While coconut and argan oil have gained huge traction when it comes to giving your hair a smooth look and shine, there is one green plant that you might just need to add to that arsenal: aloe vera juice.
What is aloe vera juice?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably familiar with the natural cure-all that is aloe vera. For centuries, this cactus-like plant has been a must-use for helping heal burns and wounds, hydrating and cooling skin, and is even an ingredient in some juices. In fact, because the plant is so easy to grow, it’s a common fixture in many people’s homes—with the leaves, once big enough, being cut open to extract the inner gel.
But what most don’t realize is that thanks to aloe vera’s richness of Vitamins A, B, C, and E, coupled with 18 amino acids out of the 20 found in the human body, it’s also a must-have for your haircare routine.
In fact, just like coconut and argan oils, it’s easy to mix aloe vera juice with other ingredients you can find right in your kitchen to cater to your needs: whether your texture is a 1 or a 4c.
The Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Juice
1. It can strengthen your hair
As mentioned, aloe vera has many vitamins, but it also has fatty amino acids that help in maintaining healthy hair follicles. The Vitamin B and folic acid properties found in the plant’s juice are great in preventing hair loss. Those same amino acids repair damaged hair strands, giving you thicker hair with more volume.
2. And you can say goodbye to oily and greasy hair
On top of all the vitamins, aloe vera also carries enzymes that help break down fats—meaning it can gently strip your hair of any extra oils. And because aloe vera juice is quite gentle, it’s great at keeping your hair looking healthier, shinier, and softer—all while avoiding breakage.
And you can try this DIY mask to fix oily hair, while keeping it as moisturized as possible:
- Mix 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with 4-5 drops of lemon juice and 3 drops of tea tree oil
- Massage the paste into your hair and leave it in for 20 minutes
- Rinse it out by washing your hair as usual
3. It can also rejuvenate your scalp
Made up of 96% water, aloe vera juice is one of the most hydrating ingredients you can use. In fact, because it also contains proteolytic enzymes which repair dead skin cells, aloe vera is great at giving your hair follicles the nutrients they need, while ensuring your scalp stays the furthest from dry.
4. And relieve you of your dandruff
And for those dealing with those annoying flakes, aloe vera is essential to reducing scaliness and itchiness on your scalp—all thanks to its anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.
And get even more power eliminating those pesky flakes, by making this DIY formulation:
- Mix one cup of fresh aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- Massage into your hair and scalp
- Leave it in for 20 minutes
- Rinse with shampoo
- Repeat twice a month
5. It can protect your hair from sun damage
Just like it helps cool those itchy, red, hot burns, aloe vera’s same cooling and collagen-filled properties can also keep your hair and scalp safe from UV rays.
6. And also stimulate hair growth
While there is yet to be any scientific proof to support this fact, many people have praised the plant for helping their hair growth. However, some studies and researchers have pinpointed that aloenin, a chemical compound in the plant, is a factor in promoting hair growth—especially for those experiencing hair loss. In fact, the plant’s juices have been used to improve hair health and lessen breakage.
7. Finally, say hello to a natural deep conditioner
Say goodbye to dry and frizzy hair. When you start to incorporate aloe vera juice into your haircare routine, you’ll help your scalp retain its natural oils, while also locking in your opened-hair cuticles, to give your hair a smoother and softer texture. In fact, if you’ve also got curly hair, it’s great for giving them a little refresh if you’re in need of a lightweight product two or three days after your last wash.
And, if you’re in need of a deep condition, this DIY mask is perfect for bringing life back into your locks:
- Mix two teaspoons of fresh aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of honey, and three teaspoons of coconut oil into a paste
- Massage well into your hair and wait 30 minutes
- Rinse with shampoo
But if you don’t have time to grow your own plant or mix aloe vera juice with other ingredients for your DIY masks, consider trying our duo bundle where it’s already an active ingredient.