Aloe Vera For Hair Health: Benefits, Uses and Risks

Reading time: 14 min.

Medically reviewed by
Dr Peter Thomas (GMC) — Updated on October 22, 2024

The market value of aloe vera skin and hair products reached over $1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2031 [1]. And that’s not surprising. Science shows that using aloe vera for hair health can bring numerous benefits, as it has moisturising, nourishing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [2].

However, there are also many exaggerated marketing claims surrounding aloe vera properties, such as the still unproven claim that aloe vera oil can stimulate hair growth or curb hair loss. This article will tell you all you need to know about proven ways to use aloe vera to get healthy hair, such as:

The proven benefits of aloe vera for your hair
How you can use aloe vera extract to improve your hair health
The potential risks and side effects of using aloe vera on your hair
Whether you can use aloe vera for hair growth or hair loss
Evidence-based hair growth alternatives to aloe vera extract

Table of Contents

What is aloe vera?
What are the benefits of aloe vera for hair?
How to use aloe vera for hair health
Apply aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp
Make an aloe vera mask
How effective is aloe vera for hair loss?
What are the risks of using aloe vera for hair?
Can I use aloe vera oil for hair growth?
Effective alternatives to aloe vera for hair growth
Are you concerned about your hair health?
Frequently asked questions

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that lives in dry, desert areas. Its leaves have a gelatinous core that makes up 65-80% of the total weight of the plant and possesses numerous health properties [2][3].

People have been using aloe vera since ancient times to treat many ailments, ranging from wounds and stomach problems to lowering blood sugar or preventing cancer [4]. Today, aloe vera is often used in the cosmetic industry for its significant moisturising, repairing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [5].

What are the benefits of aloe vera for hair?

There are multiple potential ways aloe vera can help with hair health and regeneration. Here are some of the best-documented benefits.

1. It can moisturise and soften your hair

Aloe vera gel is 99% water, while the remaining 1% consists of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals [3]. While the nutrients can only benefit your hair when taken orally, the fatty acids help lock in moisture and prevent skin dryness. This makes aloe vera gel excellent at hydrating and moisturising your scalp and hair, leaving it smooth, soft and shiny [5]. It can be used as a deep-conditioning mask, to treat a dry scalp and improve the condition of hair that feels like straw.

2. It may help treat certain scalp infections

This plant extract possesses numerous antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties [6] [3], which means it may be effective against certain common scalp problems. The salicylic acid it contains, alongside other antimicrobial agents [3], may help treat yeast infections on the scalp, such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Aloe vera may also inhibit the growth of the fungus that causes ringworm (tinea capitis) [7]. Moreover, lab studies show this plant extract is also effective against certain bacteria that can cause scalp folliculitis [8].

However, more evidence is needed to determine the extent to which aloe vera would act as an effective antimicrobial when applied topically to the human scalp.

3. It may help reduce scalp inflammation

Extracts from aloe vera can reduce the production of prostaglandin E2, a chemical in your body that causes inflammation and pain [3]. This may help reduce the symptoms of inflammatory scalp conditions, such as alopecia areata or scalp psoriasis.

Furthermore, a substance called lignin contained in the aloe vera gel can have a beneficial effect in treating scalp eczema and scalp psoriasis, by reducing inflammation, moisturising the skin and enhancing the effect of topical steroid treatments [8][3]. However, clinical trials are necessary to demonstrate the extent of these effects.

4. It may help reduce oxidative stress

Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamins B12, C and E. They can counter the effect of oxidative stress that builds up in your hair from various sources, such as environmental pollution, harsh hair styling products, or smoking [9].

Oxidative stress can damage the hair fibre, contributing to hair ageing, the development of alopecia and premature greying [10]. So countering this process can keep your hair fuller, healthier and more youthful looking.

5. It may help strengthen your hair

When taken orally, the many nutrients found in aloe vera (such as vitamins A, B, C, E, copper, selenium, magnesium, zinc) can provide your hair follicles with the resources they need to grow strong, healthy strands. But simply applying this remedy topically is not likely to have the same effect, as the micronutrients are not likely to reach the hair follicles.

However, a 2019 study revealed that aloe extract can have a protective effect on hair when added to perm treatment, by improving the condition of its cuticles [11].

6. It can clean your hair and reduce greasiness

Saponins are soapy substances found in plants that can create foam and lather when mixed with water. They have cleansing and antiseptic properties and can be found in high quantities in aloe vera extract.

Since this plant also contains enzymes that break down fat, it is excellent for making natural shampoo that can gently remove excess oil from your scalp and hair, cleaning them and freeing them from buildup [3].

