Aloe vera for hair growth home remedies for black hair

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4. Effective Tips On Using Aloe Vera For Hair Growth

Packed with more than 75 nutrients, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins, aloe vera gel for hair growth has several beauty-boosting properties when used as a topical agent. The gel extracted from this wonder plant is rich in antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory, soothing, moisturising, and protective benefits for skin as well as for hair. Ingesting aloe vera gel in moderation also offers a host of health benefits owing to its nutritional content.

While aloe vera is found in a number of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, you can simply use the harvested gel of this plant as is or in combination with natural ingredients for your hair. Read on to know more!

What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Hair?
How Do I Harvest Aloe Vera Gel?
How Do I Use Harvested Aloe Vera Gel?
How Can I Use Aloe Vera For Hair?
FAQs: Aloe Vera For Hair

What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Hair?

Aloe gel has the following benefits for hair and scalp:

• Aloe vera gel has a pH level similar to that of your scalp and hair, making it safer to use than most commercially available hair care products.
• Aloe gel is packed with active ingredients like essential amino acids and minerals such as copper and zinc, all of which are clinically proven to help hair grow healthy and strong.

• Aloe gel has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the scalp and prevent irritation and aggravation of skin conditions.
• Aloe vera has high water content which helps condition hair. The gel also locks in nutrients and hydration, treating conditions like dandruff. Dandruff can also be caused by a fungus, and since aloe gel has antifungal and antiviral properties, it is effective in treating dandruff and flaking.

• Aloe vera gel is rich in proteolytic enzymes that heal and repair damaged cells in the scalp. In this turn, improves the health of hair follicles and boosts hair growth. Proteolytic enzymes also stimulate the dormant hair follicles, promoting regrowth of hair.
• Aloe gel is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals that nourish hair follicles, curbing hair fall, and control the shedding of hair, making hair healthy and voluminous.
• Oil and debris build-up can block pores and hinder hair growth. Aloe vera gel is a natural cleanser and reduces sebum or oil accumulation on the scalp.

• Aloe vera gel forms a protective layer around hair strands that keeps hair consistently hydrated and safe from the damaging effects of the sun, pollution, and other environmental elements.
• Keratin is the primary protein of hair, and aloe gel has a chemical makeup that is similar to that of keratin. As such, aloe gel use rejuvenates hair, imparting elasticity and minimising breakage.
• Aloe gel can be used as a multi-purpose styling product, primarily as a conditioner and detangling agent, keeping hair frizz-free, smooth, and shiny.

Tip: Aloe gel has immense benefits for scalp and hair health!

How Do I Harvest Aloe Vera Gel?

Remember that aloe vera is a slow-growing plant; you don’t want to harvest too many leaves in a short period. Pick mature plants to harvest gel, preferably those planted in the ground. You can tell a leaf is ripe and ready to be harvested when it is thick, smooth, and deep green in colour with rosy tips. Choose larger leaves and focus on the upper foliage instead of cutting the lower smaller leaves. Also avoid cutting too many leaves from the same spot. Note that unblemished leaves contain the most aloe gel and the sap from them also tastes better!

Hand-picking aloe vera can cause tissue damage to the plant, so use a knife to cut the leaves. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut leaves as close to the trunk as possible. Aloe vera contains aloin, a yellowish-brown sap that can cause skin irritation and stomach upset if ingested. Once you cut an aloe leaf, allow the aloin to drain out by placing the leaf tilted with the cut side pointing downwards for about 10-15 minutes. Doing so will prevent the gel from turning bitter.

Next, wash the aloe leaf, wipe it clean, and place it on a flat surface. If working with large leaves, cut into sections to make peeling easier. Discard sections with knots as there won’t be any gel underneath the skin. Cut off the serrated edges first, then file off the skin on each side of the leaf. Remove yellowish layers as well until you are left with translucent, clear to white flesh. Give this flesh a quick rinse and it’ll be ready to use!

Here’s a video on growing aloe vera for hair at home:

Tip: Aloe vera can be easily grown at home and the harvested gel can be used in hair masks and other home remedies.

How Do I Use Harvested Aloe Vera Gel?

Freshly harvested aloe vera gel can be mixed with shampoos and hair masks and used immediately. You can also save the gel for later use – cut up the aloe gel into cubes, line them on parchment paper, and freeze. Once frozen, pack the cubes into an airtight bag or container and store them in the freezer. Alternatively, blend fresh aloe gel and pour the juice into an ice cube tray. Freeze the gel, remove and store in the freezer in an airtight bag or container.

Fresh aloe vera gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for about a month. Products like hair masks and vitamin mixes that include aloe gel as an ingredient can last for a longer time.

Tip: Freshly harvested aloe vera gel can be used immediately or stored for later use.

How Can I Use Aloe Vera For Hair?

Use these aloe vera home remedies for hair and scalp health:

• Mix two tablespoons each of aloe vera gel and honey, and a tablespoon of yoghurt to make a hair mask. Apply from hair roots to tips and massage gently after 10-15 minutes. Let sit for 30 minutes and rinse off with water or shampoo as normal for soft shiny hair.

