Dry Hair Solution: Is Aloe Vera Really as Good as They Say?

Succulent Organic Slice of Aloe Vera
Succulent Organic Slice of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been the go-to for many people who have dry, thirsty hair. It is thought to be one of the best natural remedies for those who are looking to add moisture and life to their hair. The big question is; is Aloe Vera really a good natural remedy for dry hair? If you’re looking for the answer to this question, I have my own testimony to share about using Aloe Vera juice in my natural hair.

My Aloe Vera Testimony

This is my story about using Aloe Vera. I grew my dreadlocks for six years. Throughout those six years, I have done extensive research on the use of Aloe Vera. Growing up, I always saw my mom use Aloe Vera and she even used to give us a little of the juice to drink. All I know is that it was really bitter.

Fast forward to now, I went back to my roots and decided to do some digging of my own to find out more about this mystical plant, the Aloe Vera. I started using the gel from the plant in my dreadlocks, and I instantly fell in love with it. I also used it on my skin and enjoyed how soft my skin looked and felt.

When I use my homemade Aloe Vera Juice in my hair, it feels softer, looked shinier, and retained moisture for days. Aloe Vera is packed with many different vitamins and minerals that is essential for beautiful hair.

If you decide to use Aloe Vera Juice in your natural hair, you can either purchase the pre-bottled ones or you can make your own homemade Aloe Juice. The great thing about Aloe, is that it can be used as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions such as: dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. It can also be used to promote hair growth and as a natural moisturizer for both hair and skin, etc.

My Thoughts About the Aloe Vera Plant

The Aloe Vera is a very succulent plant. This plant usually thrives better in dry climate. Did you notice I said dry? Yes, I think that’s why it is such a great natural remedy from mother nature to combat dryness, whether it’s dry hair or dry skin. It is even great for treating sunburns. It simply just moisturizes and heal with its natural ingredients.

Using Aloe Vera As a Natural Aftershave Remedy

Guys, don’t feel left out. You can also use Aloe Vera as a natural aftershave and to prevent or treat razor bumps. Using Aloe Vera after shaving can help to soothe irritated skin and prevents inflammation and redness, leaving your skin smooth to the touch. Always keep in mind that not everyone’s skin can tolerate Aloe Vera juice. Only use the clear gel from the plant.

Tip of the Day

  • Try a small area of your inner arm to check for allergic reaction before using Aloe Vera on your face.
  • Do not use the yellow liquid from Aloe Vera, which is latex, as this can cause allergic reaction.

Wash Day Worries: How to Manage & Detangle Unruly Natural Hair

Unruly natural hair on washdayWash day worries is a real deal when you have to literally fight with thick tangled hair. If you wash your hair before detangling it, especially if  you just took out your braids, this is a recipe for disaster. Trying to detangle after washing it can cause serious breakage and damage to  your hair. Learn how to manage your unruly hair on wash day.

The first thing I do before washing my natural hair, is to section it, then start to detangle section-by-section. I mix some castor oil with some fresh aloe vera and then apply it to the section I’m trying to detangle. I use my finger to detangle my hair, starting from the ends and working my way up to the roots.

After doing my finger detangling method, I use one of my wide-tooth combs to smoothly comb out that section. I then twist the detangled hair and then move on to the other areas that are still dry and tangled. The Aloe Vera adds moisture and nutrients, and the castor oil also helps to loosen knots, soften, and condition dry hair.

When you apply the Aloe Vera and castor oil (just a few drops of castor oil) to your hair, you can cover your hair with a steam cap, then let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes. I then shampoo my hair, then condition it.

Some people may find the above method ineffective. If this doesn’t work for you, you can detangle your hair with Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler.

Another great natural detangler for knotty natural hair, is to use some apple cider vinegar in water to soften and loosen the tangles. Just remember to wash out the apple cider. I usually use the apple cider before my shampoo.

What Not to Do to Prevent Tangles and Knots in Natural Hair

  • Never wash your hair before detangling it thoroughly. Adding water to tangled, knotty hair can make it worse. However, this can be the opposite for people with dreadlocks, as dreads love water, which helps them to lock faster.
  • For long hair, don’t pile your hair in a towel and rub it after washing. To prevent tangles, squeeze out the water and gently pat your hair in a dry towel.
  • Never put straight castor oil on your hair without mixing it with another oil such as coconut oil. Castor oil by itself is sticky and can damage your hair.

Pain-Free De-Matting: How I Detangle My Matted Natural Hair

Matted natural hairI swear my hair is bipolar. It can change from one texture to another depending on what it feels like doing. I had to come up with a plan to tame this crazy head of hair. I finally found a way to detangle my matted hair painlessly. Stick around to find out how I did this.

Matted hair is something that many people who have natural hair has to deal with. It can be really painful to get through all the knots and tangles if you don’t have a special technique.

This is how I detangle my hair when it decides to go crazy. If you read any of my previous blog posts, you will see how much I love using Aloe Vera. This is my favorite go-to haircare solution for detangling my hair. Since I have Aloe Vera abundantly, I just use the fresh natural plant.

I’ve used many things in my hair to detangle it, but nothing works best like the gel from the Aloe Vera. My hair can be full of knots and tangles and as soon as I rub some organic Aloe Vera in my hair, it magically gets soft and manageable.

I like the fact that I can easily start from the ends and work my way up to the roots with my fingers as I apply the aloe, and remove the tangled hair without causing any damage.

Mixture of Aloe Vera and Castor Oil
Mixture of Aloe Vera and Castor Oil

I also tip some Jamaican Black Castor oil in the Aloe Vera juice to help add extra moisture and sheen to  my hair. You can add some water to thin the aloe a little or just pour it in your hand from a applicator bottle like the one I use, then rub it in your hair.

This pointed mouth applicator bottle helps prevent the slippery aloe gel from running out of your hand.

I start by sectioning parts of my thick matted hair, then apply some of the Aloe Vera gel to that section. After applying the aloe to my hair, I use my fingers and start raking it from my hair ends. I could feel my hair instantly started to soften.

After detangling with your fingers, I use a detangling brush or a big teeth comb and smoothly come through my hair. This is a great natural detangler remedy for thick curly hair. The Aloe Vera mixed with castor oil (Not too much) helps to moisturize and add sheen to my hair.

protective hairstyle for moisture detangle
Moisturize & Detangle Hair With Aloe Vera and Castor Oil

When I finish combing through each section, I do a two-strand twist protective style, which also helps to stretch my hair. When I pull out my hair, it retains the length. It’s like day and night when you look at the difference.

So you see, you don’t need a lot of products in your hair to get rid of knots and tangled hair. Simple is the best way to go. Although it may not work for some people, it may work wonders for others.