Dandruff is a common skin issue that causes the scalp to flake and itch. People who have dandruff often notice white skin flakes on their clothes and hair. Their scalps feel itchy, especially in cold and dry weather.
Although dandruff is not known to cause serious side effects, the persistent itching can cause discomfort or lead to inflammation if the affected person scratches too much. Also, worrying about whether those around you can see the dandruff flakes on your clothes and hair can cause too much stress – this can affect the quality of your life.
It is possible to get a wide range of dandruff treatments in the pharmaceutical market. If, however, your goal is to use a natural remedy, the Aloe Vera plant may be the most ideal solution. In this article, we will take a deeper look at Aloe Vera for dandruff. By the time you reach our overview, you should know how to use Aloe Vera for the scalp.
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Benefits of Aloe Vera for Dandruff
Dandruff is a kind of yeast infection, usually caused by excess sebum on the scalp. Aloe Vera features many properties that help in controlling the sebum and killing the yeast. Below, we will outline the major benefits of Aloe Vera for the scalp which help in controlling dandruff:
- Anti-inflammatory properties – In addition to controlling the production of white flakes, Aloe Vera can help reduce the scalp inflammation that results from dandruff.
- Stimulates new cell growth – Aloe Vera features an agent known as pectin. Pectin is capable of stimulating the scalp and encouraging the growth of fresh and healthy cells.
- Soothing benefits – Dandruff often produces a severe and burning sensation on the affected scalp. These unpleasant sensations can be controlled quite easily using Aloe Vera gel, which is famous for its natural healing and cooling properties.
- Anti-fungal agent – Aloe Vera gel is an ideal agent for fighting the fungal growth on your scalp. This can help prevent future dandruff attacks.
- Cleanses the scalp – Aloe Vera cleanses the scalp gently and helps get rid of grime and extra sebum. It leaves the user’s skin feeling both healthy and fresh.
- Moisturizes your hair and scalp – Aloe Vera features the ability to attract and lock in moisture. The moisturizing properties of the right Aloe Vera lotion can be beneficial for both the scalp and the hair.
- Anti-oxidant properties – These properties help prevent cell damage. This increases the rate at which dandruff disappears from your scalp.
- Exfoliation properties – Exfoliation is one of the major uses of Aloe Vera. When applied on a scalp featuring dandruff, Aloe Vera will help get rid of the dead cells and even clear the pores off the grime.
8 Ways To Use Aloe Vera for Dandruff Relief
If you have planted Aloe Vera at home, you can use it directly on the scalp to attain relief from the dandruff symptoms. If you do not have an Aloe Vera plant at home, you can use an Aloe Vera shampoo.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that Aloe Vera alone may not be very effective. Also, since Aloe Vera shampoo is usually combined with other chemicals, it may not be as effective as natural solutions.
To achieve results quicker when using Aloe Vera for the scalp, most people prefer to combine the Aloe Vera gel with other natural ingredients. The recipes described in this section are specially formulated to help you improve the health of your hair and also get rid of dandruff quickly and easily.
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Natural Aloe Vera Gel
This is the simplest recipe since you will need a single ingredient. The only ingredient you will need is just one big Aloe Vera leaf. Below, we will show you how to make Aloe Vera gel and how to use it on your scalp to get rid of dandruff.
Ingredients
- 1 big Aloe leaf
Preparation
Step 1: Wash the Aloe Vera leaf using clean water. If you do not have access to clean water, use a water filter to improve water purity.
Step 2: Using a camping knife or your pocket knife, cut across the Aloe Vera stem gently.
Step 3: Use a spoon to scoop the pulp out and then use your blender to make the pulp into a smooth gel.
How to Apply
Step 1: Section the hair and apply the obtained gel directly on the scalp.
Step 2: Cover the scalp with a shower cap and allow the gel to stay on for a few hours.
Step 3: Wash the gel off with lukewarm water.
Note: Use this solution 2 times per week. As noted earlier, Aloe Vera alone may not be very effective. Therefore, if you notice that using the Aloe Vera gel alone is not very effective, consider trying the recipes below.