7. It may help protect against UV radiation

Research shows that aloe vera has photoprotective properties, as it helps keep hair cell membranes intact [12]. This may help shield your hair from some of the sun’s radiation, preventing your hair from ageing prematurely and keeping it healthier for longer.

However, it is still a good idea to wear a hat when going outside in hot weather, as excessive sunlight is not good for your hair and it is still unclear to what extent aloe vera extract can protect it.

8. It is said to promote hair growth

Some researchers (and many marketers) assert that aloe vera for hair can stimulate hair follicles for growth and even curb hair thinning [13][14]. However, the evidence of this effect is mostly anecdotal, as no studies have been performed so far to demonstrate it.

Small-scale trials have shown promising hair growth effects of aloe vera in combination with other ingredients (e.g. liquorice and ethanol) in animals [15]. But human trials with just aloe gel applied topically to the scalp are still needed.

How to use aloe vera for hair health

There are many ways to use aloe vera for your scalp and hair health. Here are some of the best options.

Apply aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp

You can buy aloe vera gel or gently scrape it from the inside of the leaves yourself. All you need to do is apply it to your hair and scalp, massage gently, and leave it in for about 30 minutes. The moisturising, strengthening, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera should help improve your hair’s health, strength and appearance.

Make an aloe vera mask

Mix aloe vera gel with other ingredients that can nourish your hair and scalp, and use them as a deep-conditioning mask for an excellent hair detox. Here is an easy recipe to try.

Aloe vera, coconut and avocado deep-conditioning mask

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
3 tablespoons of coconut oil
30 ml of avocado oil for hair
Optional: 1 tablespoon of honey

How to use:

Gather all your ingredients so you have them on hand.
Use an apron to protect your clothes, as the oils will stain.
Add the ingredients to a bowl and mix them gently until they blend together.
Apply enough mixture to coat your hair from root to tip (approximately half for shoulder-length hair or all for waist-length hair), massaging it gently into your scalp.
Use a wide-toothed comb to spread the mixture evenly through your lengths.
Put on a shower cap and let the mask sit anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours (if your hair is very dry, you can even leave it overnight).
Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Place any remaining mixture in a glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place for future use.

Use an aloe vera hair tonic

Research has shown that hair tonics made with a ratio of 5 ml aloe vera to 1 ml of honey can nourish and strengthen your hair. The same can be said for a tonic made with a 1% aloe vera concentration to 2% lime [5].

In both cases, it is best to buy one of the many commercially available products, as creating a tonic is a complex process that involves the use of both water and alcohol to extract the necessary components.

Switch to aloe vera shampoo

Aloe vera is a great option for a gentle and nourishing natural shampoo since it has lathering and cleansing properties. You can get a standalone formula or one that is combined with other plants that act like natural detergents, such as soapberries [5][16] for additional strength.

Try aloe vera oil for hair

You can use your favourite carrier oils, such as coconut or jojoba, as a base for aloe vera oil for hair. This is often achieved by either frying chopped-up aloe leaves in the oil at low heat or by slowly macerating them in the oil over the course of several weeks.

Making aloe vera oil can be a lengthy process, so you may want to get one of the many commercially available formulations to save some time. But if you are a fan of DIY cosmetics, here is how you can prepare aloe vera oil for hair at home:

How effective is aloe vera for hair loss?

Some cosmetic brands and influencers praise the benefits of aloe vera in curbing hair loss and promoting hair growth. However, at this time, there are no studies to show that this plant extract is effective against any form of alopecia by itself.

Using aloe vera gel consistently on your scalp and hair can keep them clean and moisturised, reducing conditions that cause an itchy scalp. Strengthening your dry, brittle hair and no longer feeling the need to scratch your scalp can reduce hair breakage. If this is the main cause of your hair thinning, it may improve with regular aloe vera use.

What are the risks of using aloe vera for hair?

Aloe vera is normally soothing and gentle, so it is very rare to get serious side effects from using it. However, it can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it (be careful if you have known sensitivity to other plant-based products). When applied topically on the scalp, symptoms may include [3][7]:

Redness
Burning
Stinging
A rash
In very rare cases, scalp and face swelling and difficulty breathing (call emergency services if this happens, as you may be experiencing anaphylactic shock).

When it comes to medication interactions, topical use of aloe vera might enhance the absorption of steroid creams (e.g. hydrocortisone). However, it does not share the potassium-depleting effect of oral aloe vera [3].

Can I use aloe vera oil for hair growth?

Aloe vera is not an oily plant; it is the gel inside the leaves that is normally used in cosmetics. So there is no true aloe vera oil for hair. The products sold under this name are often carrier oils infused with aloe vera extract, to enhance their cosmetic properties.

