IS ALOE VERA EFFECTIVE IN REMOVING DANDRUFF?

People might have suggested that you use it for your skin troubles, but is aloe vera good for dandruff?

Everyone has come across some influencer or the other, who proclaims this gooey gel as the solution to all your issues. It becomes even more relevant when you want to cool down on a tropical beach. But dandruff is an entirely different issue, and you need to see if it’s worthwhile to apply aloe vera for dandruff.

Aloe vera is a plant that resembles a cactus, growing in hot tropical climates. It has been used in certain countries as a traditional medicine and is a mainstay in the cosmetics industry. The plant stores water in its leaves, and along with bioactive compounds forms the gel that we call aloe vera. It has shown to be extremely useful for sunburn, itching and other skin ailments.

However, when considering the use of aloe vera for itchy scalp or as a method on how to remove dandruff, you must understand the characteristics that make it so popular for topical application.

What are the beneficial properties of aloe vera?

But does aloe vera remove dandruff?

How should you use aloe vera for dandruff?

Any risks with using aloe vera for dandruff?

• It is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols. This can reduce the premature ageing of your skin and hair.

• It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can stop the growth of certain fungi.

• It is anti-septic in nature and can help quicken the healing process.

• It contains anti-inflammatory enzymes and fatty acids that help in soothing irritation on your skin.

• Aloe vera can restore the moisture levels on your skin and has a moisturising effect. This is why it’s so effective to use aloe vera for dry scalp and hair.

• Aloe vera can break down product build-up on your scalp and clear off any excess sebum.

• It has a cooling effect that calms down any itching sensations.

• It’s rich in Vitamin A, C, E and B12, along with a host of minerals.

Before you lather your scalp with aloe vera gel for dandruff, it might make sense to break down the cause of dandruff. Your scalp is covered in numerous sebaceous glands that secrete a waxy oil known as sebum. This is required to keep your scalp and hair protected from the external elements.

In certain situations, your oil production can be disrupted and lead to a build-up on your scalp. This is ideal ground for a naturally occurring fungus known as Malassezia Globosa, which feeds on the excess oil that is found on your scalp. It breaks down this oil into constituents that almost half of the world is sensitive towards. It leads to severe itching, redness, and flakes of dead skin cells.

This is why using aloe vera for hair dandruff has shown positive results. Aloe vera can reduce the oil build-up on your scalp, while maintaining a healthy amount of moisture. It curtails the growth of the dandruff causing microbes and instantly cools down any itching. It can even reduce the redness on your scalp due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Altogether, these work to make aloe vera one of the more popular dandruff home remedies.

There are various methods on utilising the benefits of aloe vera for hair dandruff, but it all depends on what works for you. It is important to try and see how your body reacts to the various combinations, as these are anecdotal concoctions.

• Plain Aloe gel

  This is probably the simplest way to use aloe vera. Get aloe vera leaves and remove the gel yourself. Apply it directly onto your scalp and allow it to calm down your dandruff. You can either leave it in or rinse after an hour.

• Lemon juice and Aloe Vera

  The combination of lemon juice and aloe vera can break down any accumulation on your scalp and cleanse it off. It can also soothe any itching. Create a mixture out of these ingredients and apply it to your scalp for about 30 minutes. Rinse it out thoroughly.

• Olive oil, Curd and Aloe Vera

  Combine olive oil, curd and aloe vera together and apply it to your scalp. You should leave it in for about 30 minutes and then wash with a gentle shampoo. It can soothe any itching, get rid of the oiliness, and has an anti-fungal effect.

• Apple Cider Vinegar and Aloe Vera

  You can add honey to this mixture as well, applying it to your scalp for about 30 minutes. Wash with a gentle shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Applying this can clear off any build-up and maintain a healthy pH balance on your scalp. Be careful with the quantities of apple cider vinegar.

• Fenugreek seeds and Aloe Vera

  Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and create a paste with aloe vera. Apply this to your hair and leave it for about an hour. Wash with a shampoo after. It has strong anti-fungal properties and can break through sebum build-up.

• Tea Tree oil and Aloe Vera

  Add a few drops of tea tree oil to aloe vera and apply it to your head. Leave it for about 40 minutes before washing it off. This combination cleanses, moisturises and soothes your scalp.

Aloe vera is a versatile substance that is usually safe to use on your head. But there are certain aspects you should keep in mind.

• Purity

  Many of the products found in the market often contain small amounts of aloe vera gel. Only a few are 100% aloe vera. Some even claim to be ‘Aloe like’, which basically means it has no aloe vera. Always be careful with what product you choose.

• Allergic reactions

  Everybody responds in different ways and allergic reactions are quite common. It’s important to do a patch test before you apply it to your scalp.

• Combining with other products

  Always be careful what products you combine aloe vera with, as it has shown to cause unwanted effects with certain medications.

• Quantity

  Excessive amounts of aloe vera can increase the oiliness on your scalp and possibly worsen your dandruff.

If you’re not sure about using aloe vera, or just don’t have the time to experiment, you should always use tested products. Like the Head and Shoulders Neem, which can clean your scalp and get rid of any dandruff causing germs. Or if you’d like a product that prevents dandruff flakes from reappearing and restores dry hair, try the Head and Shoulder Smooth and Silky 2in1 shampoo and conditioner in one. Is aloe vera good for dandruff? it all depends on how you use it and how your body responds. If it doesn’t work, at least you have other options available.