Aloe vera gel, a naturally clear jelly-like substance is gotten from or extracted from within the leaves of the Aloe vera plant. This plant has been known for many years for its ability to heal the body both internally and externally, it’s wonderful effects on maintaining and keeping the skin soft and protecting the skin against skin diseases.
The aloe vera leaves from which the Aloe vera gel is extracted have a very short growing length of about 60 centimeters to about hundred centimeters. The leaves have a serrated margin which is a bit spiky with a green coloration. This succulent plant is grown worldwide in countries found in North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands. It is also most especially seen in the tropics where the climate is most suitable for meeting up with the requirements necessary for their growth.
Aloe vera plant is best used in its natural form which is the gel directly extracted from the plant. But today, there are many commercial beauty products that include Aloe vera as a major ingredient in the production of creams, soaps, cosmetics, shampoo, ointments, sunburn creams, and so on. It has also been added as an ingredient for medical uses such as drugs, supplements, juices, and so on.
Ways & Forms of using Aloe Vera For Black Hair Growth
Black is beautiful as it is well known. And black hair is even more beautiful. A black natural hair which is often referred to as ab afro is a beautiful sight to behold, especially when properly maintained and taken care of. But it could be a very stubborn and thick kind of hair to maintain, no wonder people tend to get it relaxed as soon as possible. But for those who still choose to keep on their black natural hair, they need to put a lot of things in place to keep it healthy and shining.
People well conversant with Aloe vera, they fully understand the importance Aloe vera has when it comes to the maintenance of hair and hair growth. In fact, there are so many benefits associated with the use of aloe vera for natural hair, and once these are known, hardly will anyone wait before getting a bottle of pure Aloe aloe vera to incorporate into their hair care routine.
Below are different ways and forms in which aloe vera can be mixed, combined, or used for a very effective natural hair care routine.
#1. Application of Aloe Vera As A Deep Conditioner
To use Aloe vera as a deep conditioner, one could decide to mix or combine aloe vera with an already purchased commercial deep conditioner gotten from a store or one could produce a do-it-yourself deep hair conditioner.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that can absorb and retain large amounts of water as well as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This ability to retain water in the Aloe plant is very essential, especially for those who struggle with dry hair. To produce an effective do-it-yourself deep conditioner, aloe vera is a main and very essential ingredient that should be added. This is because Aloe vera hydrates the hair and provides numerous nutrients to the hair.
A very easy way to produce aloe vera as a deep conditioner for natural hair is by adding a quarter of a cup of pure aloe vera gel to an equal quarter cup of coconut oil. But first, if the coconut oil has been solidified, turn it to liquid by melting it for some seconds over heat before adding the aloe vera to it. Then stir or whisk the aloe vera and coconut oil together until they become very smooth. Then apply an after-shampoo and leave it in the hair for 30 minutes to an hour. Then finally, rinse it off.
#2. As a Leave-In Conditioner Spray for Natural Hair
Distilled aloe vera juice is a very good choice for a leave-in conditioner spray because it affords your hair the opportunity to get hydrated within the week while providing the adequate nutrients and shine it needs to glow.
All you need for the production of this spray is just a conditioner of your most preferred choice, glycerin, and castor oil which will serve as a lubricant. But where the problem lies is in getting the appropriate amount of conditioner to be used. Note that the amount of conditioner to be used is dependent on what purpose you intend to use it for as well as personal preferences. But it is important to note that less conditioner should be used for low-porosity hair.
The addition of Glycerin is also optional as well. Glycerin should be avoided in very dry climates. This is important because it could lead to extreme dryness of hair. But in a location that is moderately humid, glycerin can be added because it would assist in drawing in moisture and add slip.
#3. Application Of Aloe Vera As A Shampoo
Aloe vera gel makes for a replacement as an amazing and great shampoo that moisturizes the hair. While some shampoos, sulfate-free shampoos included, can cause the hair to get dry and stiff after washing, a shampoo that has aloe vera as part of its major ingredients will leave the hair feeling strong and moisturized. If you can’t find any shampoo containing aloe vera, you could simply add aloe vera to the shampoo of your choice and use it.
#4. Aloe Vera For Hair Growth and Scalp Treatment
An itchy scalp is one of the major problems natural hair keepers do encounter. Aloe vera is not only effective for handling an itchy scalp, but it also hydrates and heals the skin which is the scalp in this case. Aloe vera can also heal scars gotten from a long time ago, which were probably caused by relaxer burns. It also reduces the dryness of hair and handles the rate at which sebum is produced by the scalp. With its pH of about 4.5 – 5.5, it also provides immunity to microorganisms such as fungi.
The recipe for scalp treatment contains other ingredients such as witch hazel which is a natural antiseptic that cleanses the scalp and unclogs hair follicles and prevents shedding. Since using witch hazel alone can cause dryness in natural hair, make sure it is used directly on the scalp and not the hair strands.
The recipe also contains the essential oils of peppermint and rosemary essential oils. These two essential oils have been proven by scientific research to be stimulators of the follicles in the scalp that enhance the rapid growth of hair. Use this recipe whenever you experience itching, or to help grow hair. The spray does not need refrigeration if distilled aloe vera juice is used.
In conclusion,
While the majority of individuals have attested to the fact that Aloe vera is very effective for use on the skin, and internal use, it is important to still exercise care when dealing with Aloe vera. This is because some forms of aloe vera are safer to take than others, and since there are no foods that contain aloe vera, so it must be taken in supplement or gel form. But what is warned against and discouraged is the chronic use or abuse of aloe vera. As mentioned earlier, aloe vera is very effective in making better different issues concerning the body from skin to internal body functioning to the hair. Let us discuss fully how Aloe vera is beneficial for black natural hair.