Related: How To Make Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera with Olive Oil and Curd
One of the most ideal ways to use Aloe Vera for the scalp is to combine it with olive oil and curd. The moisturizing properties of the ingredients will provide an instant cooling effect on the itchy scalp. The ingredients will also fight fungal growth and control the production of excess sebum.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of curd
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly-squeezed Aloe Vera gel
Preparation
Step 1: Get a bowl large enough to fit all the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients in the bowl. Ensure complete mixing.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply the mixture all over the scalp, as a mask.
Step 2: Cover your scalp with a shower cap and allow the mixture to stay on for half an hour.
Step 3: Wash with lukewarm water thoroughly.
Note: For people who have an oily scalp, this mask may make the hair feel both greasy and heavy. To deal with this problem, consider adding lemon to the mixture before application.
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Lemon Juice with Aloe Vera Gel
While lemon is an ideal natural remedy for dandruff, its acidic nature features the potential to irritate the scalp. This can result in both redness and inflammation.
Mixing lemon juice with the Aloe Vera gel is the most ideal way to get benefits from both ingredients without dealing with the lemon juice side effects. The anti-microbial properties of lemon juice and Aloe Vera gel mixture is capable of eliminating the dandruff symptoms in just a couple of applications.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Preparation
Step 1: Mix lemon juice with Aloe Vera gel.
Step 2: Blend well to achieve a smooth consistency.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply the mixture directly to your scalp and then cover the entire area.
Step 2: Leave the mixture on for 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 3: Use lukewarm water to wash your scalp.
Note: You must use this mixture only once per week. If you use the mixture more than once per week, it could end up drying out your hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Aloe Vera for Dandruff
ACV helps balance the pH on the scalp and also controls the production of sebum. Combining the ACV with Aloe Vera gel will offer moisturizing and cleansing benefits to your scalp. Adding a dollop of honey to the mixture usually helps enhance the properties of the mask.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
Preparation
Step 1: Put all the ingredients in the same container.
Step 2: Mix them well to achieve ideal consistency.
How to Apply
Step 1: Spread the mixture all over the scalp and leave it on for half an hour.
Step 2: Use lukewarm water to rinse thoroughly.
Note:
- It is recommended that you apply this mask once every fortnight.
- Since ACV is generally a powerful agent, it can cause a stinging sensation on bruised or sensitive scalps. To avoid this problem, consider diluting the ACV to reduce its potency.
Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Gel
This Aloe Vera and coconut oil combination are ideal for nourishing the hair and eliminating the itching and flakiness caused by dandruff. Coconut oil does have anti-microbial properties – it helps fight the yeast cells. The oil is also a mild cleansing agent featuring the ability to coat your hair strands with a protective layer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel
Preparation
Step 1: Add your Aloe Vera gel to the coconut oil.
Step 2: Place the mixture on your camping stove and use your fire starter to start a low flame. Alternatively, you can use a different source of heat. Simmer on the low flame for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: To prevent the mixture from burning, consider stirring it.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
How to Apply
Step 1: Massage the mixture on your scalp.
Step 2: Leave it for a few hours.
Step 3: Use lukewarm water to remove the mixture.
Note:
- For the best results, apply the mixture on your scalp 2 to 3 times every week.
- Never boil your coconut oil on high flame since it usually gets burnt pretty easily.
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Aloe Vera and Eucalyptus Oil for Dandruff Treatment
Eucalyptus oil features anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. In addition to this, the oil helps amplify Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory properties – this helps calm down the itching which usually results from dandruff.
Ingredients
- A few drops of eucalyptus oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel
Preparation
Step 1: On a small bowl, put the ingredients mentioned above.
Step 2: Mix well to achieve uniformity.
How to Apply
Step 1: Massage the mixture thoroughly on your scalp.
Step 2: Let the mixture sit for approximately an hour.
Step 3: Use a mild shampoo to wash off the mixture.
Note: Apply the mixture 1 to 2 times every week.
Recipe #7: Neem Oil and Aloe Vera for Scalp
Neem oil features antifungal and antibacterial properties. This makes it an ideal dandruff solution since it can destroy dandruff-causing bacteria and fungus.
