Dermatologists say this natural ingredient could promote hair growth

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Aloe vera is one of those all-purpose ingredients that many people rave about. The plant’s gel is found in most personal care products, from lotions to shampoos, conditioners, serums, ointments, and more, likely because it’s been used in the past to treat acne, sunburn, wounds, and even constipation since it’s a natural laxative.

Get to know our experts: Brendan Camp, MD, double board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Divya Shokeen, MD, board certified cosmetic dermatologist at Ocean Skin And Vein Institute

Aloe vera is most often touted as the key to rapid hair growth, and while there is some truth to that, it offers many other benefits that are worth learning about.

Read on to find out what this plant has to offer, according to skin and hair experts.

What are the benefits of using aloe vera for hair?

1. It relieves scalp irritation: Whether you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis or itching caused by dandruff or buildup, aloe contains certain anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation. The science behind it is simple: Antioxidants in aloe help fight oxidative stress, and the nutrients it contains help the skin repair itself afterward, explains Dr. Camp. In fact, aloe can even be used for other conditions that can affect the scalp, such as psoriasis, by reducing redness, flaking, and itching, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. It is a natural moisturizer: This may be a no-brainer, but aloe is a top-notch ingredient for anything that needs moisture. “Aloe vera can be used as a scalp and hair moisturizer because it contains polysaccharides,” says Dr. Camp. “Polysaccharides are complex sugar molecules that help retain and attract moisture.”

3. It promotes hair growth: To be clear, aloe vera as a sole ingredient does not promote hair growth. “The antioxidants it contains may be able to help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp and hair cells that can lead to hair loss,” says Dr. Camp. Aloe is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, all of which can help your hair thrive in the long term. These vitamins and enzymes can promote hair growth. If you want to use aloe specifically for hair growth, Dr. Shokeen recommends the following steps:

• Apply fresh aloe gel directly to the scalp.

• Massage the gel in for several minutes.

• Leave it on for up to 30 minutes (any longer may cause irritation or buildup) before rinsing with shampoo.

How can aloe vera be used in hair?

In addition to using the gel on its own, you can mix it with your conditioner to add more moisture, says Dr. Camp. Plus, you can use it as a spray by using one part aloe and two parts water. This can be especially helpful if your hair feels dry.

How should you use aloe vera?

Once you’ve cut your aloe plant and removed the gel, you can apply it directly to your scalp or hair. But before you jump in, make sure you’re not sensitive or allergic. “To check if you’re allergic, it’s a good idea to do a test spot on the inside of your arm a day or two before applying it to your scalp to see if a reaction occurs,” says Dr. Camp.

Note: Many people recommend running the fresh aloe gel through a sieve before use to prevent small aloe particles from leaving residue in the hair. Excessive use of aloe can also lead to similar effects.

Are aloe hair products better than using the plant?

If you want to specifically reap the benefits of aloe vera, the most important thing is that the product you put in your cart is either listed as 100% aloe vera or has aloe vera as the first ingredient on the label. “The further down the ingredient list, the less aloe the product contains,” says Dr. Camp.

Whether products are actually better than the plant is debatable. However, Dr. Shokeen believes store-bought products are the best option. “It’s better to always use products with controlled amounts of aloe vera so you can see improvements and results over time,” she says. “Be sure to use high-quality products (with) minimal irritating fragrances so you can get the benefits without the inflammation.”

Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Hydra Source Shampoo

Thicken and Restore Plus Bamboo Fiber Shampoo

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