How to Condition Your Hair With Aloe Vera

Co-authored by Karen Leight

Last Updated: March 1, 2023 Approved

Aloe vera is an ingredient in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, including hair care products. You can use aloe vera gel you buy from a drug or department store. However, you can also extract the gel directly from an aloe vera plant. Aloe vera gel can be used in place of your regular conditioner, as a leave-in conditioner, or as a deep conditioner.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Aloe Vera Gel from a Plant

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1
Slice an aloe vera leaf. You can buy aloe vera plants online or at a local greenhouse. To extract the gel, slice the plant straight down the middle of the leaf. Move the knife slowly to avoid slipping up and accidentally cutting yourself. ^{[1]
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- Make sure to use a sharp knife, as it can be difficult to make a clean cut with a dull blade.
2
Remove the gel. Use a tablespoon to extract two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Aim for the clear gel inside the leaf. There will be some yellowish gel near either end of the leaf. Do not gather this gel as you should only use clear aloe vera gel on your hair. Place the gel in a small container you can set in the shower, like a Tupperware container. ^{[2]
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- Depending on the size of your plant, you may be able to get enough aloe vera gel from one leaf. However, if your plant is smaller, you may have to collect gel from another leaf until you have two tablespoons.
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3
Apply the gel in the shower. When you shower, you can apply the gel when you would normally apply your conditioner. Work it into your hair, moving from the roots to the tips. ^{[3]
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- Use it exactly how you would use your normal conditioner. For example, if you normally let conditioner sit in for a few minutes in the shower, do so.
After apply the gel to your hair, rinse it out. Make sure to get all the gel out of your, especially the sticky bits. If you have a hair type that responds to aloe vera gel, your hair should be noticeably softer. ^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Leave-In Conditioner

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Mix aloe vera gel and water. Add two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and two tablespoons of water to a bowl. Use a spoon to mix the gel and water together. Keep mixing until you have a liquid that's smooth and even throughout. ^{[5]
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- You can buy aloe vera gel at any drug store. If you prefer, you can also extract it directly from an aloe vera plant.
You do not have to add essential oils if you do not want to or if you don't have them. However, essential oils can give the conditioner the added benefit of a pleasant scent. If you want, use an essential oil with a smell you like, such as lavender. Add a few drops to your aloe vera gel and water. ^{[6]
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Pour your water mixture into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle vigorously to mix all the ingredients together. Keep shaking until everything is mixed uniformly. ^{[7]
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After showering and washing your hair, use the gel in place of regular hairspray. Spritz it on when you would normally spritz on your hairspray in the morning. If your hair responds well to aloe vera gel, this should leave it slightly softer. ^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Deep Conditioner

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Warm coconut oil in the microwave. Use as much coconut oil as you need. It depends on how much conditioner you want to make. Place the coconut oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave it. ^{[9]
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- You should microwave the oil until it's melted into a liquid form. Cooking time depends on your microwave and the amount of oil.
- Cook the oil for short periods, like 10 seconds, and then check it. Continue to microwave the oil as necessary until it has melted.
Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera gel into the coconut oil. You can buy aloe vera gel at a drugstore or purchase it online. You can also extract it from an aloe vera plant. ^{[10]
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Use a wire whisk or fork. Gently beat the ingredients together. Keep beating them until you have a uniform mixture. The oil may bubble slightly when being mixed, but this should not be a cause for concern. ^{[11]
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4
Apply the gel to your hair. After shampooing your hair, put a small amount of gel on your palm. Work it into your hair. Start at the roots and work the hair down to your tips. Keep working in the mixture until your hair is evenly coated in aloe vera gel. ^{[12]
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- You may want to cover your hair with a towel in case the mixture drips.
Set a time and wait 10 minutes. After 10 minutes have passed, hop back in the shower. Rinse all the aloe vera gel out of your hair. If the gel works for your hair, it should leave your hair silky and soft. ^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

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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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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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Is it good for dry and frizzy hair?

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

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It is advisable to use a bowl when transporting the aloe leaves from outside to the inside of the house, because the jelly inside will begin to drip once the leaf is cut.

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How to Condition Your Hair With Aloe Vera

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Using Aloe Vera Gel from a Plant

Using a Leave-In Conditioner

Using a Deep Conditioner

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