The appearance of aloe vera belies its numerous qualities within. Coming from the cacti family, it is defined by its thick and short stems or leaves which are lined with spiky edges. Aloe vera has found usage in the medicinal industry and dates back to ancient Egypt. It is native to Northern Europe and Southern Africa but is grown in tropical climates across the world today. Aloe vera is a renowned ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries today.
The thick stems or leaves of aloe vera are where all its goodness comes from. Inside of them is slimy tissue that stores water. This is what we commonly refer to as aloe vera gel. It is used in a number of ways for beauty purposes. Aloe vera extract is found in lotions and face washes to refresh and soothe irritated, heated skin. Packed aloe vera gel can also be purchased to use if one doesn't have access to a live plant.
(Also Read: 6 Ways To Add Aloe Vera To Your Summer Beauty Routine)
How To Make Aloe Vera Gel At Home
There's nothing like fresh aloe vera gel straight from the plant. In order to make it at home, all you need is a living, flourishing plant and a knife. Use it to slice off the stems you require. Ensure you cut at a point where you get the fleshiest part of the stem. Along the side of the stem, slice vertically and open it as you would pages of a book. Rest it open on your hand, place the knife behind the gel tissue and scrape it off the leaf. Repeat for each leaf in the same manner to collect as much gel as required. It can be used directly or pulsed in a blender to make it finer in consistency. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
(Also Read: 5 Aloe Vera Gels You Need To Buy For Gorgeous Skin And Hair)
Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has many benefits for the skin, hair and body.
It can be used to lower blood sugar
It can be used as a natural laxative
ADVERTISEMENTIt can heal sunburns, rashes and skin irritation
It soothes itchiness of the scalp
ADVERTISEMENTIt conditions hair to make it shiny
It can be used to reduce dandruff and enhance hair growth
(Also Read: 6 Amazing Aloe Vera Face Packs For Acne Free Skin)
Hair Care Home Remedies With Aloe Vera Gel
If you're wondering if you can apply aloe vera for your hair, you definitely can. While aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the hair lengths and scalp, hair masks are a great way to enhance its benefits. We've got a few haircare home remedies you can make at home using aloe vera gel.
1. Aloe Vera Hair Pack For Shiny Hair
In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of curd, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir well, massage into the scalp and rub over the lengths. Let it sit for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water for shiny tresses to come to life.
2. Aloe Vera Hair Pack For Hair Growth
Combine 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of fenugreek powder. Blend the ingredients together in bowl until it has combined well. Apply it over the scalp and lengths, tie your hair up and wear a shower cap. Let the mask seep into your hair for a few hours or overnight if possible. Wash off the next morning with hot water.
3. Aloe Vera Hair Mask For Dandruff
Blend 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of rose water and 3-4 drops of tea tree oil. Combine well and massage over your scalp. After 2 hours, wash it off with warm water to remove flaky dandruff and get shiny hair lengths.
4. Aloe Vera Hair Mask For Frizz
Mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with 4 tablespoons of aloe vera and 2 tablespoons of honey. Blend these ingredients together well and massage it over the lengths of your hair. Once you do, tie your hair and cover it with a warm towel. This will steam the follicles so that the mask penetrates better. Let it sit for 1 hour and then wash your hair with warm water. This mask will condition tresses and reduce frizz.
Comments
(Also Read: 3 Great Ways To Use Aloe Vera For Strong And Radiant Hair)
