Aloe Vera is a plant with a gel-like substance inside the leaves commonly used in many beauty products. Apart from its cooling and soothing properties, it also has many healing benefits. The gel contains a lot of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Metaphorically speaking, aloe Vera should be as much an essential ingredient in your skin and hair care routine as left-handed scissors in a professional left-handed barber’s toolkit.
The best part about aloe vera is that it is affordable and accessible. And if you’re growing aloe vera at home, all you have to do is cut off the fresh leaf and peel off the gel. Read on to find out how aloe vera can strengthen your hair and smooth your skin.
Aloe Vera for hair
1. Packaging
Conditioner is one of the most essential products to keep your hair healthy, shiny and soft. It smoothes the surface of the hair, detangles it and hydrates it.
Aloe vera is an excellent conditioner due to its high moisturizing properties. In fact, aloe vera is even better than some of the best hair care products because it makes hair soft and shiny without the use of harsh chemicals or ingredients.
Follow these steps for a great conditioning treatment:
- Mix one teaspoon of aloe vera gel with two teaspoons of honey.
- Apply the mixture to your damp hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Use a shower cap so the mixture can work on your hair while you’re in the shower. Rinse it out with shampoo as usual.
- Enjoy your silky smooth hair after using this natural treatment!
2. Hair loss
Hair loss can be caused by several factors including stress, hormonal changes, thyroid issues, etc. It can affect women of all ages, making it difficult to find a permanent solution to the problem. For women who suffer from hormonal imbalance and want to maintain strong and healthy hair, bioidentical hormone therapy for women could be an effective solution.
Additionally, you can also use aloe vera as it helps prevent hair loss by stimulating blood flow to your scalp and nourishing it from within. It also reduces scalp inflammation, thus preventing dandruff and other scalp conditions that lead to loss of hair strands.
To try this home remedy, mix one teaspoon of aloe vera juice with two tablespoons of coconut oil to make a thick paste. Apply it to your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off with plenty of water.
3. Hair growth
Aloe vera is rich in potassium, which has been shown to stimulate cell growth by increasing protein production in your body. It helps stimulate the growth of new cells in your scalp resulting in thick and long strands of hair.
To try this remedy, simply mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of castor oil and apply it all over your scalp. Be sure to cover your hair with a shower cap before leaving it overnight for best results. In the morning, wash your hair with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual. By applying it once a week, you will surely see your hair regain its health and thickness and notice considerable growth after already a few applications.
4. Color Protection
If you love color in your hair, you know that colored hair requires extra care and protection from the elements. Although you can use regular conditioner to keep your colored hair in good condition, aloe vera also works wonders.
After shampooing, apply aloe vera gel to damp hair and leave on for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water to seal in all the moisture and protect your hair color.
5. Split ends
Split ends are a common problem for women who color their hair and spend a lot of time in the sun. Aloe vera contains proteins that help repair dry, damaged ends in your hair shafts. It also contains lignin, which makes hair stronger and prevents further damage.
If you want to try this on your split ends, simply mix half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the ends of your hair and wrap your head in a warm towel for 15 minutes. This will soften your ends and give them a healthy shine after conditioning.
Aloe Vera for the skin
1. Sunburn
If you have sensitive skin, you know how much it hurts to get sunburned. It not only causes pain but also makes your skin sensitive to light for many days. Aloe vera can help soothe the pain and irritation associated with sunburn.
All you need is to extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera plant and mix it with a few drops of jojoba oil. Apply this mixture on the affected areas and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
2. Scars
Aloe vera is well known for its ability to heal scars and minimize their appearance. If you have scars from bruises, acne, cuts, or wounds, you can try applying aloe vera gel to them.
For best results, take fresh aloe vera gel and rub it directly on your scar. You can leave it on overnight and wash it off with lukewarm water in the morning. You will notice a reduction in redness and swelling on the scar after just one application.
3. Rosacea
Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects adults. It causes blotchy redness on your face, which can make you feel uncomfortable and hard to conceal. Rosacea is usually caused by different triggers, including allergies, stress, alcohol consumption, etc. Aloe vera gel is also useful here!
Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel directly to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. This will reduce inflammation and redness on your face and hydrate your skin from within.
4. Oily skin
If you have oily skin, you know how hard it is to find makeup products that actually work for you because most products tend to make your skin even oilier. However, aloe vera is a great option! It helps control excess oil production and prevents further breakouts by balancing your natural oils and stimulating collagen production in your skin.
To use aloe vera for oily skin, mix one tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of witch hazel extract and apply it directly to your face before going to bed. Wash off with lukewarm water in the morning.
5. Dry skin
Plus, aloe vera isn’t just beneficial for oily skin; It also works great for dry skin! It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce itching and irritation in your sensitive skin, leaving it hydrated and supple.
Mix one teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel with two teaspoons of rose water to create a smooth paste. Apply this mixture on your face and neck before going to bed at night. Wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water to reveal hydrated and supple skin.
Conclusion
Aloe vera gel helps improve blood circulation and nourish your scalp. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve burns or rashes. It acts as a natural moisturizer and can even be used for massages. Regular use of aloe vera will help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars on your skin.
It’s hard enough to overestimate the benefits of incorporating aloe vera into your beauty routine! And now you know why.