Neem oil’s anti-inflammatory properties come in handy if dandruff has already caused inflammation of the scalp. Inflammation generally results from excessive scratching.
Ingredients
- A few drops of neem oil
- 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel
Preparation
Step 1: Put the ingredients in the same bowl.
Step 2: Mix properly to achieve an even mixture.
How to Apply
Step 1: Simply massage your scalp with the mixture.
Step 2: Allow the mixture to sit on your scalp for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 3: Use lukewarm water and mild shampoo to remove the mixture.
Note: For the best results, use this solution twice every week.
Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil features powerful antifungal properties that help eliminate the dandruff-causing yeast and fungus. Additionally, it has great anti-inflammatory properties.
A combination of the Aloe Vera gel and tea tree oil will help soothe the scalp and also give relief from the constant itchy feeling that results from dandruff. Tea tree oil’s high dermal penetration makes the combination more effective.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera leaves
- Tea tree oil
Preparation
Step 1: Wash the Aloe Vera leaves.
Step 2: Using your pocket knife or a normal field knife, split the leaves, and then use a spoon to extract the Aloe Vera gel.
Step 3: Take approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel and add a couple of drops of the tea tree oil. Mix properly.
How to Apply
Step 1: Massage the mixture on your scalp, ensuring that every inch is covered properly.
Step 2: Wait for 60 minutes and wash the mixture off with mild shampoo and freshwater.
Note: Use this solution 2 times per week.
FAQs
Q: How Do You Use Aloe Vera For Dandruff?
To treat dandruff using Aloe Vera, you will need to apply the plant’s gel on your scalp before or after shampooing by following the steps below:
Step 1: Apply the Aloe Vera gel to your head, underneath the hair and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Using a mild shampoo, rinse the Aloe Vera gel off your scalp.
Step 3: Repeat the above process about 2 to 3 times every week.
Related: Aloe Vera Benefits For MenQ: How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Dandruff?
An improved diet and regular treatments are the most ideal ways of getting rid of dandruff. When it comes to improving your diet, you will need to consume more omega-3 fatty acids. The deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids is known to cause dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids are available in fatty fish like trout, mackerel, and salmon.
For regular treatments, you can use natural solutions such as Aloe Vera gel, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar. These remedies have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydration properties which can help you get rid of dandruff.
Q: What Does Aloe Vera Do to Your Hair?
Promoting hair growth, repairing and strengthening hair strands, calming an itchy scalp, and deep cleaning of oily hair are some of the benefits that you get to enjoy when you use Aloe Vera for hair. Aloe Vera components – including Vitamins A, C, E, B-12, and folic acid – play a key role in ensuring that you have stronger and healthier hair.
Q: How Can I Use Aloe Vera On My Hair Naturally?
To use Aloe Vera naturally on your hair, you will need to extract the plant’s gel from a fresh leaf and rub it on your hair and scalp (we have an article explaining how to extract Aloe Vera gel at home). Once you rub the gel on your hair and scalp, allow it to sit for about an hour before rinsing it with a mild shampoo. To get maximum benefits, repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week.
Q: Can We Apply Aloe Vera Directly on Hair?
Yes, you can apply Aloe Vera gel directly on your hair. The gel acts as a conditioner and makes the hair stronger, shiny, and smooth. It has proteolytic enzymes that help repair dead skin cells on the scalp.
Fresh Aloe gel boosts hair growth by increasing blood circulation on the scalp. For people dealing with dandruff, Aloe gel can help with treatment.
Q: Can You Use Aloe Vera Straight from the Plant?
If you have an entire Aloe plant handy, you can extract Aloe Vera gel from one of the plant’s leaves and use it directly. If you are not allergic to Aloe Vera, using the plant’s extract directly won’t have any negative effects on you.
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At this point, we trust that you are familiar with the various ways you can use Aloe Vera for dandruff. The only thing that is remaining is for you to put the recipes described above to use.
Instead of experimenting with all our recipes at once, consider trying one method at a time, for a minimum of 2 consecutive weeks. Aloe Vera and the other ingredients mentioned in this article are natural healers. While they may work slowly, results are guaranteed.
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