Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCompounds in Aloe VeraBenefits of Aloe Vera for Hair GrowthHow to Use for Hair GrowthSafety ConsiderationsOther Natural Remedies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Compounds in Aloe Vera
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
How to Use for Hair Growth
Safety Considerations
Other Natural Remedies
Aloe verais a plant that’s historically been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, includingwound healing,digestion, skin conditions, and more.Some research suggests it may also help promote hair growth.
Aloe vera’s composition of powerful antioxidants and nutrients may be a nourishing and protective remedy for hair and scalp health when applied topically, and there are a few ways you can try this natural ingredient at home.
This article discusses ways aloe vera may support hair growth and the potential benefits of using this natural remedy topically.
Amanda Caroline da Silva / Getty Images
Aloe vera’s various active components, includingvitamins and minerals, enzymes, andfatty acids, make this plant promising for hair health. These compounds include:
Scalp Benefits
Aloe vera may support and improvescalp health. Some research shows that certain fatty acids in aloe vera have a soothing anti-inflammatory effect when applied to the scalp.This may help treatseborrheic dermatitis(dandruff), causingflaking and itchinessthat can interfere with hair growth.
Other studies show the way aloe vera positively impacts the body’s blood vessels might help improve blood circulation in the scalp.This allows a healthy delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the hair follicles, often resulting in improved hair growth.
Hair Texture Benefits
Moisture Benefits
The vitamins A, E, and C in aloe vera help support scalp cell growth and turnover, promoting healthy and conditioned hair, while the plant’s B-12,folic acid, andcholinemay nourish the scalp and hair.The compounds in aloe vera may help reduce the chances of hair strandsbreaking or falling out.
Strength Benefits
Aloe vera’s antioxidants, likevitamin B12and folic acid, support hair follicle strength, helping to prevent hair loss. Studies involving participants with a specific type of hair loss (alopecia) seem promising in reducingoxidative stress(the imbalance of antioxidants and damagingfree radicalsin the body) on the hair follicles that cause strands to fall out.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
You can buy a raw aloe vera gel from the store, as long as it’s labeled 100% aloe vera and doesn’t include added fragrance or alcohol. You can also use an aloe vera plant or leaf and remove the gel when you’re ready to use it. Carefully take a knife or peeler tool and cut off the skin of the aloe vera leaf lengthwise, then scoop out the gel inside.
Then, decide whether to treat the scalp and hair as a short-term mask or a leave-in treatment. You may consider taking some of the gel into your hands, working it into your scalp and strands, and then leaving it overnight. If your locks feel extra dry, add a few drops ofcoconut oilor a comparable alternative for added hydration.
If you’re looking for a quicker method, try massaging the aloe vera gel into your scalp and hair, but only leaving it in for an hour or so. From there, shampoo the solution out and rinse thoroughly as usual. Experts generally recommend using an aloe vera hair treatment once a week for best results.
A Word From VerywellAny product for hair growth should be used for at least 3-4 months before deciding if it is working since hair grows slowly. Aloe vera juice diluted with water can be used daily as a spritz. Pure aloe vera gel can be used weekly as a hair mask to hydrate calm scalp skin.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Any product for hair growth should be used for at least 3-4 months before deciding if it is working since hair grows slowly. Aloe vera juice diluted with water can be used daily as a spritz. Pure aloe vera gel can be used weekly as a hair mask to hydrate calm scalp skin.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Any product for hair growth should be used for at least 3-4 months before deciding if it is working since hair grows slowly. Aloe vera juice diluted with water can be used daily as a spritz. Pure aloe vera gel can be used weekly as a hair mask to hydrate calm scalp skin.
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Safety Considerations for Aloe Vera on Hair and Scalp
Aloe vera is safe for most healthy adults when applied to the skin. Experts recommend doing a skin spot test with aloe vera before applying it to the scalp and hair. Research shows that topical application of aloe vera is likely effective for healing burns and helping other skin conditions.
However, symptoms like burning, itching, andeczemahave been reported when using aloe vera topically.Oral aloe vera can also interact with some types of drugs, like certain diabetes and heart medications, reducing their effectiveness or increasing the chances of adverse side effects.
