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- Aloe vera helps hair by moisturizing the scalp, which reduces dryness and dandruff.
- It also contains vitamin C, A, and E, which may help prevent hair loss and encourage growth.
- Aloe is also great for soothing burns from styling tools or harsh dyes that can damage your hair.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
You've probably seen skin products containing aloe vera, since it's great for soothing and moisturizing skin. But many of the components that make aloe a go-to staple of your skincare routine also make it an ideal product for your hair.
Here's how this vitamin-rich gel can help you fix a flaky scalp and boost the health of your tresses.
1. May reduce dandruff
Dandruff is often linked to seborrheic dermatitis, a common condition that causes skin to itch and flake. Seborrheic dermatitis happens when the natural barrier of your skin – which traps moisture – breaks down.
Aloe can help fight seborrheic dermatitis by restoring this barrier. This keeps the skin moisturized and helps prevent dryness and the flaking that comes with it.
A small 2016 study found that people who used an aloe product on one arm twice daily for three weeks had significantly higher levels of skin hydration, compared with their untreated arm.
2. May help prevent hair loss and encourage growth
There are no studies that show how aloe vera itself impacts hair growth or loss, says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai.
However, aloe contains vitamins that may prevent thinning hair, including:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, meaning it fights against particles called free radicals that cause damage to your cells. This means that vitamin C helps maintain the collagen proteins that make up the structure of your hair strands.
- Vitamin A: Having a vitamin A deficiency can cause damage to your hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
- Vitamin E: A small 2010 study found that men who took vitamin E supplements had a 33% increase in hair growth after eight months.
To fully absorb these nutrients, you should take aloe orally rather than just rub aloe in your hair.
3. May help repair a damaged scalp
Aloe is well known as a treatment for burns because it can help fight inflamed skin. And scalp burns may be more common than you think - some possible causes can include:
- Sunburn
- Burns from tools like hot irons
- Burns from hair dyes containing bleach
This is important for your hair as well. When the skin on your scalp is damaged and inflamed, it can slow or even stop your hair growth.
Using fresh aloe juice or a store-bought aloe product on your scalp can help soothe and heal skin more quickly. Greenfield recommends applying aloe twice daily while a burn is healing.
Insider's takeaway
More research is still needed to determine exactly how aloe vera can benefit your hair. "It is not a cure all and has only been studied in certain settings. So watch out for claims that are not backed up by science," Greenfield says.
However, there is some evidence that aloe can help treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp burns, which can both interfere with hair growth. The vitamins found in aloe may also help to keep your hair healthy.
Aloe vera is generally safe, but some people may be allergic to it. Anytime you try a new skin product, it's best to try a patch test on a less sensitive area of skin like your arm to test for any irritation or reaction. If you want to add aloe to your diet, talk to your doctor about your best options.