If you ask me what the ultimate moisturizer is I will always tell you that aloe vera juice mixed with a little water is your best bet.
I have a love affair with that plant to the point of obsession because of just how beneficial it is for the health of your hair overall. Aloe smooths your hair cuticles because it balances your hair’s pH, it helps with keeping your scalp healthy, it moisturizes, and it assists in hair growth. It is what I like to call a complete hair and skin product.
In this post I wanted to share a recipe I found for making your own Aloe Vera Oil that you can use as a hair growth aid or as a superb hot oil treatment every once in awhile.
Here are the benefits:
dandruff-relief
moisturizing (conditions dry hair and scalp!)
stimulates hair growth
smooths your cuticle for shine and health
great for your skin
What I love about this recipe is that it is easy to make, all you need is the aloe leaf and coconut oil and you can make it every time you need something special for your hair.
How to Make Aloe Vera Oil for Hair
What You Need:
1 aloe vera leaf (anywhere from 2 to 4 inches) – You should aim for 1 cup of aloe vera gel
1 cup of coconut oil
a bowl
Steps:
1. Filet that aloe vera leaf! The easiest way to filet the leaf is to cut the spikey spine off on either side, cut the ends off and then cut down the center of the leave to expose the gel. I found a simple demonstration on youtube, watch below:
2. Remove the aloe gel and be careful not to scrape up the yellow part of the leaf which is just below the skin of the leaf. You want just the gel portion to make the oil.
3. Add aloe gel to a bowl with some coconut oil, and mix until the gel is completely covered in oil. If needed, add more coconut oil!
4. Let the mixture stand for 2 or 3 days.
5. After you let your aloe gel/coconut oil mixture rest for 2-3 days, heat it on the stove for anywhere between 10-15 minutes. You want to keep the flame low and stir the mix frequently to ensure that the gel does not burn.
6. Let your mixture cool down!
7. When your mix is at room temperature, strain the oil to get any aloe vera gel pieces out. Pour the liquid into an applicator bottle perfect for use.
Check out this simple demonstration:
How to use your Aloe Vera oil
Massage oil
You can use your oil as a direct to scalp massage oil and massage it into your scalp holding your head upside down on occasion to get the blood flowing.
Pre-poo oil
Apply the oil to your scalp and massage well also apply it from root to tip as a great pre-shampoo treatment. The oil will protect your strands and keep them moisturized as you shampoo your hair. You can also leave the oil in your hair overnight and then shampoo in the morning.
Hot oil treatment
Hot oil treatments are the same as poo-poo’s but with a pre-poo, you do not necessarily have to use heat. With a hot oil treatment, you would add the oil to your hair, cover with a plastic cap and use a heat source to heat your oil up for about 15-20 minutes. Hot oil treatment allow for maximum penetration!
On your skin
Aloe vera oil is amazing for your skin which you might have guessed since it is so beneficial to your scalp. Add it to your arsenal of natural oils that you can use on your skin to keep it clear of acne and dryness.
Comment below if you plan to make some Aloe Vera oil and how it came out for you!
