When you start a good hair care regimen and you finally start to see the fruits of your labor in the health and length of your hair, it’s a great opportunity to delve deeper into health benefits of often ignored natural ingredients.
We live in a fast world where instant gratification is the name of the game. Want hair softness? Use a silicone serum. Hair a bit greasy? Use a detergent to clean it. However well all these new man made chemicals work,what if we are bypassing an ingredient from nature that actually works better?
Aloe vera has quite a large following in the natural health community and it’s acquired it’s reputation because it actually delivers on it’s promises. So much so that many cosmetics manufactures add it to their products, give it centre stage and then try to pass of their products as ‘natural’!
Aloe vera in it’s natural state gives you the most benefit pound for pound than aloe vera containing conditioners or shampoos, gels and juices. It’s effects on skin are already very well documented in the treatment of burns but here are some of the benefits of aloe vera juice and gel in hair care.
- It has the correct ph that helps your cuticles close helping your hair look shiny and healthy.
- It seals in moisture into your strands and scalp
- It prevents frizz, especially when used as a leave in after your weekly wash.
- It cleanses too so it keeps product build up at bay!
- It can be used as a natural heat protectant.
- It stops excessive hair shedding and corrects moisture balance in your hair so you will notice less breakage.
- Taking aloe vera juice orally is also said to aid in digestion and help your hair and nails grow faster!
So with all these benefits, how exactly do you go about using aloe vera in your hair or hair extensions?
Topically
Topically is by far the most common way to get the benefits of aloe vera.
Before you shampoo – Apply some aloe vera juice and gel on your scalp and hair and let it sit for up to a hour before washing and conditioning your hair as normal
Use as a conditioner – Mix a few tablespoons of aloe vera juice or gel with your favourite conditioner and let it sit on your hair with or without heat for half a hour. Rinse your hair with warm water and finish with cold water. The cold water along with the ph of the aloe vera will allow your hair cuticles to lie flat and you will see a noticeable difference in the shine of your hair or extensions.
Use a a leave in conditioner or heat protectant – Apply a small amount of the gel on damp hair and comb to evenly distribute. Continue styling as ususal.
Orally
Aloe vera can be taken orally as a juice drink which you can get in most health food shops. Drink 25ml neat or add it to fruit or vegetable juices. You will notice the difference in your digestion and energy levels in the short term and your body will reward you with longer stronger hair and nails in the long term!
