What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair?

What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair?

Aloe vera is a plant that has been cultivated and used for over 5,000 years. Mainly recommended for cutaneous application to moisturize the skin and relieve redness, there are also many aloe vera hair benefits, we’ll look into.

What Is Aloe Vera Gel?

A member of the Liliaceae family, aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis has prickly leaves that enclose a transparent gelatinous pulp, edible once the aloin-rich latex surrounding it has been removed. Pressing this pulp yields the famous aloe vera gel, rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, trace elements, enzymes and amino acids. In cosmetics, this gel is a multifunctional active ingredient known for its moisturizing, repairing and soothing properties.

Aloe Vera for Hair Moisturizing and Breakage Limiting.

It's essential to provide hair with the moisture it needs every day. Poorly or insufficiently moisturized hair tends to become dry, split ends appear and break easily.

Aloe vera gel is particularly rich in polysaccharides (mannose-6-phosphate, aloeverose, acemannan). These long-chain sugar molecules contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) that create a hydrophilic environment. The gel thus retains water molecules, limiting their natural evaporation. It also forms a protective film on the surface of hair fibers to maintain hydration and combat dryness.

Aloe Vera for Hair Protection From External Aggressions.

Pollution, UV rays, smoking… All these factors generate an overproduction of free radicals. This phenomenon, known as oxidative stress, leads to the deterioration of hair fibers, the appearance of white hair and hair loss. Rich in the antioxidant compounds vitamin E and A, one of the aloe vera hair benefits is to protect from the external aggressions mentioned above, limiting its deterioration.

Aloe Vera for Scalp Cleansing.

There are not only benefits of aloe vera for hair, but also the scalp. When the scalp is sensitive, it is regularly subject to itching and irritation. It's important to note that scalp sensitivity can be caused by a lack of moisture. Thanks to its soothing action, aloe vera gel relieves irritation and itching, and purifies the scalp. Researchers have also demonstrated its effectiveness in combating seborrheic dermatitis (the scientific term for dandruff).

How To Use Aloe Vera on Hair?

Pure aloe vera gel can be used as a mask to rehydrate hair fibers and cleanse the scalp. Depending on your needs, apply it to dry hair, from roots to ends, and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water. Aloe vera gel is also used in many shampoos and conditioners, most often under the INCI name “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice”.

Sources

  • BITON A. & al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (1999).

  • SAPLE D. G. & al., Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).

  • ALY S. M. & al. Aloe vera: potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities. Pharmacognosy Reviews (2015).

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