Yup, Putting Aloe Vera in Your Hair Can Actually Make It Shinier

A bottle of aloe vera gel is one of those products everyone has in the back of their medicine cabinets because hey, even the most diligent of sunscreen users get sunburns from time to time. While the plant-derived gel comes in clutch for soothing painful, inflamed skin, it's also become a popular DIY hair conditioner and mask, and even a multipurpose styling product.

It turns out the hype is real because aloe vera is filled with nutrients crucial for maintaining strong and healthy hair.

What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair?

"Aloe vera contains essential amino and fatty acids, which help to strengthen hair, and vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals," says Dr. Jeriel Weitz, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. "Aloe vera also has enzymes such as bradykinase that reduces inflammation when applied topically to the scalp, as well as minerals such as copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium which are also beneficial for hair health."

The instant shine you get after treating your hair with aloe vera is due to its pH level, which is similar to its natural level of your hair. Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a trichologist, Ph.D., scientist and founder of Alodia explains: "Aloe vera also works to lower the pH of the hair to the ideal range of 4.5-5.5, which helps to seal the cuticles, leaving hair moisturized, shiny, and benefits all textures."

Can Aloe Vera Make Your Hair Grow?

In addition to getting rave reviews for boosting softness and shine, you may have read claims that aloe vera is a natural remedy for hair loss. Unfortunately, both Dr. Weitz and Dr. Chambers-Harris say there are no studies to back up this claim. "However, because aloe vera calms inflammation of the follicles, it can help with hair growth in alopecias that are caused by an inflammatory condition," says Dr. Chambers-Harris

How to Apply Aloe Vera to Hair:

If you do decide to go the DIY route, Dr. Weitz recommends applying the gel directly to your hair and scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinsing it out with shampoo and conditioner — just do a patch test first to ensure you're not allergic. "You can also add pure aloe vera juice to your styling products or spritz it on your hair before styling," adds Dr. Chambers-Harris.

And if you don't want to deal with the mess of extracting the gel from an aloe vera leaf, there are a ton of pre-bottled gels and styling products out there. Ahead, some of our favorite aloe vera-infused haircare products.

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