Aloe vera for hair and scalp: what is known

Aloe vera is a familiar plant in many Malaysian homes, and its gel is often rubbed into the scalp in the hope of thicker, healthier hair. It feels cool and soothing, and it is easy to find. But what does the evidence say about aloe and hair? This guide separates what is known from what is hoped.

What aloe vera is

Aloe is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. Products can be made from different parts of the leaf ¹:

• Gel from the inner leaf
• Latex from the outer layer of the leaf
• Whole crushed leaf, which contains both gel and latex

This matters because these forms have different safety profiles, as explained below.

Does aloe vera help hair grow?

We could not find good studies showing that aloe vera makes hair grow or reduces hair loss.

The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that aloe was historically used for skin conditions and was thought to prevent premature graying of hair ¹. That is a traditional belief, not a proven effect. NCCIH's summary of research lists possible uses for burns, acne and some skin conditions, but does not list hair growth among them ¹.

So if your main concern is thinning or shedding, aloe vera is unlikely to be the answer. Look for the cause first. See hair loss as a sign of illness and genetic hair loss.

Aloe and flaky, itchy scalp

Where aloe may have more of a role is in scalp comfort. A 2019 review of treatments for seborrhoeic dermatitis, a common cause of red, flaky, itchy skin on the scalp, listed aloe vera among a range of therapies that are broadly used. The same review said the most commonly used treatments are topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents ².

In other words, aloe is used, but it is not the main treatment. For dandruff, dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend dandruff shampoos with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or coal tar, and following the instructions on the bottle ³. See dandruff treatment and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Is aloe vera gel safe on the scalp?

For most people, yes. NCCIH says topical aloe gel is generally well tolerated, but there have been occasional reports of burning, itching, rash and eczema ¹.

To lower the risk:

• Patch test first. Put a little gel on the skin behind your ear or on your inner arm, and wait a day.
• Stop if your scalp burns, itches or develops a rash.
• Avoid broken or very inflamed skin.
• Rinse it out if your scalp tends to be oily or flaky, rather than leaving a thick layer on.

Forms of aloe to avoid

NCCIH highlights some important safety points about other forms of aloe ¹:

• Do not take aloe latex by mouth. It can cause abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhoea.
• Whole leaf extract that has not been treated to remove certain compounds has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible carcinogen in humans.
• Oral aloe leaf extracts have been linked to cases of acute hepatitis.
• Aloe taken by mouth, in gel, latex or whole leaf form, may be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• If you take any medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using aloe or other herbal products.

For hair and scalp use, there is no reason to drink aloe. If you use it, keep it on the skin.

Fresh aloe or bottled gel?

Some people cut a leaf from the garden and scoop out the gel. If you do this, use only the clear inner gel and avoid the sap from the outer layer of the leaf, which is the latex ¹. Bottled gels often contain fragrance and other ingredients, so check the label if you have sensitive skin.

How to use aloe gel on the scalp

There is no proven method, but a simple, careful approach is:

• Apply a thin layer of gel to the scalp with clean fingertips.
• Leave it on for a short time.
• Rinse well and wash with your usual shampoo.
• Use it occasionally rather than piling on many products at once.

If your scalp is itchy, see itchy scalp for other causes worth checking.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if your scalp is very red, painful, weeping or crusted, if flaking does not improve with dandruff shampoo, or if you notice bald patches or heavy shedding. See sudden severe hair fall.

The bottom line

Aloe vera gel is generally well tolerated on the skin, and it is sometimes used for flaky, itchy scalp conditions. But there is no good evidence that it makes hair grow or stops shedding. If you use it, choose the inner gel, patch test first, and do not take aloe by mouth for your hair. For dandruff, a proper dandruff shampoo is the main recommended treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Does aloe vera make hair grow?

We could not find good evidence that it does. NCCIH notes aloe was historically thought to prevent graying, but does not list hair growth as a researched benefit ¹.

Can aloe vera help dandruff?

Aloe is among therapies used for seborrhoeic dermatitis, but antifungal and anti-inflammatory treatments are the most commonly used ². AAD recommends dandruff shampoos ³.

Is aloe vera safe on the scalp?

Topical gel is generally well tolerated, but burning, itching, rash and eczema have occasionally been reported ¹.

Should I drink aloe vera for my hair?

No. Oral aloe latex can cause cramps and diarrhoea, and oral aloe may be unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding ¹.

Educational content. Not medical advice.