Dandruff is that universal nuisance that is literally a headache for everyone! After all, who wants to think twice before wearing their favourite black outfit? A commonly experienced hair problem, dandruff causes the skin to become itchy and flaky. In severe conditions, it also causes inflammation of the scalp. We are sure you must have sought relief in several hair products to get rid of it, but if they still haven't helped you, then maybe it's time to look at natural products. After all, nature is full of remedies; you only have to look closely. If you are fed up with seeing flaky snowfall on your dark coloured clothes every time you wear them, then have you considered using aloe vera for your dandruff woes? This cooling succulent is full of minerals and vitamins that will keep your hair healthy. Aloe vera has a soothing and moisturising effect on hair and skin. A proven home remedy for dandruff, aloe vera also repairs dead skin cells on the skin to put a stop to skin itchiness. Moreover, it has the power to rejuvenate hair, giving it elasticity and preventing breakage. Thus, regularly using aloe vera for hair will not only relieve you of dandruff but will also give you healthy and shiny hair. Read on to know about how using aloe vera for dandruff benefits the hair and the various ways in which it can be used on your hair.
01How Does Aloe Vera Benefit Hair?
If you have ever used aloe vera, you know that it is primarily used for treating burns and healing minor wounds. The gel found in the spiky leaves of the aloe vera plant has a cooling effect on the skin, which helps to soothe inflammation. However, because of the abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and several components present in it, aloe vera is useful for many other purposes.
When used on scalp and hair, aloe vera is highly beneficial in treating dandruff. In fact, some studies have found that when patients with seborrheic dermatitis, the condition that causes dandruff, were treated with aloe vera, there was a significant decline in itchiness.
02How Does Aloe Vera Fight Dandruff?
Using aloe vera for dandruff is beneficial because the plant has several properties that help fight it. Using aloe vera for hair dandruff benefits include:
- moisturising effects on dry skin
- antifungal properties
- antioxidant properties that avert cell damage
- anti-inflammatory properties that lessen irritation
- enzymes that reduce inflammation on the skin
03How To Use Aloe Vera For Dandruff Treatment?
Aloe vera can be used in different ways to get relief from dandruff. We have curated a list of the various ways you can use aloe vera for dandruff. Here you go!
04Aloe Vera Gel
Simply using aloe vera gel for dandruff is also very beneficial. You can use store-bought gel or extract it from your aloe vera plant. Apply this aloe vera gel on your scalp and hair 30 minutes before shampooing. You can repeat this twice a week for effective results.
05Aloe Vera and Lemon Hair Mask
Just like aloe vera, lemon is also a natural remedy for treating dandruff. Since it is acidic in nature and can cause irritation in the scalp , combining it with aloe vera gel balances its acidic nature and makes for an effective dandruff remedy. This hair mask is an easy way to use aloe vera for dandruff treatment. Use this aloe vera hair mask for dandruff once a week for relief.
What you need:
- ½ cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to make:
- Mix half a cup of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and mix well
- Apply this mixture on the scalp and hair strands and let it sit for 30 minutes
- Wash it off with lukewarm water
06Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil Mask
If you want healthy hair, aloe vera and coconut oil are both equally essential. Combining them together prepares a mask that contains antimicrobial properties, which will nourish your hair, remove flakes and relieve you of itchiness that is a result of dandruff. This mask will also fight the growth of yeast cells on the scalp, coating your hair strands with a protective layer. Use this aloe vera hair mask for dandruff twice a week for best results.
What you need:
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1 cup coconut oil
How to make:
- Combine aloe vera gel and coconut oil
- Massage the mixture onto the scalp and let it stay for a few hours
- Wash it off with lukewarm water
07Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask
Apple cider vinegar and aloe vera, both have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why combining the two ingredients results in a pretty effective hair mask to fight against dandruff. The acidic content of apple cider vinegar decreases flaking, thus keeping dandruff at bay. Use this mask twice a month to get rid of embarrassing dandruff.
What you need:
- 1 cup aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
How to make:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply the mask generously to the scalp and hair strands
- Rest it for 20 minutes and wash it off
08Frequently Asked Questions:
1) How do you use aloe vera for dandruff?
Aloe vera can be used to treat dandruff in several ways. You can use aloe vera gel before washing your hair, or you can use aloe vera-based masks mentioned above for relief from dandruff and itchy scalp.
2) Does aloe vera work for dandruff?
Yes, using aloe vera for dandruff is very helpful. Several studies have proved that aloe vera has been effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis, the skin condition that causes dandruff.
3) Can I put aloe vera gel on my scalp?
Yes, aloe vera gel can be safely applied on the scalp, unless you are allergic to it. To determine if you are sensitive to it, do a patch test before using aloe vera directly on your scalp and hair.
4) Can aloe vera reduce dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis?
Yes, aloe vera's antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis by soothing irritation and reducing microbial growth.
5) Is it safe to use aloe vera gel directly on the scalp for dandruff?
Yes, applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scalp is safe and effective, but always perform a patch test before use to avoid allergic reactions.
