For those who are not familiar with DIY beauty, DIYing a hair masque can be intimidating. No need to worry: Making a nourishing hair mask is easier than you might think. It’s even simpler when you only need two or three ingredients, like aloe vera, to achieve healthier hair and a happier head.
Here are some aloe vera tips and recipes from dermatologists Marisa Garcia, MD, FAAD and Blair Murphy Rose, MD.
Aloe Vera Hair Mask Benefits
Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, and has nourishing properties.1 The leaf of aloe vera contains a lot of water, especially in the innermost part of the leaf. This helps to hydrate your scalp and locks in moisture, says Garshick. Aloe vera is a humectant that hydrates the hair and scalp by binding to and attracting water. Aloe vera masks are ideal for healthy hair. They can increase shine and reduce damage.
Murphy-Rose says that aloe vera is good for the scalp because it’s an anti-inflammatory that calms irritations like dandruff and dry skin. This mask will not only make your hair look beautiful, but it will also refresh your scalp. Garshick notes that the mask contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and sugars to help improve hair and scalp health.
Who Should Use It?
Garshick explains that aloe vera can be used on any hair type. “It is especially beneficial for those who have a dry scalp or dry, damaged hair,” she says. Murphy-Rose also agrees that those with dry hair and an inflamed skin may benefit the most.
How to Make an Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Ingredients
An aloe vera leaf or store-bought aloe vera gel
You can use any occlusive oils you like. Coconut oil, argan oil or olive oil are recommended.
Instructions
You will need to remove the gel from the aloe leaf if you choose to purchase one. At room temperature, mix 3-4 tablespoons of aloe vera with 6-8 teaspoons of oil of your choice. Mix the mixture with a spoon until it reaches a paste-like consistency. That’s it!
Other Ingredients You Might Want to Add
Apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil are two other ingredients that you may want to consider if you’re focusing on scalp health.
Consider adding yogurt, eggs, or an additional oil to your chosen oil (argan, coconut, olive) if you find that it is too dry.
How To Use It
You can achieve hair health by:
- To ensure that the mask is distributed evenly, section the hair into 2-inch-long sections.
- Start by applying the mask at the middle of the shaft and work your way down to the ends.
- Use the remainder of the mask on the scalp.
- Cover your hair with a showercap and leave it for 15-30 mins.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with water or wash it to remove any residue.
If you want to improve scalp health or dandruff,:
- Apply the mask to a scalp that is clean.
- Then, apply the remaining mask on the remainder of your hair. Focusing on the ends and middle.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 above.
Takeaway
Anyone looking to improve their scalp and hair health can easily DIY aloe vera masks. This mask can help if you have an itchy scalp and extra dry hair. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, which makes it ideal for treating different skin conditions. It is also a great natural hair mask.
