Aloe vera gel is becoming a trusted alternative to traditional gels for natural hair, and for good reason. It’s known for giving the hair a light, flexible hold and a healthy dose of moisture.
Yet, many naturals are wondering if this product is safe to use daily. So, in this article, we will advise you on how often you should use aloe vera gel and how you can take advantage of its many benefits. Let’s get into it.
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Can I Use Aloe Vera Gel on My Hair Everyday?
Pure aloe vera gel, from the aloe vera leaf, is safe to use on your hair daily, but your curls may not respond well to daily exposure. We recommend using aloe vera gel a few times per week, but not every day due to potential issues with hygral fatigue, dryness, stiffness, and product build-up.
In the next section, we will explain how using natural aloe vera gel daily can backfire on your tresses.
Can Cause Hygral Fatigue
Because aloe vera is a natural humectant and moisturizer, it provides intense hydration to your hair. The gel deeply penetrates the protective layer of hair strands, called the cuticle, causing it to swell and contract as moisture is absorbed.
When aloe vera is constantly applied to the hair, it sends the cuticle into overdrive as it works to absorb the excess moisture.
This excessive swelling and contracting weaken strands over time, causing hygral fatigue. If this condition is left untreated, it will put severe stress on strands, eventually causing them to break off.
Can Causes Dryness
Most people use aloe vera gel to combat stubborn dryness. But did you know that overusing it can actually cause dryness? Aloe vera gel does a great job of coating hair strands to seal in moisture.
But using too much of it can choke the cuticle, restricting any moisture from entering the hair shaft. The result is dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage and hair loss.
Can Make Hair Stiff
Using aloe vera gel every day will be a huge setback if you’re trying to maintain bouncy, voluminous curls. Like traditional gels, aloe vera-based gels can provide a light hold to make your hairstyles last longer.
Plus, its slightly tacky consistency can keep frizz away all day. But using the product daily will quickly weigh your curls down, making them stiff and lifeless.
Can Cause Buildup
Daily aloe vera gel use can cause serious buildup. There is a limit to how much aloe vera your hair can absorb. And once your hair has reached its limit, there is no way the product can penetrate your strands. Over time, the gel will just sit on your hair, making it dull and flaky.
Can Be Hard to Wash Out
Because aloe vera gel has a slightly thick consistency, it can easily build up on your hair and scalp if used daily.
This buildup can make wash day a chore, especially if all the product doesn’t come out in one wash. You may even have to use tough, clarifying cleansers to remove all the residue left behind by the gel.
How Often Should You Use Aloe Vera Gel?
We recommend using aloe vera gel no more than 2 to 3 times per week. This will allow your curls to soak in the product’s natural healing effects without the adverse reactions discussed earlier.
Main Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel and How to Reap Them
Aloe vera gel has a host of benefits for natural hair. In this section, we will discuss how it improves the health of your hair and tips on how to incorporate it into your hair care routine.
Moisturizes
Aloe vera gel pairs very well with water, since it is mainly composed of water and is hydrophilic (it attracts water). So, when you apply it to your hair, it helps your strands open up to receive moisture.
Furthermore, its humectant properties allow it to draw moisture into the hair from the environment in both hot and cold climates. This is a key benefit for those who experience weather-related hair and scalp dryness.
Aloe vera gel retains moisture as well. When used as a conditioner, styling aid, or cleanser, it creates a barrier around hair strands that prevents moisture from escaping.
Those with high porosity hair, or hair that doesn’t retain moisture well, can experience improved moisture retention after just a few applications of the gel. In the next section, we will show you how to make your own aloe vera gel moisturizer right at home.
DIY Aloe Vera Gel Moisturizer
In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of pure aloe vera gel with 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Apply the mixture to your damp hair from roots to ends. This moisturizing treatment can be left in and should only be applied 2 to 3 days a week.
Soothes Scalp
Aloe vera gel treats conditions such as dandruff that cause itching and flaking on the scalp. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that get to the root of scalp conditions.
Plus, when aloe vera gel is applied to the scalp, it often produces a cooling sensation that immediately calms itching and irritation. Read on as we share an aloe vera treatment for scalp irritation.
DIY Aloe Vera Gel Hair Mask
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of fresh aloe vera gel with 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the scalp.
This treatment should be left on for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left on overnight if you have more time. After letting the gel sit, shampoo condition, and style hair as usual. This treatment can be done once per week to prevent dandruff.
Strengthens Hair
Aloe vera gel is composed of vitamins C, A, and B12 which improves the hair’s elasticity, protecting it against split ends and breakage. In addition, when you apply it to your hair, it creates a thin film that shields strands through combing, brushing, and chemical treatments. Keep reading to learn how to use aloe vera gel to fortify your hair.
DIY Leave-In Aloe Vera Gel for Stronger Hair
In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 3 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. After washing, apply the mixture to damp hair from roots to ends. This leave-in treatment should be used no more than once or twice per week.
The Type of Aloe Vera Gel You Use Matters
Not all aloe vera products are authentic. So, you want to be aware of the different types of aloe vera gels on the market to ensure you get the best product for your hair. Read on as we reveal the various kinds of aloe vera gel and which are the best for natural hair care.
Aloe Vera Plant
The aloe vera plant is the purest source of gel that you’ll find. You can harvest your own gel straight from the plant to create leave-in treatments, shampoos, and conditioners.
Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Organic aloe vera gel is the best alternative to pure gel from the plant. It’s almost identical to what you’d get from the aloe vera plant. However, you should be aware that it contains preservatives to extend the shelf life of the product.
Aloe Vera Infused Gel
Aloe vera-infused gels typically contain small amounts of aloe vera gel. These gels are not as effective in delivering the natural benefits of pure aloe vera. Moreover, they are often made with synthetic forms of the ingredient.
- Lemon Essential Oil for Hair Benefits
- Tea Tree Oil for Scalp Benefits
- Fenugreek Hair Oil Benefits
- Almond Oil for Hair Growth Everyday
To sum things up, fresh aloe vera gel can miraculously improve the health of your hair. But you should always use it in moderation to prevent damage. We hope this article has provided you with helpful insight on aloe vera gel and the confidence to give it a try.