Uses of Aloe Vera for Hair Care
Aloe vera has been touted as a miracle cure for everything from sunburn to constipation. Additionally, aloe vera can be used to treat a number of hair ailments such as dandruff and hair loss, or simply as a means to boost hair's moisture and shine. It is recommended that aloe vera be used for a minimum of two to three months to receive its full benefits. Does this Spark an idea?
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About Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera is a spiky plant native to southern and eastern Africa and is part of the lily family. It has yellow flowers and pulpy leaves with jagged edges. The clear gel found within the leaves is used topically to treat burns and other ailments. There are approximately 300 known species of the plant, although aloe vera (or "true aloe") is the species renowned for its moisturizing properties. Cleopatra is rumored to have used it to keep her skin smooth and supple. It is believed that the combination of enzymes, amino and fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and other substances are what give aloe vera its healing properties.
Conditioner and Moisturizer
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Aloe vera can replace traditional hair conditioners and make hair shinier. Massage 1/2 tsp. of aloe vera gel into wet hair, let it set for one minute and rinse as usual. Additionally, if you are using powdered hair dye, aloe vera gel can be mixed with the solution beforehand to combat the drying properties of the dye.
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Hair Loss
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Aloe vera has been heralded as a treatment for hair loss, due to many of the vitamins and minerals found within the plant mimicking the chemistry of the human body. In addition, chemicals can hasten hair loss, so eliminating hair products with harmful ingredients will allow damaged hair follicles to heal. For an at-home treatment, pour a small amount of an herbal shampoo into a bowl and add two times the amount of aloe vera gel (for best results, use a 100 percent stabilized aloe vera gel vs. the actual aloe vera plant.)
Hair Growth
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In addition to halting hair loss, aloe vera is believed to promote the growth of new hair. Aloe vera balances PH levels and stimulates scalp enzymes, which in turn prompts hair growth. To gain this benefit, massage aloe vera into the scalp and leave in for 30 minutes before rinsing. Over time, the scalp will shed the dead hair follicles and new hair follicles will grow in their place.
Dandruff
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People who suffer from dandruff, which is characterized by a flaky, itchy scalp, should consider aloe vera for relief. Causes of dandruff include stress, diets high in sugar and low in fats, excessive blow drying and shampooing hair in hot water. Aloe vera gel straight from the leaves of the plant can be rubbed on the scalp, left in overnight and shampooed out the following morning.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Morguefile.com
