I recently learned that aloe vera juice is getting a bad wrap in these streets, especially concerning low porosity hair.
Much to my surprise, several times over the last few months, I have been informed that aloe vera is bad for low porosity hair.
How sway?
I would like to make the case that aloe vera juice is an unsung hero in the natural hair community.
Benefits
Many people recognize that aloe is a beneficial ingredient for skin and hair.
Aloe vera gel or juice also easily applies to the hair or skin, and for most people, doesn’t weigh the hair down regardless of the formula.
It is also very compatible with the majority of products on the market.
Aloe is most beneficial to natural hair because it is a film-forming humectant.
What are film-forming humectants?
Film-forming humectants create a film over the hair that prevents dehydration, but unlike oil, is light and will soak into the strand.
Humectants help trap water into the strand, and help slow water loss so the hair remains moisturized for longer periods of time.
Film-forming humectants provide a barrier that traps water on and around the strand and adds another layer for the water to pass through to slow evaporation.
These film-forming humectants work best when left on the hair, which is why many leave-in conditioners marketed toward natural hair contain some form of aloe vera.
Why is aloe helpful?
My hair is low-porosity, which means ingredients have a difficult time penetrating into my strands.
Since Aloe Vera Juice is a film-forming humectant, it helps my hair remain hydrated for longer. Thus making the hair more pliable and preventing breakage.
Every porosity level can benefit from the use of aloe in a hair regimen.
How I Am Using Aloe Vera Juice?
Since film-forming humectants are best left in the hair, I look for aloe in the products I use to moisturize my hair.
Combine one part aloe juice with one part water, and bam! Moisture for days! Plus, aloe juice is easily accessible and fairly inexpensive.
My favorite way to use aloe juice is within products. Many of my favorite products contain aloe vera (Ampro Clear Ice Aloe Styler)
Does aloe vera provide my hair with everything it needs to remain moisturized?
No, but it works with other ingredients to help my strands retain moisture. Don’t sleep on it!
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I just realized this year that my hair loves products that contain aloe vera juice as well. I tried spritzing my hair with it alone, but it made my scalp itch. I just dilute it with water and it works fine now.
I love how thorough you are with your blog posts! I’ve watched many videos on aloe and it’s benefits, but none have been as informative as this post and your video!!!! I always see large jugs of pure aloe leaf juice at walmart for about $10, and I’ve always been curious about it but never picked it up. Now after reading this I definitely will! Gonna add it to my regimen of 2019 as well, I’m so desperate to make my hair happier and healthier.
Author
Buying that Aloe is a huge step in a healthy direction, so look out 2019!
I use aloe vera mixed with water and a little bit of glycerin to add moisture to my hair in the middle of the week.
You are so informative! I learned so much about aloe vera. My hair is going to thrive in 2019 too! #lengthretention
I will definitely try to do this challenge with you. I usually wear protective styles year round, but I want to start wearing it out like you, just for a change, and your videos will help me with this. Thanks for being so thorough, yet comprehendable for all. Keep up the great work!
Wonderful video on aloe vera, I have low porosity hair as well. Always thought aloe vera would give me a moisturized feel to my hair, now I know why it never does. I have been using it lately mixed with water and jojoba oil, this mixture seens to work for my strands. So 2019 I’ll stick with aloe mixes, plan in ng to add to some oils, for nice prepoo!
Thank you for al l.j your knowledge!
I buy aloe vera in the gallon size
How you break things down is like a hair for dummies book lol it’s so easy to understand. I’ve been going back and fourth on whether I would buy aloe juice and when to incorporate it or whether I should just use more products containing aloe Vera.
I thoroughly enjoy your consistency and the content you provide for us type 4 ladies, especially those past the more desirable “4a” <3
I am going to join you in the Aloe Vera Challenge. I currently do a pre poo with it,but will purchase the juice and use as you do.
Yes I have found that using aloe Vera juice is helping my hair function better plus I add lavender essential oil in my as well!
I plan to incorporate aloe juice to my routine in 2019.
Aloe Vera is one of the oldest plants known to provide many amazing benefits for skin, health, weight loss and more