Buzz
Aloe vera is an ingredient present in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including hair care items. You can use aloe vera gel bought from pharmacies or supermarkets. Alternatively, you can extract fresh gel directly from the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera can replace regular conditioner, dry conditioner, or intensive hair care creams.
Steps
Use aloe vera gel extracted from the plant
Slice the aloe vera leaf. You can buy aloe vera plants online or at plant nurseries. To extract the gel, you need to slice the leaf lengthwise. Move the knife slowly to avoid slipping and accidentally cutting yourself.
- Make sure to use a sharp knife, as cutting neatly with a dull knife can be difficult.
Extract aloe vera gel. Use a spoon to scoop out two tablespoons of the aloe vera gel. Try to get the clear gel from inside the leaf. You may notice some yellowish gel at the ends of the leaf—avoid using this, as only the clear gel is suitable for hair care. Place the gel into a small container, such as a Tupperware box, so you can bring it into the bathroom with you.
- Depending on the size of the aloe vera plant, one leaf may provide enough gel. However, if the plant is smaller, you might need to extract gel from multiple leaves until you have enough for two tablespoons.
Apply the aloe vera gel to your hair. While in the shower, apply the aloe vera gel to your hair just like you would with regular conditioner. Start from the roots and work your way to the tips.
- Use it just like you would normally use conditioner. For example, if you usually leave conditioner on your hair for a few minutes under the shower, do the same with aloe vera gel.
Rinse the aloe vera gel out. After applying the gel, rinse your hair thoroughly to remove the aloe vera gel, especially any remaining pieces of aloe. If your hair responds well to aloe vera, you should notice it feeling noticeably softer.
Use as a leave-in conditioner
Mix aloe vera with water. Combine 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Use a spoon to mix the gel and water together. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and even.
- You can purchase aloe vera gel at most pharmacies. If you prefer, you can also extract the gel directly from an aloe vera plant.
Add essential oils. You don't have to include essential oils if you don't like them or don't have any on hand. However, essential oils can add a pleasant fragrance to your hair care mixture. If desired, you can use a fragrance you love, such as lavender. Simply add a few drops of essential oil to the aloe vera and water mixture.
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well to combine all the ingredients. Keep shaking until everything blends into a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
Use the aloe vera gel as a replacement for regular hair spray. After showering and washing your hair, use the aloe vera gel as a substitute for your usual hair spray. Simply spritz it onto your hair in the same way you would with your regular product. If your hair responds well to aloe vera, it should feel softer.
Use as a deep conditioning cream
Warm coconut oil in the microwave. Use enough coconut oil depending on how much conditioning cream you want to prepare. Pour the coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the coconut oil in the microwave until it melts into a liquid form. The heating time will depend on the microwave's power and the amount of oil.
- Heat the coconut oil in short intervals of about 10 seconds, checking each time. Continue heating until the coconut oil melts completely.
Mix the aloe vera gel. Stir one tablespoon of aloe vera gel into the coconut oil. You can purchase aloe vera gel at pharmacies or online, or you can extract it directly from an aloe vera plant.
Combine the ingredients. You can use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients together. Gently whisk until everything is well mixed. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes uniform. You may notice some bubbles forming in the oil, but there's no need to worry.
Apply the gel to your hair. After washing your hair, take a small amount of the gel and rub it between your palms before applying it to your hair. Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips. Continue rubbing until your hair is evenly coated with a layer of aloe vera gel.
- You can wrap your hair in a towel to prevent the mixture from dripping.
Leave the gel on your hair for 10 minutes. Set a timer and wait. After 10 minutes, return to the bathroom and rinse the aloe vera gel out of your hair. If the aloe vera gel works well, your hair should feel noticeably softer.
Tips
- It's best to use a bowl to bring the aloe vera leaf inside, as the gel inside will start to drip once the leaf is cut open.
