Is It Safe To Apply Aloe Vera Gel On Hair? Find Out Here
When it comes to natural personal care remedies, aloe vera gel usually comes first. Be it skin, body or hair care, the properties of aloe vera gel always tops the list for it wide variety of benefits. This is beacuse it has calming and hydrating nature makes it a popular additive in conditioners, shampoos, and hair masks. But is raw aloe vera gel directly applied to your hair and scalp? We reached out to our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital - Noida, to find that out. Here is what he shared with us.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant which has gel containing vitamins (such as A, C, and E), minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants. It is considered to provide a variety of advantages to the scalp and hair, including dandruff reduction, calming irritation, and healthy hair growth.
Accordig to Dr Gulati a few benefits of applying aloe vera gel on our hair include:
Aloe vera's natural soothing quality of being anti-inflammatory can soothe redness, itching, and irritation of the scalp, rendering it a soft option for sensitive or flaky scalps.
Due to its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, aloe vera can possibly control dandruff and thwart scalp infections when applied regularly.
Aloe vera is a wonderful natural moisturizer that nourishes the scalp and hair strands, possibly minimising dryness and frizz.
Though more research is required in the scientific community, aloe vera is conventionally thought to stimulate the hair follicles and enhance blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.
"Yes, in most cases, applying aloe vera gel on hair is considered safe. Whether you’re using fresh gel extracted from the plant or store-bought pure aloe vera gel, it typically poses no harm," Dr Gulati explained. However, he also explained that there are a few things to keep in mind. These include:
- Combine aloe vera gel with oils such as coconut or castor oil for intensive conditioning.
Dr Gulati also noted that if you have a history of allergy to plants or extremely sensitive skin, you should exercise caution. Additionally, if you experience any redness, itching, or hair breakage following use, you should reconsider again.
Aloe vera gel is normally safe and harmless for most hair. It can moisturise, calm, and feed the scalp, which could make your hair healthier in the long run. But as always, it's best to do a patch test and refer to a dermatologist if you have scalp issues such as psoriasis or serious dermatitis.
