Q&A for How to Condition Your Hair With Aloe Vera

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Question

How can I check if I'm allergic to aloe vera before applying it to my scalp?

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".

Shun Pittman

Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author

Expert Answer

I first recommend people do a 24-hour patch test. To do this, first clean either the inside of your elbow or behind your ear with warm, soapy water. Then pat it dry and apply aloe vera. Next, wait 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction. Typically people will see a reaction within two hours but the 24-hour window is a smart approach. If you have an allergic reaction, don't use it.

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Question

Can you use Aloe Vera from a bottle?

Community Answer

You can, just try to find the most natural bottled option. Many of them contain alcohol and other drying agents and very little aloe vera. Choose the one with the fewest ingredients.

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Question

Is it good for dry and frizzy hair?

Community Answer

Yes, this is a great conditioner for dry and frizzy hair.

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Question

Can I apply aloe vera directly to hair? Will it help hair growth, or can it change my hair color?

Community Answer

Aloe vera can be applied to hair directly. It does help in hair growth, removes dandruff and acts as a coolant & conditioner.

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Question

Is aloe vera suitable for use on my face?

Community Answer

Yes, aloe vera can be good for the complexion of your face and it gets rid of acne, sunburns, wounds, etc. Always to a patch test on your skin first, to check that it doesn't cause a reaction for you.

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Question

Can I use Aloe Vera on dyed hair?

Community Answer

Yes, it's fine to use Aloe Vera on dyed hair.

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Question

Where can I buy Aloe Vera for my hair?

Community Answer

Any pure Aloe Vera gel will work for your hair. You can find Aloe Vera gel in drug stores, supermarkets, and beauty supply stores. They are typically found near the sunscreen.

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Question

How long should I leave aloe vera on my face?

Community Answer

Aloe vera dries rather quickly on your face. Wait about 10-15 minutes before washing it off.

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Question

Is fresh aloe good for a baby's hair?

Community Answer

A baby's skin is too sensitive, so its better that you don't take a risk by applying it to a baby's hair.

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Question

Can I use aloe vera if I have alopecia areata?

Community Answer

You can use aloe vera juice along with Kreyol Haitian Black Castor oil. Peppermint can stimulate hair growth.

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Question

My hair is getting very thin and brittle. Would Aloe Cure help?

Community Answer

Yes, it would. Aloe Vera can awaken and reactivate dormant hair follicles (which will reduce thinning) and can also moisturize your hair if used properly.

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Question

Can I apply aloe vera instead of Dove conditioner?

Community Answer

Yes, but wait for some time after applying aloe vera gel before you wash it out.

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Question

Can I use aloe vera in the hair of a 3-year-old child?

Community Answer

Yes. It helps with hair loss, cradle cap, or and generally with hair health.

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Question

Can this be left in like leave-in conditioner?

Community Answer

No, it should not be used as a leave-in conditioner unless it is processed because aloe stains clothing and fabrics badly. It's best to rinse.

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Question

Can I use aloe vera as a styling gel instead of a ready-made gel?

Community Answer

Yes. You can add a little water to it if you want to.

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Question

Is there a substitute for coconut oil?

Community Answer

Yes. You can use olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil et cetera. There are a lot of oils out there for hair and other uses. All you need to do is do some research to find out what what is available and suits you best.

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Question

Do I have to use fresh aloe vera?

Community Answer

You can use aloe vera gel, which you can get at most drug/grocery stores. Or you can use fresh aloe vera.

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Question

How much time should I leave it on my face to stop acne?

Community Answer

You can leave it for a whole night.

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Question

Can I use aloe vera gel as a conditioner?

Community Answer

Yes, although aloe vera can dry your hair out. If you notice any dryness or breakage, don't continue to use the aloe vera as a conditioner.

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Question

Can I ingest aloe vera?

Community Answer

If it's 100% natural, which is directly from the leaf. It will help in your body's cleansing process. For ladies who are having issues with white discharge, this acts as a natural medicine. Just cut the leaf from the tree, take out the gel and eat it. It will be slightly bitter, so if you cannot handle it on its own, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar on it.

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Can aloe vera be used for an 11-year-old child?

Community Answer

Yes, it's perfectly safe to use aloe vera on children.

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Question

I have seen many people heat aloe vera and coconut oil together to make aloe vera oil. If I do this, what happens to the nutrients and active compounds in the aloe vera?

Community Answer

Heating any natural product will diminish its nutritional properties. The more you heat it, the more your diminish these properties. Try heating it with badam oil directly and without heating.

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Question

How long can I use this product?

Community Answer

However long you want. There is no limit, but if you get a reaction, stop immediately.

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Question

How many days should I use the deep conditioner, and how will it help my hair?

Community Answer

Deep conditioners are usually used between once a week and once a month. They add moisture to hair so that it will be less dry and frizzy and more soft and shiny.

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Is pure aloe vera good for curly hair?

Community Answer

Yes, it is good for most hair types including curly hair. It is especially good with any type of oil, such as castor or tea tree.

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Question

Can raw aloe vera applied to hair keep it from falling out?

Community Answer

Yes, it can help greatly.

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Question

Can I use conditioner after aloe vera?

Community Answer

Aloe vera is a conditioner on its own. Once aloe vera is used, you needn't use a conditioner.

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Question

Can I use aloe vera if I have a dry scalp?

Community Answer

Aloe vera has some drying agents, so this might worsen your condition. Try mixing aloe with honey and coconut or olive oil.

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Question

What kind of coconut oil is best to mix with aloe vera?

Community Answer

Preferably virgin, organic, without fragrance.

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Question

Is it necessary to wash my hair with shampoo after applying aloe vera gel?

Community Answer

No, you don't want to wash away all of the healthy properties of the aloe vera. You can just rinse it with lukewarm water.

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