Aloe vera is an ingredient found in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including those for hair care. You can buy the gel at a herbalist's shop, pharmacy or supermarket, but you can also extract it directly from the plant. You can use it to nourish and soften your hair, for example as a leave-in conditioner or as a mask.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Aloe Vera Gel by Extracting it from the Plant
Step 1. Cut a leaf from the plant
You can purchase an aloe plant online or at a garden store. To extract the gel, cut the leaf exactly in the center. Move the knife slowly to prevent it from slipping and injuring you.
Make sure the knife is sharp as it is difficult to make a clean cut with a dull blade
Step 2. Take out the gel
Use a regular spoon to take the clear gel out of the leaf. You will need about two tablespoons. You will see yellowish gel near the ends of the leaf. Don't pick it up; for the hair you should use only the transparent one. Transfer the gel to a small plastic container with a lid that can be placed comfortably in the shower.
Depending on the size of the plant, you may be able to get all the gel you need from a single leaf. If it is too small, you may need to cut a few more until you get the amount you need
Step 3. Use aloe vera gel while in the shower
You can apply it to your hair as you normally do with conditioner. Massage it into the roots first, then distribute it evenly over the lengths and ends as well.
You can use it exactly as you would a regular conditioner. For example, if you normally leave it on for five minutes, do the same with aloe vera gel
Step 4. Rinse your hair
After leaving it on for the desired time, wash it off with plenty of water. Make sure you remove any gels, especially sticky ones. You will most likely notice at this point that your hair is noticeably softer.
Method 2 of 3: Use Aloe Vera Gel as a Leave-in Conditioner
Step 1. Mix it with water
Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of water in a bowl. Use a spoon to mix the two ingredients. Keep stirring until you get a smooth, even mixture.
You can buy ready-made aloe vera gel at a pharmacy, herbalist's shop or in well-stocked supermarkets. But if you prefer, you can also extract it directly from the plant
Step 2. Add some essential oil
This step is not mandatory, you may not have them available or simply choose not to use them. However, remember that one of the benefits of essential oils is that they give the gel a pleasant scent. You can choose to use one whose scent you particularly like, such as lavender. Add a few drops to the aloe vera and water mixture.
Step 3. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle
Pour the water and gel mixture into a container equipped with a spray dispenser. Shake it vigorously to mix the ingredients as well as possible. Continue until you are sure they are well mixed.
Step 4. Use aloe vera gel instead of regular hair spray
Spray the mixture on clean hair, as you would a regular hairspray. In the morning, apply it as usual to fix the hairstyle. You should notice that the hair is noticeably softer.
Method 3 of 3: Make a Hair Mask with Aloe Vera
Step 1. Heat the coconut oil in the microwave
Dosage according to your needs. For example, consider how long, thick or dry your hair is. Put the coconut oil in a small container suitable for use in the microwave, then heat it.
- You will need to heat it until it has completely liquefied. The time required depends on the power of the oven and the amount of coconut oil.
- Heat it in short intervals, for example 10 seconds, and check the result from time to time. If necessary, continue heating it until it dissolves completely.
Step 2. Incorporate the aloe vera gel
Add a tablespoon of coconut oil. You can buy ready-made aloe vera gel in pharmacies, herbalists, online or in the most well-stocked supermarkets or, if you prefer, you can also extract it directly from the plant.
Step 3. Mix the ingredients
Use a fork or small metal kitchen whisk. Mix them gently, as if you wanted to whip an egg yolk. Keep stirring until you get a homogeneous mixture. If you shake it, coconut oil may bubble up, but that shouldn't be a problem.
Step 4. Apply the mask to your hair
After shampooing, pour a small amount into the palm of your hand, then massage it into your hair. Start at the roots and work your way up to the tips. Make sure you distribute the mask evenly.
If you want, you can get out of the shower after wrapping your hair first in a shower cap or film and then in a towel to keep your head warm and prevent the mask from dripping onto the floor
Step 5. Leave it on for 10 minutes
Set the phone timer. When it rings, go back into the shower to wash the mask off your hair, you should notice that it is noticeably softer and silky.