There are presently no studies regarding aloe vera oil’s effectiveness in increasing hair density or thickness, especially since it can be made with so many types of carriers. However, if you are looking for essential oils for hair growth, you might be interested to read this list of the best and worst hair growth oils.

Effective alternatives to aloe vera for hair growth

There are many evidence-based treatments and natural remedies that can improve your hair density and thickness. Here are some of the best options you can try.

Natural hair growth remedies

If you are looking for scientifically proven ways to grow thicker hair naturally, your first option should be rosemary oil for hair growth. Studies show it can be as effective as Minoxidil 2% in treating androgenetic alopecia [17].

If you are experiencing scalp problems such as seborrheic dermatitis, peppermint oil for hair contains soothing menthol that can calm scalp itching and inflammation [18].

If stress and anxiety are causing your hair loss, you can try lavender oil for relaxation [19], as well as black seed oil for hair to reduce symptoms of telogen effluvium [20].

Hair growth medications

Sometimes, natural remedies are not sufficient and you need to use treatment recommended by a trichologist. They may prescribe one or more of the following:

Minoxidil – an effective and versatile medication that can help treat androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and severe traction alopecia. It works by dilating the tiny blood vessels in your scalp so more blood flow can reach your follicles [21].
Finasteride – the most prescribed drug for male pattern hair loss, Finasteride works by significantly lowering the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your blood [22]. It may also help treat female pattern hair loss, but it is not recommended for premenopausal women.
Corticosteroids – if you are experiencing autoimmune hair loss (e.g. alopecia areata, scalp psoriasis or lichen planopilaris), steroid creams or intralesional steroid injections can work very well in reducing inflammation and regrowing hair [23].

Hair growth therapies

Depending on your needs and preferences, some home-based therapies for hair loss are effective. This includes enjoying relaxing scalp massages for hair growth [24] or wearing a laser hair growth cap [25]. Both of these can increase blood flow to your scalp and stimulate your hair follicles to improve hair density and thickness.

However, other effective therapies can only be performed in a hair clinic, as they require specific equipment and trained technicians to administer them. For example, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatment can improve hair growth in the most common types of alopecia [26]. It involves extracting the PRP from a small quantity of blood drawn from your arm and injecting it into your balding spots. The plentiful growth factors it contains help repair damaged hair follicles and stimulate hair production.

Hair transplant

If you are experiencing significant hair loss and you’re tired of struggling to regain hair growth with natural remedies and medication, you may be a good candidate for a hair transplant. This procedure is most often performed for androgenetic alopecia and it is the closest option available today to a cure for baldness.

Hair restoration surgery is a simple outpatient procedure that involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of the head and implanting them into your thinning spots. You can opt for either an FUE or a FUT technique – rest assured that the best hair transplant clinics have excellent success rates for both. And the greatest part is that a hair transplant is permanent, so you can enjoy its results for years to come.

Are you concerned about your hair health?

If you have dry, damaged hair that breaks easily or you have been noticing the first signs of hair thinning and balding, it is time to seek professional advice. Book a consultation with one of our top trichologists. They will examine your hair and scalp thoroughly to determine the source of the problem. Then, they will make personalised treatment recommendations and provide you with a custom-tailored hair care routine for thinning hair, so you can regain your beautiful locks.

Frequently asked questions

Is aloe vera better than coconut oil for your hair?

There are currently no studies comparing the effectiveness of aloe vera extract and coconut oil for hair health. However, both of these remedies are known for their many scalp and hair benefits. So you can confidently use either of them to moisturise, nourish and condition your strands, mix them together in a mask, or use coconut-based aloe vera oil for hair.

What carrier oils work best for making aloe vera oil for hair?

You can use any light carrier oil you like as a base to create aloe vera oil for hair. In general, coconut oil [27], jojoba oil [28] and avocado oil [29] are some of the best options, for their significant hair health benefits. However, in a pinch, you can always use some olive oil for hair – it is heavier, but it is also readily available in most kitchens.

Is aloe vera safe to use on dry hair?

Yes, aloe vera is safe to use on all hair types, as it has both moisturising and cleansing qualities. It is gentle and will hydrate and nourish your scalp and hair, so you don’t need to worry about stripping away your natural oils.

Can aloe vera cause hair loss?

Unless you are allergic to aloe vera, you can rest assured that there is no indication it can cause hair loss. On the contrary, it can improve your hair health and prevent unnecessary hair breakage.

However, it is best to test the product you are planning to use on a patch of skin before applying it to your scalp. Allergic reactions can produce a scalp rash and inflammation that may lead to some hair shedding in the affected area.