Why use Aloe vera on the hair?

An essential xerophilous plant for beauty

Aloe vera (often aloe barbadensis, Barbados aloe, species of aloe) is a succulent plant in the Liliaceae family. It grows in arid tropical environments, particularly around the Mediterranean and in North Africa. Its fondness for desert environments has earned it the nickname " desert lily ". In hair cosmetics, Aloe vera can be found in the form of gel, juice, extract, powder or macerated oil.

The many active constituents of Aloe vera

Aloe has been used since ancient times, particularly for its cosmetic properties. The aloe vera leaf contains around 98% water. Its gel and juice contain over 75 active compounds responsible for the many benefits of aloe vera for the hair. The majority are polysaccharides (sugar polymers). They also contain 18 amino acids (7 of which are essential for the body), vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B9, B6, C, E, etc.) and around twenty mineral salts.

Aloe vera in all its forms

Aloe is a highly versatile natural ingredient. It is ideal for hair, but also for the skin on the face and body. However, the beauty and cosmetics sector does not have a monopoly on aloe vera. It has long been used in medicine (since the time of Pliny the Elder!) to relieve ulcers and support intestinal functions. It's also a recognised depolluting plant for purifying the home of traces of formaldehyde and electromagnetic waves.

• Aloe vera is a humectant: its hygroscopic properties enable it to attract and retain surrounding water. It is very popular for naturally moisturising hair.

• Aloe vera is a hair conditioner: it helps to restore softness and shine to dry, dull and damaged hair. It also makes detangling and styling easier.

• Aloe vera is a skincare agent: it helps maintain healthy-looking skin. It is used in formulations for dry or sensitive scalps. Aloe Vera is excellent for the face Read our guide to find out more.

• Aloe vera is an antioxidant: it protects the hair and scalp against external aggressions. It strengthens the hair fibre and encourages normal growth.

1. Aloe vera for daily hair care

Dry ends? Dull ends? Aloe vera is combined with carrier oils to provide hair with nourishment and suppleness. Crème à tout faire contains over 40% organic Aloe vera juice with thirst-quenching properties.

All-purpose cream

It can be used as a neutral base or as a daily hair care product for the hair all the way down to the ends. Use as is or customise!

Discover the all-purpose cream

2. Aloe vera to set your hairstyles

Want to give your hairstyles extra hold and lightness? Try replacing your styling product with organic Aloe vera gel. Its natural content of complex sugars lightly coats the hair without any sticky effect.

Tip

You can also use it to make your own Aloe vera hair gel! Take advantage of this opportunity to add complementary cosmetic active ingredients to your recipe, such asinulin.

Organic Aloe Vera gel

Ideal for fixing braids, vanilles or curls. It is also perfect for creating a plating effect at the roots.

Discover Organic Aloe Vera Native Gel

3. Aloe vera as a hair mask

There's nothing like an aloe vera hair mask to replenish your hair's moisture! It's easy to apply at home to wet or dry hair.

A little tip

Rub a dab of Aloe vera into your hands and apply pure to your hair to shape curls, moisturise and add a little (light) hold to your style.

4. Aloe vera in an oil mask

Are you a fan of oil masks as a pre-shampoo treatment? Add a little aloe vera to your mix to promote healthy hair growth. The aloe vera hair oil mask is also suitable for dry scalps prone to dandruff. It's ideal for soothing skin discomfort. Massage it into the roots and leave overnight before rinsing.

5. Aloe vera shampoo

Aloe vera gel, powder or juice do not cleanse the hair as such. However, they can add a few extra properties to a traditional shampoo. For example, sensitive scalps appreciate the soothing properties of Aloe vera gel and its slightly acidic pH. For dull hair, a little aloe vera added to the shampoo also helps to improve shine when drying.

Aloe vera, an ingredient you can personalise to your heart's content

Aloe vera has cosmetic properties that are beneficial to most hair types. To enhance some of these properties, it can be combined with essential oils or hydrosols. The choice of complementary active ingredient(s) depends on your hair problem.

For example?Complete Ylang-Ylang essential oil is recommended for fine, dull hair. For devitalized hair, it works wonders in synergy with aloe vera. For added pleasure, you can even add a fragrance.

Aloe vera and curly, coily, textured hair

Aloe vera is recommended for maintaining the hydration of textured hair. Whether wavy, curly or coily, textured hair is prone to dryness. This is because its spiral shape prevents sebum from flowing normally from root to tip. As a result, water tends to evaporate much more easily, leaving the hair rough, coarse and brittle. Applying an aloe vera gel to curly hair is also perfect for shaping curls and smoothing frizz.

Aloe vera and oily hair

People prone to skin blemisheslike to turn to Aloe vera to moisturise* and balance their oily skin. But oily scalps are not left out. Aloe vera also has purifying properties. So hair care products with aloe vera are ideal for regulating sebum production and limiting shine at the roots. Find out more about our hair care tips in our guide.

* hydration of the upper layers of the epidermis.

An Aloe vera-based hair care product or recipe works at the roots as well as on the lengths. In doing so, it can improve the appearance of your hair day after day.

• Dry, damaged hair? Hair feels softer and silkier.

• Dull hair? Hair looks shinier and more radiant.

• Tired-looking hair? Lengths look stronger and healthier.

• Oily scalp or roots? The scalp looks healthier.

• Seasonal hair loss? Hair is in optimum condition to grow.

Want to make your own homemade Aloe vera hair care products? Here are two active cosmetic ingredients to add to your DIY formulas to enjoy all the benefits of aloe vera. Be sure to follow the advice and recommended dosages on the technical data sheets.

Aloe vera macerated oil for oily phases

Organic Aloe vera macerated oil can be compared to aloe vera hair oil. It is an organic sunflower oil in which organic aloe vera juice has been macerated. This process extracts the fat-soluble active ingredients from the aloe vera. The resulting cosmetic ingredient has nourishing properties that are highly effective in the care of hair damaged by colouring, perming, chemical treatments and so on. You can add it to your serums for hair all the way down to the ends to revitalise the appearance of your hair. For use in the shower, add it to your hair masks or beautifying conditioners.

Aloe vera macerated oil

You can add it to your serums for hair all the way down to the ends to revitalise the appearance of your hair. For use in the shower, add it to your hair masks or beautifying conditioners.

Discover Aloe vera macerated oil

Aloe vera powder for your aqueous phases

Concentrated 200 times, it brings all the properties of Aloe vera, and in particular its polysaccharides, to your lotions, gels and emulsions. Simply mix with water to reconstitute an organic Aloe vera juice rich in active ingredients. It can also be incorporated into a soothing serum for sensitive scalps or those prone to dandruff. It also deserves a place of choice in the formulas of your curl-disciplining sprays. You can also use it in your detangling lotions or styling gels.

Organic aloe vera powder

Organic aloe vera powder is intended for the aqueous phase of your blends. It is obtained by freeze-drying organic aloe vera juice.

Discover organic aloe vera powder

Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in web media. Every day she writes tips, advice and guides to help consumers choose the right beauty products. With a strong interest in natural, organic and clean cosmetics, she always has an eye on trends and innovations in the sector, which she likes to analyse and share.