Aging hair can lack the essential proteins it needs to maintain its strength and elasticity.
Luckily, nature has plenty of ingredients to combat these concerns, including aloe vera gel. Not only does this plant maintain your hair’s pH balance, it also breaks down dead skin cells and excess oil.
Ayurvedic expert and content creator Kirti Tewani uses aloe vera to bring back shine in her hair.
In a recent video, the TikTok user showed viewers how to extract the gel directly from the plant to treat their scalp.
Aloe Vera enhances hair shine and softness
TikTok
She explained: “This is the best hair mask I’ve ever tried. It’s just made with fresh aloe vera straight from the stem.”
“Aloe vera adds shine and softness to your hair, and it’s also great for cleansing.”
“Aloe vera is gentle on the skin and contains vitamins A, C and E which contribute to hair growth and make hair strong and shiny.”
After the five-minute massage, Kirti leaves the gel on for 20 minutes and then washes it off.
In a previous video, the beauty enthusiast claimed the ingredient also helps with hair loss.
“Not only will you experience less hair loss, but your hair will be stronger, healthier and shinier,” she explained.
What does the science say?
According to WebMD, aloe vera contains fatty acids and amino acids, and is also rich in several important vitamins.
“These are associated with healthy hair follicles,” the health organization explained. “Aloe vera contains enzymes that break down fats and remove excess oil (sebum) from your hair. This can help relieve an itchy scalp.”
She continued: “Some people say that aloe vera can help hair growth, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.
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Aloe vera gel can be extracted directly from the stem
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“However, researchers believe that a compound found in this plant, aloenin, is the main factor in promoting hair growth as seen in patients with a type of hair loss called alopecia.”
Although plant gels are primarily sold as hair care products, they can also be extracted directly from the plant.
“When the leaf is peeled, it releases natural aloe vera gel,” the health agency explained.
“Be careful not to mix in the aloe vera peels. Mix until the gel is foamy and liquid. This should only take a few seconds.”