• To get rid of dandruff, use an aloe vera and apple cider vinegar remedy about twice a month. Take a cup of aloe gel and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar; whisk well. Apply onto scalp and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with water or shampoo as normal.
• Fenugreek strengthens hair and makes it soft and shiny while also helping with problems like hair loss, dandruff, excess oil production, and premature greying. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind to a fine paste the next morning. Mix well with two tablespoons of aloe gel. Apply this mixture evenly to scalp and hair and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse using water or a mild shampoo.
• For hair growth, use aloe vera and castor oil, which is excellent for boosting hair growth and adding volume. Mix a cup of aloe vera gel and two tablespoons of castor oil. Apply evenly to the scalp and hair strands, cover head with a shower cap and let sit for 1-2 hours. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. You can also add two tablespoons of fenugreek powder to this mask.

• Aloe gel and onion juice make for an effective combination for healthy hair – onion juice stimulates the scalp and clears out clogged hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Also, the high sulfur concentration in onion boosts the production of collagen which helps control hair loss. Take equal parts of aloe gel and onion juice and mix well. Apply the mixture evenly to the scalp and rinse using a mild shampoo after 30-45 minutes. This remedy can be used twice weekly.
• To replenish hair and reduce frizz, use coconut oil along with aloe gel. Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids and proteins that improve the texture of hair strands. Take aloe gel and coconut oil in the ratio of 2:1 and mix well. Blend ingredients well and apply all over the scalp and hair strands from roots to tips. Wash with regular shampoo after 30-45 minutes. You can also add honey to this mask for added shine and conditioning.

• To repair split ends and breathe new life into dull, damaged hair, use hibiscus flower powder with aloe vera. Hibiscus flowers are rich in amino acids that are necessary for producing keratin and help stimulate hair regrowth from dormant follicles and bald patches too. Take 1/4th cup of aloe gel and two tablespoons of hibiscus flower powder. Blend well to form a paste. Avoid using on the scalp and roots of the hair; apply the paste starting from the middle of hair strands to the tips. Rinse with warm water after about 45 minutes. This remedy can be used once weekly.
• Green tea is good for hair growth. It is also rich in catechins which are beneficial in preventing hair fall by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DTH) which is responsible for hair loss. Take a half-cup each of aloe gel and freshly brewed green tea in a bowl and mix well. Massage the mixture into your scalp gently and apply evenly to the length of your hair. Rinse with cool water after 10-15 minutes.
• Take 2-3 tablespoons of aloe gel and mix with around 12-15 drops of neem oil. Massage into scalp and leave on overnight. Shampoo as normal the next morning. Use this remedy once or twice a week to treat dandruff and for healthy hair.

• Amla or gooseberry can stop hair fall, stimulate hair growth, and prevent premature greying. Mix amla juice or powder with aloe gel and apply to the scalp. Leave on for an hour or so and rinse with water. You can use this remedy daily.
• Eggs are packed with nutrients like protein, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, and selenium that can boost hair growth and prevent hair loss. Eggs also seal moisture into the hair and are effective cleansers. Make a hair mask using 1/4th cup of aloe gel and one egg – whisk the egg and blend with the aloe gel. Apply the mixture onto scalp and hair and put on a shower cap thereafter. Wash off with cool water after 30 minutes. Using this mask once a week can be beneficial. To remove the smell of egg from your tresses, spray a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice and water all over the scalp and hair. Rinse with water after 10-15 minutes.
• Tea tree oil has numerous benefits for hair ranging from dandruff treatment to prevention of hair loss and improved hair growth. Take a cup of aloe gel and mix in a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply evenly to scalp and hair and rinse with water after 30 minutes.

Tip: Use aloe vera gel with natural ingredients and say goodbye to all your hair problems!

FAQs: Aloe Vera For Hair

Q. How can I use aloe vera for styling my hair?

A. Take a pea-sized amount of aloe gel and apply it over your hairstyle for a natural post-hairstyling serum. To define curls, simply apply the gel to wet hair, scrunch, and allow it to air dry!

Q. Is aloe vera gel safe for consumption?

A. Yes, aloe gel is safe when ingested albeit in moderation. While aloe has health benefits, ingesting even small doses can cause dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea and other complications in certain individuals, so be cautious if you’re sensitive. Dietitian Hetal Saraiya says, “Aloe vera has been used as a folk remedy to ease digestion and to alleviate pain from burns when used topically. It has recently gained popularity as an anti-obesity agent. Preliminary studies show weight control benefits, but the mechanisms do not seem as potent as other anti-obesity supplements. However, it is useful in promoting gut health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Take aloe vera juice with vitamin C and E to increase the bioavailability of both vitamins. As per studies, taking 300 mg aloe vera twice daily offers potential health benefits to the body.”

Q. How can I preserve fresh aloe vera gel?

A. Apart from storing aloe vera gel in the freezer, you can increase its shelf life in the following ways:

• Blend vitamin E along with aloe gel and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Use this blend in hair masks, face masks, and as a nail treatment.
• Mix aloe gel with an equal quantity of honey. Store in the fridge and use as a hair mask or face mask as is, or along with added natural ingredients.
• Vitamin C is a natural preservative - mix freshly squeezed lemon juice and blend well with aloe gel. Store in the fridge and use on face and hair as needed.

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