoo.
Do this twice a week for salon-like hair.
Method 6: Aloe Mask for Split Ends and Damaged Hair
The primary protein in your hair is called keratin, which consists of amino acids, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The chemical structure of aloe vera is similar to that of keratin, which promotes hair elasticity and prevents breakage.
The hibiscus flower powder in this mask is capable of stimulating hair growth and strengthens the hair to prevent damage. (5)
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – ¼ cup
- Hibiscus flower powder – 2 tablespoons
Single-Step Treatment: Mix aloe vera gel and hibiscus powder & apply the hair mask
- Combine 2 tablespoons of hibiscus flower powder with ¼ cup of freshly extracted aloe vera gel and blend well.
- Apply the paste on your hair, starting from the middle of the length of your hair to the tips.
- Leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
Do this once a week to repair split ends and damaged hair.
Method 7: Aloe Mask to Stop Hair Loss
Lemon is rich in vitamins B and C, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium and folic acid. These nutrients and minerals make it one of the best aloe vera hair masks to fight hair loss. Limonene, a compound found in lemons, helps make dull and frizzy hair beautiful and lustrous and aloe vera prevents hair loss. (1)
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Add Aloe vera gel and lemon juice together
- Pour 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to it and blend well.
Step 2. Apply the mask to sectioned hair
- Section your hair and apply the mixture on your scalp.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Massage your scalp before rinsing your hair with water.
Do this aloe vera hair mask once a week to fix the problem of hair loss.
Tips
- You can add lavender or tea tree essential oil to the aloe vera masks to make your hair smell aromatic.
- Do not use aloe vera treatments for more than 3 weeks if you have oily hair.
- Dilute lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with other ingredients for any kind of hair treatment. Using either directly on your scalp can do more harm than good.
- You can use a hibiscus flower in place of its powder. Just boil 1 hibiscus flower in water over medium heat and use the water to rinse your hair.
- It is recommended that you use aloe vera juice freshly extracted from the leaves of the plant.
Resources:
1. Kumar KPS, Bhowmik D, Chiranjib, Biswajit. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. http://www.jocpr.com/abstract/aloe-vera--a-potential-herb-and-its-medicinal-importance-12.html. Published 2010.
2. MEDIZIN K, Schoen C, Bielfeldt S, Reimann J. Fenugreek micronutrients: Efficacy of a food supplement against hair loss. Kosmetische Medizin . https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251923543_Fenugreekmicronutrients_Efficacy_of_a_food_supplement_against_hair_loss. Published 2006.
3. Mhaskar S, Kalghatgi B, Chavan M, Rout S, Gode V. Hair breakage index: an alternative tool for damage assessment of human hair. Journal of cosmetic science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21635848. Published 2011.
4. Nakamura T, Yamamura H, Park K, et al. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production. Journal of medicinal food. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29583066. Published July 2018.
5. Adhirajan N, Ravi T, Shanmugasundaram N, Babu M. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12963149. Published October 2003.
What they never told you is that incase you used store bought aloe vera , the curd will curdle in contact with it. I don’t know about the natural aloe though .