Buzz
Aloe vera is widely known as a super-hydrator, often used to soothe sunburns and moisturize the skin. But did you know its healing properties extend beyond skincare? Recently, this refreshing plant has gained attention for its ability to enhance shine and provide hair repair benefits.
TikTok and YouTube creators have brought aloe vera into the spotlight with easy-to-make DIY hair mask videos that show impressive results. Just one look at the salon-quality shine from a single application is enough to make us want to scoop out the gel and apply it from roots to tips.
To get a more in-depth perspective, we went beyond the viral hashtags, the millions of views, and online praise, seeking out professionals to understand their take on applying raw aloe vera to hair.
"Aloe has been a go-to treatment for sunburns because of its cooling and hydrating qualities, and we've been noticing incredible results when it's used on hair and the scalp," says Kerrie Urban, a celebrity hairstylist based in L.A. "The buzz is well-deserved—aloe is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino and fatty acids that hydrate your hair and scalp while preventing breakage. It also contains minerals like copper and zinc, which are known to encourage healthy hair growth."
There are countless reasons to welcome an aloe plant into your home, including the fact that it’s incredibly low maintenance, needing only a watering every three weeks. (Even those without a green thumb can keep it alive!) Here's everything you should know about this green wonder—and how it can help you achieve healthier, shinier, and more vibrant hair.
Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair
1. Aloe promotes scalp health
Aloe serves as a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing and nourishing the scalp just like it does for the skin on your face. "It’s an excellent natural conditioner that penetrates the hair and scalp, providing hydration and moisture while easing inflammation, itching, or irritation," explains celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger. It’s no surprise that you’ll find aloe in popular drugstore shampoos like Herbal Essences Bio:renew Scalp Balance. Aloe’s potent healing properties also help soothe irritations, itchiness, or dry patches on the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. While it won’t cure hair loss, when applied directly to the scalp, it acts as an effective treatment and nourishing conditioner that benefits overall hair health.
2. Aloe gently cleanses and hydrates
Although aloe is best known for its hydrating properties, its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities also make it an excellent, gentle cleanser that effectively eliminates grease without stripping away essential oils. "One of the most frequent mistakes that leads to further damage in color-treated hair is over-shampooing, so aloe can be a great way to remove excess oils and buildup without harming the strands," explains Gloria Bonilla, colorist at Sally Hershberger Nomad in New York City.
3. Aloe preserves hair color
When it comes to hair color, "sun exposure plays a significant role," says Urban. "Color can fade, become brassy, and dry out, making the hair more fragile and prone to breakage. Just like with your skin, applying aloe to the hair and scalp helps minimize the damage caused by UV rays."
"Since aloe lacks the parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances commonly found in traditional shampoos, it offers a much milder cleanse that helps preserve color and keeps hair in top condition," adds Bonilla.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair
While new aloe vera-infused hair care products are popping up on the market every week, the best way to harness this powerful ingredient is in its pure, natural form. "The best aloe is fresh from the plant, ensuring it's 100% organic, chemical-free, and as fresh as possible," says Urban.
Additionally, using aloe directly from the plant is more sustainable (no plastic waste or packaging), and the plant itself keeps growing and replenishing after each use, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. "Just remember, it's always best to cut fresh aloe and use it immediately. Similar to juicing vegetables, aloe starts to lose important vitamins and amino acids once exposed to air and begins to break down over time," advises Urban.
For optimal results when using aloe as a hair treatment, it's recommended as a weekly deep conditioning mask to restore moisture, calm scalp irritations, and bring vibrancy back to both natural and color-treated hair. To apply, cover the hair and scalp with a thin layer of aloe, then leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. "No need to shampoo afterward; just make sure the hair is thoroughly rinsed with no leftover residue," explains Urban.