Check with a healthcare provider if you’re interested in trying aloe vera for hair growth, particularly if you have a skin, hair, or other health condition or are taking certain medications. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always consult a healthcare provider before incorporating aloe vera or any other new ingredient into their routine.
Other Natural Remedies for Hair Growth
There are a variety of other natural remedies that research shows may potentially help promote hair growth, including:
Aloe vera can be applied with topical natural remedies, like pumpkin seed oil and vitamin E oil. If desired, use your hands to work small amounts into the scalp and down the length of the hair strands.
Summary
Thought to help treat certain skin conditions and wounds, aloe vera may also be beneficial for supporting a healthy environment for hair growth. Research suggests that the plant’s antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients may play a key role in reducing scalp inflammation, promoting hair follicle cell regeneration, and keeping strands clean and moist. However, more scientific evidence is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
While aloe vera seems safe for most people when applied topically, check with a healthcare provider before incorporating this natural remedy into your hair care routine.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Aloe vera.Hęś M, Dziedzic K, Górecka D, Jędrusek-Golińska A, Gujska E.Aloe vera (L.) webb.: Natural sources of antioxidants—a review.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2019;74(3):255-265. doi:10.1007/s11130-019-00747-5Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG.Aloe vera: a short review.Indian J Dermatol.2008;53(4):163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.Vardy DA, Cohen AD, Tchetov T, Medvedovsky E, BIton A.A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of anAloe vera (A. barbadensis)emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis,J Dermatol Treat,2009;10(1):7-11. doi:10.3109/09546639909055904Qadir MI.Medicinal and cosmetological importance of aloe vera.J Nat Med. 2009;2:21-26.Lawrence R, Tripathi P, Jeyakumar E.Isolation, purification and evaluation of antibacterial agents from aloe vera.Braz J Microbiol. 2009;40(4):906-915. doi:10.1590/S1517-838220090004000023Saleem A, Naureen I, Naeem M, Murad HS, Maqsood S, Tasleem G.Aloe vera gel effect on skin and pharmacological properties.Sch Int J Anat Physiol.2022;5(1):1-8. doi:10.36348/sijap.2022.v05i01.001Hosny KM, Rizg WY, Alfayez E, et al.Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with finasteride-oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia.Drug Deliv.2022;29(1):284-293. doi:10.1080/10717544.2022.2026534Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.Health benefits of aloe vera.Mount Sinai.Aloe.Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK.Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers.Trop Life Sci Res. 2010;21(2):91-99.Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, et al.Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatology. 2023;159(1):79-86. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867Cho YH et al.Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. doi:10.1155/2014/549721Le Floc’h C, Cheniti A, et al.Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(1):76-82. doi:10.1111/jocd.12127Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS.Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov;25(4):405-9. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Aloe vera.Hęś M, Dziedzic K, Górecka D, Jędrusek-Golińska A, Gujska E.Aloe vera (L.) webb.: Natural sources of antioxidants—a review.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2019;74(3):255-265. doi:10.1007/s11130-019-00747-5Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG.Aloe vera: a short review.Indian J Dermatol.2008;53(4):163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.Vardy DA, Cohen AD, Tchetov T, Medvedovsky E, BIton A.A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of anAloe vera (A. barbadensis)emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis,J Dermatol Treat,2009;10(1):7-11. doi:10.3109/09546639909055904Qadir MI.Medicinal and cosmetological importance of aloe vera.J Nat Med. 2009;2:21-26.Lawrence R, Tripathi P, Jeyakumar E.Isolation, purification and evaluation of antibacterial agents from aloe vera.Braz J Microbiol. 2009;40(4):906-915. doi:10.1590/S1517-838220090004000023Saleem A, Naureen I, Naeem M, Murad HS, Maqsood S, Tasleem G.Aloe vera gel effect on skin and pharmacological properties.Sch Int J Anat Physiol.2022;5(1):1-8. doi:10.36348/sijap.2022.v05i01.001Hosny KM, Rizg WY, Alfayez E, et al.Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with finasteride-oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia.Drug Deliv.2022;29(1):284-293. doi:10.1080/10717544.2022.2026534Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.Health benefits of aloe vera.Mount Sinai.Aloe.Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK.Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers.Trop Life Sci Res. 2010;21(2):91-99.Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, et al.Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatology. 2023;159(1):79-86. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867Cho YH et al.Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. doi:10.1155/2014/549721Le Floc’h C, Cheniti A, et al.Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(1):76-82. doi:10.1111/jocd.12127Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS.Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov;25(4):405-9. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Aloe vera.Hęś M, Dziedzic K, Górecka D, Jędrusek-Golińska A, Gujska E.Aloe vera (L.) webb.: Natural sources of antioxidants—a review.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2019;74(3):255-265. doi:10.1007/s11130-019-00747-5Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG.Aloe vera: a short review.Indian J Dermatol.2008;53(4):163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.Vardy DA, Cohen AD, Tchetov T, Medvedovsky E, BIton A.A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of anAloe vera (A. barbadensis)emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis,J Dermatol Treat,2009;10(1):7-11. doi:10.3109/09546639909055904Qadir MI.Medicinal and cosmetological importance of aloe vera.J Nat Med. 2009;2:21-26.Lawrence R, Tripathi P, Jeyakumar E.Isolation, purification and evaluation of antibacterial agents from aloe vera.Braz J Microbiol. 2009;40(4):906-915. doi:10.1590/S1517-838220090004000023Saleem A, Naureen I, Naeem M, Murad HS, Maqsood S, Tasleem G.Aloe vera gel effect on skin and pharmacological properties.Sch Int J Anat Physiol.2022;5(1):1-8. doi:10.36348/sijap.2022.v05i01.001Hosny KM, Rizg WY, Alfayez E, et al.Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with finasteride-oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia.Drug Deliv.2022;29(1):284-293. doi:10.1080/10717544.2022.2026534Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.Health benefits of aloe vera.Mount Sinai.Aloe.Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK.Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers.Trop Life Sci Res. 2010;21(2):91-99.Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, et al.Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatology. 2023;159(1):79-86. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867Cho YH et al.Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. doi:10.1155/2014/549721Le Floc’h C, Cheniti A, et al.Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(1):76-82. doi:10.1111/jocd.12127Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS.Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov;25(4):405-9. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Aloe vera.
Hęś M, Dziedzic K, Górecka D, Jędrusek-Golińska A, Gujska E.Aloe vera (L.) webb.: Natural sources of antioxidants—a review.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2019;74(3):255-265. doi:10.1007/s11130-019-00747-5
Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG.Aloe vera: a short review.Indian J Dermatol.2008;53(4):163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785
Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.
Vardy DA, Cohen AD, Tchetov T, Medvedovsky E, BIton A.A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of anAloe vera (A. barbadensis)emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis,J Dermatol Treat,2009;10(1):7-11. doi:10.3109/09546639909055904
Qadir MI.Medicinal and cosmetological importance of aloe vera.J Nat Med. 2009;2:21-26.
Lawrence R, Tripathi P, Jeyakumar E.Isolation, purification and evaluation of antibacterial agents from aloe vera.Braz J Microbiol. 2009;40(4):906-915. doi:10.1590/S1517-838220090004000023
Saleem A, Naureen I, Naeem M, Murad HS, Maqsood S, Tasleem G.Aloe vera gel effect on skin and pharmacological properties.Sch Int J Anat Physiol.2022;5(1):1-8. doi:10.36348/sijap.2022.v05i01.001
Hosny KM, Rizg WY, Alfayez E, et al.Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with finasteride-oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia.Drug Deliv.2022;29(1):284-293. doi:10.1080/10717544.2022.2026534
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.Health benefits of aloe vera.
Mount Sinai.Aloe.
Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK.Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers.Trop Life Sci Res. 2010;21(2):91-99.
Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, et al.Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatology. 2023;159(1):79-86. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867
Cho YH et al.Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. doi:10.1155/2014/549721
Le Floc’h C, Cheniti A, et al.Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(1):76-82. doi:10.1111/jocd.12127
Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS.Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov;25(4):405-9. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405
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