Aloe Vera for Scalp Dandruff and Hair Care
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
You may have heard of and used this amazing soothing and cooling plant for skin care. A plant with spectacular healing properties and have a multitude of benefits for the body besides skin care. Yes! We are talking about aloe vera gel which is claimed to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair.
Aloe vera gel has traditionally been used for skin care treatment, in drinks, and to treat a variety of health conditions like hepatitis, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Studies suggest that aloe vera gel has potent abilities to treat scalp dandruff, improve hair growth and prevent hair loss. This article aims to describe the abilities of aloe vera for scalp dandruff and hair care and possible risks or side effects associated with overconsumption.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a plant with large leaves and a gel-like material and the plant is grown all over the world. Many people cultivate this amazing plant in their home gardens. When the gel is applied to the skin, it calms and soothes the skin, which is why it is used to heal burns and skin sores.
It has been used for thousands of years to treat a broad spectrum of diseases. Some suggest that it is additionally advantageous to skin and hair. Aloe vera is safe for most individuals and could be helpful, even if there isn't any clinical data to back this up.
Aloe vera is a powerhouse of healthy nutrients containing vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals with potent abilities to maintain healthy hair. These characteristics are claimed to be evidence of its capacity to support thick and healthy hair.
Is Aloe Vera effective for Scalp Dandruff and Hair Care?
It is purported that aloe vera gel and supplements are highly effective for treating scalp problems and improving hair growth. It is an excellent source of vitamins (A, B12, C, and E), minerals (calcium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and potassium), and fatty acids. All these components play an integral role in the strengthening of hair follicles.
May Soothe an Itchy Scalp
It is reported that about 50% of adults experience dandruff characterized by an itchy and scaly scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition commonly used for dandruff with an itchy and scaly scalp. Aloe vera may be used to alleviate the signs of an itchy scalp and flaky skin below your hair. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory qualities, which may help relieve these symptoms even if it is not a miracle treatment. Additionally, there's a possibility that it will relieve dry scalp areas.
According to a study, aloe vera relieved the irritation that dandruff develops on the scalp. Anti-inflammatory qualities are attributed tothe fatty acids contained in aloe plants. Anti-inflammatory activities of the aloe plant helped reduce inflammation, itching, scaliness, and area affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
Can Prevent Oily Hair
Sebum is a common scalp and hair problem affecting millions of people and needs to be managed properly. Aloe vera has the potential to cleanse hair shafts and remove excess sebum without damaging the hair strands. Aloe vera is soft and improves the integrity of hair, in contrast to other chemicals found in hair products. An ideal approach to getting healthier, shinier, and smoother hair is to use aloe vera.
Promote Hair Growth
Aloe vera is packed with antioxidants and contains a wealth of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals necessary for hair growth. You could notice that hair breakage and loss slow down after your scalp has been cleaned and your hair has been conditioned with aloe vera.
It works by improving blood circulation to the scalp, cleaning the scalp, and preventing hair loss. Studies revealed that aloe vera helps people with a condition called alopecia and helps reduce hair breakage.
Strengthen the Hair
Aloe vera is an excellent source of vitamins like A, C, and E essential for optimal body functions. All three of these vitamins support healthy cell development and lustrous hair by boosting cell turnover.
Aloe vera gel also has folic acid and vitamin B12 which can prevent hair loss. However, there are no studies that unequivocally prove aloe vera's ability to stop hair loss but it is claimed by many that it provides strength to hair strands.
Protect from UV Radiation
It is seen that Ultraviolet Radiations of the sun damage the hair making them hard and less elastic. Excessive UV exposure results in losing the shine and color of hair. Aloe vera has the potential to shield your hair from the dangerous rays of the sun and maintain the integrity of the hair. Aloe vera is also used on the skin after sun exposure to help prevent and treat sunburn. It is believed that high vitamin content helps improve hair recovery from sun damage.
Aloe vera Supplements
Aloe vera is available in a variety of forms like fresh gel, aloe vera extract, liquid, and chewable tablets. Besides these, aloe vera is widely used as an active ingredient in cosmetics like lotions, shampoos, creams, and sprays. Make sure to check the ingredients before purchasing these supplements because some of the supplements may contain some additives and high concentrations of alcohol.
Possible Risks or Side Effects
Aloe vera offers a variety of benefits to the body and is usually safe to use, however, it may be associated with some risks.
When applied topically on the skin, it may cause some allergic reactions like itching and skin rash. It is therefore recommended to perform a small patch test on the inside of your wrist or forearm. Wait for 2 hours and check whether the skin reacts in any way.
It is suggested to avoid aloe vera consumption if you are using some steroid creams like hydrocortisone. It may enhance the absorption of cortisone by the skin. Ingestion of high doses of aloe vera extract or latex is harmful to the body. Very high doses may lead to some health conditions like kidney problems, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.
It may also interact with some medications like anticoagulants and anti-diabetic drugs.
Bottom Line
Aloe vera is a widely grown and extensively used plant with plenty of benefits to the body. Studies suggest that aloe vera helps promote skin and hair health and treat scaly and itchy scalps. It has the ability to promote hair growth, protect against sun damage and strengthen hair strands. Aloe vera is an ideal choice to add to your hair care routine to get healthy, shiny, and radiant hair.
References
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639909055904
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768575/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852869/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7144722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24031440/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/