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• Hydrating for the hair fiber: Think of aloe vera like a refreshing glass of green juice for your hair and skin. Not only does it deeply hydrate your scalp, but it plumps up the hair shaft with hydration as well. If you’ve got dry, brittle hair, aloe is a winning ingredient for replenishing moisture. 
• Soothing for the scalp: Whether your scalp is just plain itchy or you’re dealing with dandruff, aloe vera can be a soothing remedy. In fact, one study found that aloe vera even calms inflammation caused by dandruff1. It also contains bradykinase—an enzyme that can help reduce excessive inflammation when applied topically2. 
• May help with flakes: A dry scalp is different from dandruff, but it can still present as flakes. Using aloe vera on the scalp can help hydrate the skin and decrease flakes over time. Plus, if you use aloe as a gentle cleanser, it may help slough off already present flakes. 
• Can help with scalp blemishes: Did you know that aloe vera contains natural salicylic acid (aka, a well-known acne treatment)? This is just one reason aloe can function as a natural breakout remedy, and that applies to pimples on the scalp as well. 
• May contribute to growth: “Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for hair growth,” certified trichologist and celebrity stylist Shab Caspara previously told mbg. “These antioxidants help reduce and neutralize free radicals known for causing hair loss.” Aloe vera also contains vitamins B12 and B9 (aka folic acid), which are also important nutrients for hair growth, she adds.

For all of those reasons and more, aloe vera is a beloved DIY hair care ingredient. Not to mention, it’s affordable, versatile, and easy to work with. Without further ado, let’s get into how you can use it at home. 

1. Prep your aloe: You can either buy a fresh aloe vera leaf or 100% pure aloe vera gel (make sure to look out for added dyes or fragrances). If you opt for the fresh leaf, you’ll need to scrape out the aloe gel and blend it until it reaches a more liquid consistency. If you bought the pure aloe gel, then you’re all set.
2. Apply: Gently apply the aloe mask to a clean scalp before you shower. “Clean” is the operative word here; make sure you don’t have tons of product buildup from dry shampoo or hair spray on your scalp. 
3. Massage: Really work the aloe vera into the scalp via a gentle scalp massage. Remember, use your fingertips, not your nails.
4. Let it set: Let the mask sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it out, then follow your normal hair-wash routine. 

1. Create your mix: Whip up the ingredients listed above in a bowl or cup of your choice. If the consistency is too runny for your liking, add a bit more honey. If it’s too thick, add more aloe. 
2. Apply: Part your hair into a few different sections and apply the mix onto dry strands before you shower. Cover the hair from root to tip. 
3. Let it set: After the mask has been in for about 30 minutes, wash your hair and follow up with your normal hair care routine. 

• 2 tablespoons aloe vera
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil 

• 1 teaspoon aloe vera 
• 1 teaspoon shea butter
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil 

1. Melt the coconut oil: First, melt two tablespoons of coconut oil until you achieve a liquid consistency. 
2. Add your aloe & water: Next, plop in one tablespoon of aloe vera and two tablespoons of water. 
3. Apply: Shake the mix around in the spray bottle and spritz onto damp hair after you step out of the shower. If you don’t have a spray bottle on hand, you can use your hands as well. 
4. Comb: Gently comb your hair using a wide-toothed comb until you’ve settled all of your tangles. Start at the bottom of your hair and work upward—this will ensure your comb doesn’t get stuck on every knot along the way. 

Traditional hair gels are often packed with drying ingredients that make your strands feel crispy post-use. Luckily, that sticky consistency aloe has makes it a perfect natural hair gel. 

Simply apply the same amount to your palm as you would any hair gel and follow up with whatever styling tools you use (or your fingers) to nail your desired look, au natural. 

7.

Use it with a pre-blended formula.

• Keep it cool: Humidity and temperature3 are the most critical influencers of aloe vera’s freshness, so store your aloe in your refrigerator.  
• Use an airtight container: Oxygen exposes the gel to harmful bacteria and makes it go rancid faster3. For this reason, it’s best to opt for a bottle or a jar with a screw-on top. 
• Keep it safe from light: Store your aloe in an amber bottle or jar, which absorbs UV radiation and protects the gel’s beneficial compounds.
• Store extra in the freezer: If you plan on using your aloe every once in a while rather than daily, you may consider pouring your gel into an ice cube tray and popping them out when needed (this is perfect for soothing a sunburn, too).