The Reality of "Aloe Vera-Based" Hair Care

Lane and Obukowho have used aloe vera in formulating skin and hair products many times, and they both prefer to work with it in its gel-like liquid state, rather than in powder form, which may be less effective. However, Obukowho says that simply picking up a hair-care product that touts having aloe vera in it doesn't ensure you'll achieve all the benefits listed above.

"We use aloe vera a lot, and ingredient stories are about place. Marketing people love it because aloe vera itself is a natural, organic ingredient, so it's a good story to tell," he says. "I've been doing formulations for 27 years, and aloe vera concentration is below 1% in every formula I've worked with, even though marketing goes around and makes big claims."

Obukowho notes that while aloe vera has been around for thousands of years and has historically been used for a variety of benefits, its efficacy in products is questionable. He doesn't believe there is ample research to back all of the claims made about aloe. Obukowho adds that nearly all shampoos and conditioners on the market—as well as many other hair-care products—are formulated with surfactants, chemical compounds that can bond water and oil, which can interfere with aloe vera's integrity.

The major purpose of surfactants in hair-care product formulations is to remove dirt, so it's a pretty important part of the formulation process, but it breaks down those buzzy active ingredients listed on labels that are the initial draw for consumers (think: olive and argan oils, vitamin E or aloe vera), Obukowho explains. However, there are some formulations out there that feature bases that will actually work with the active ingredients, and Obukowho says that oil- or water-based products that contain aloe vera are likely more effective than your typical drugstore shampoo that advertises being made with aloe.

Additionally, Obukowho notes that consumers often forget that hair is dead. If you're looking to heal dandruff or other scalp issues, improve hair growth and boost the overall health of your hair, a product needs to be used directly on the scalp. For example, while an aloe vera-based conditioner may help moisturize your hair, you won't reap the anti-inflammatory benefits or see longer strands. You'll need to use something on your scalp if your goal is to promote hair growth and healing.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair

If you don't want to take the time to research aloe-based hair care products, the ingredient is very potent in juice form and straight from the plant itself, both of which are becoming more commonly found at supermarkets and should be available at most natural-foods stores.

"For those who have a dry or flaky scalp, doing aloe vera juice rinses weekly will help promote a healthier scalp and can also reduce itchiness as well," says Lane. "Aloe vera juice rinses on the hair are also a great way to give your hair a juicy treat throughout the week, especially if it's feeling a bit on the dry side." You can also scoop out the gel found in the center of aloe vera leaves (or purchase it bottled) and apply it directly to the scalp and strands for an all-natural (and very inexpensive) hair mask.

If you are looking for special products beyond raw aloe to refresh your daily or weekly hair-care regimen, it's worth taking the time to find the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck. An all-natural shampoo with a short, simple ingredient list could be worth the investment for those looking for scalp relief and added moisture. An aloe vera-based thickening spray that can be applied to your roots may also be a viable option if you're looking to promote hair growth. Just remember that everyone reacts differently to certain products and ingredients, so be sure to monitor how your scalp and skin are feeling if you incorporate a new step into your self-care regimen.Ready for What? Carlsbad.

W4M, Tell me what you think, what does it mean to you, have to start here, senior moments, the golden years, chances to take, moves to make, put you best face on, March 4th. Relationship are based on, 1. compromise 2. Trust and respect.'Do not allow anyone to define you.Horses in barns, sisters with stories, tales online,history noted, over time and space, classes on love and hate.

Thanks for breaks, goodness and mercy angels, back to back to protect the young at heart, and fools.Hot chicks, hot chocolate. Flashes ... Walks On The Beach, Rocks And Stones, Glory Dazes To Come ... 'Ready for What?Bats Out Of Hell.Strangers To Friends.'

The Real Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair, According to Experts

This much-adored succulent can do wonders for a host of hair-related conditions, but you have to be careful about where you source from.

A co-worker ended their life after our shift the other day. Didn't go home and shower. Didn't change out of scrubs.

Voices In My Head. Me: Follow me for more life hacks.Grandfather what is democracy?It's got something to do with young men killing each other. Damn that was profound. W e I r d.EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING. Have a wonderful evening to everyone!

Don't know if it was planned or spontaneous but I do know we got the last living moments. And I don't know how I feel about that.

Gretchen Rubin shared a post: Instead of Discouragement Day, let's re-frame February 28 as Determination Day--a date that reminds us to reflect, review, and do the hard work of asking...

Sex Please. Life changing sex. Thanks. A wise man hears one word and understands two.ARE YOU FEELING TOTALLY HELPLESS MARRIAGES/ DIVORCE/ LOST LOVE AND FINANCIALLY DOWN AM HERE TO HELP YOU???*.Conversation Starter ·.Snakes, Frogs, Fish: Pimps, Tricks, Trades, Slaves 2 Sex. The Fairy and the Frogs: Princess Frog | Jewish Army 2016, Sluts ...

Faces for Rachel Gaylin Jarrot.Slaves that are white. IS A PROFESSIONAL ADULT ENTERTAINER THAT HAS BEEN FEATURED IN OVER 180 ADULT FILMS AND HAS BEEN FEATURED IN POPULAR MAGAZINES SUCH AS PENTHOUSE, GENTS, CLUB INTERNATIONAL, HUSTLER, BLACK TAIL AND BLACK GOLD MAGAZINE

Mariah Carey Tweeted: The way my kids wait until the exact moment I ...Could use help getting off ground, housing and services, for transitional veterans, and their extended family members. Dreams of help the slow, simple, silly, and stupid,heads to count, stories to write, have to run, give me a call, send a text. Or Not.

FAMILY. Let the rope games begin Lots to talk about. I am in a happy place now Facebook friends and I give it all to Glory! Let us all have a terrific day, every day, all the time. Lots of light in the world to share. 'Not everyone has the same childhood.'Ready for What?

Ain't nobody's business if I do:Waves to be made, tips, tales, wishes on stars. CENTURY CREDIT GROUP: Crooks, Cheaters, Liars 2. Money To Take.THEY ALL KNEW AND THEY DIDN’T TELL YOU.

Pilar Dsilvas' Blog,RAZZLE DAZZLE!Rather consensus.'Family Affairs,Nuts, Common Clowns, PTSD, Thanks Uncle Sam, Battles And Wars, American Birds,Trades.Bats Out Of Hell.Strangers To Friends.' Image may contain: text that says 'ididn't i ask for the attitude i know, its on the house Delivered' .