Last Updated on December 31, 2022 by Gaga
If you are looking for an effective natural remedy that can replace many chemical-laden products in your scalp care routine, and improve your scalp health, the answer is Aloe Vera! Due to the high content of antiseptic agents, Aloe Vera has the ability to provide anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits to the skin. It is widely used as a treatment for a variety of skin conditions.
Aloe Vera is rich in active phytochemicals and healthy ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, polypeptides, enzymes, proteins, and fatty acids. The clear gel from Aloe leaves can help you to relieve some stubborn scalp issues while keeping your hair healthy, moisturized, and silky.
How Aloe Vera Can Benefit Your Scalp?
1. pH Balancer
Commercial shampoos and other chemical-filled hair care products can upset the natural pH balance of your scalp. Aloe Vera has a natural pH level between 4.5 and 5.5 which is in the same range as the pH level of your hair. The normal pH level of the scalp helps eliminate scalp issues and ensures an optimal environment for hair growth.
To restore and retain the normal pH balance of your scalp, use Aloe Vera shampoo and choose other hair care products that are designed to match the natural pH of your scalp and hair. The acceptable pH level for hair care products ranges between 4 and 7.
You can find the pH of your products on the label or you can determine it by using pH test strips (video).
2. Sebum Balancer
Normal oily secretion protects the scalp and keeps it hydrated. However, sebum accumulation on the scalp can give your hair a greasy look and leads to clogged pores. Extracts of Aloe Vera act as a natural astringent that helps prevent over-accumulation of sebum on the scalp. If you suffer from an oily scalp and want to regulate sebum production, you may want to regularly apply Aloe Vera juice to your scalp and hair. You can also use Aloe Vera shampoo or add a few drops of Aloe juice to your regular shampoo.
3. Relief for Itchy Scalp
The antiseptic properties of Aloe can soothe an irritated scalp and provide relief from itching and inflammation. When applied to the scalp, Aloe Vera juice penetrates the skin quickly to get rid of bacteria, providing immediate relief. Aloe juice has a cooling/soothing effect on your scalp and helps get rid of scratches and infections.
For people who shave their heads, Aloe gel helps calm razor burn and protects the skin from inflammation.
To soothe an itchy scalp, it is important to choose organic and hypoallergenic products without fragrance or synthetic preservatives. Use Aloe gel two or three times a week to condition your scalp after shampooing. Gently massage the gel into the affected area after each shower and leave it in. The gel helps soothe inflammation and keeps your scalp feeling moist and refreshed.
4. Home Remedy for Eczema and Psoriasis
Using aloe vera keeps your skin hydrated and may relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Aloe’s anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic properties help reduce redness, scaling, and inflammation on the scalp. Aloe’s enzymatic properties help destroy dead skin cells that cause itching.
This natural remedy provides relief to individuals with eczema by healing patches of broken skin and preventing infections. To soothe scalp eczema, wash your hair with organic, fragrance-free Aloe Vera shampoo. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and apply Aloe Vera gel to the problematic area.
5. Aloe Vera for Dandruff
Dandruff is often caused by the fungus Malassezia which lives on the scalp causing inflammation. People with oily scalps may have dandruff caused by the fungus because excess moisture in an oily scalp contributes to fungal growth. On the other hand, people with dry skin may experience scalp flaking.
Antiseptic agents in Aloe Vera have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help fight inflammation and fungal infections. The Aloe reacts with the fatty deposits in your scalp, making them water-soluble and easy to remove from pores. This will make the scalp less suitable for fungus growth.
How to Use Lemon Juice and Aloe Vera to Relief Dandruff: Pour about 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice into half a cup filled with aloe gel. Massage this mixture into the skin of the scalp and leave it on for about 20 minutes. When the time is up, wash your hair and scalp with mild shampoo. This mixture will remove deposits of dead cells and excess oil from the scalp.
6. Aloe Vera for Flaky Scalp
A lack of natural oils makes the scalp vulnerable to irritation and damage. The result is cell dead skin cells and unsightly white flakes. Aloe Vera is very beneficial for people with dry and flaky scalps. The skin absorbs Aloe Vera juice up to four times faster than water. Aloe keeps the skin moist and helps hydrate a dry and thirsty scalp. Aloe products can be used to prevent a dry, flaky scalp during the winter months.
Regular application of Aloe juice/gel to the scalp helps reduce or even eliminate flaking. If you cannot take fresh juice right from the plant, use a store-bought, organic, certified Aloe gel that can provide you with the same benefits.
How to use: Massage the gel onto the scalp with your fingers and let it remain for 30 minutes or more before taking a shower. You can leave the gel on overnight and wash your hair with a mild shampoo the next morning. Repeat this scalp treatment at least two times a week for a few months to prevent flakes from coming back.
Washing your hair with an organic Aloe shampoo can also help.
7. Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
Aloe prevents an over-accumulation of sebum and helps unclog pores filled with sebum and dead skin cells. It promotes blood flow to the scalp and enhances blood supply to the hair follicles. Increased blood flow boosts oxygen exchange in the cells, speeding up cellular regeneration in hair follicles, and stimulating hair growth.
You can incorporate fresh aloe vera juice into your DIY hair masks. However, the simplest way to use aloe vera for faster hair growth is to use shampoo and conditioner that contain aloe vera. You will also enjoy other benefits that this miracle plant can provide to your scalp and hair.
Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.