10 Best Homemade Aloe Vera Hair Masks For Healthy Tresses

Beautiful and manageable hair is just a recipe away with these DIY mask recommendations.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS Dr. Shruti Chavan Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
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Nothing can replenish your dry and frizzy hair as an at-home aloe vera hair mask. This moisturizing herb has been a BFF to your skin and hair for ages. and is a popular home remedy for hair nourishment. You can always rely on it to revive lifeless and limp hair and neutralize the effects of styling products, pollution, and environmental stress.

A DIY aloe vera hair mask can enhance hair quality, is easy to prepare, cost-effective, and extremely gentle on your locks. This article explains why you should not miss this succulent from your hair care routine and DIY recipes you can try at home. Scroll down.

Aloe Vera Hair Mask Benefits

Woman applying aloe vera on hair
Image: Shutterstock

There is not much research regarding the benefits of aloe vera for hair. However, aloe vera benefits are well-known, as the plant has medicinal and other properties that may work for hair treatment. They include:

  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Aloe vera contains anthraquinones and has anti-inflammatory properties to heal wounds, skin irritation, and burns (1). This property can keep your scalp healthy and improve your hair health.
  • Antioxidants: Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and F. It also contains B vitamins and folic acid (2). These nutrients may help enhance your hair quality.
  • Cleansing Properties: Aloe vera gel contains saponins. These soapy substances have cleansing and antiseptic properties and can help keep your scalp and hair clean and healthy (3).
  • Enhances Absorption: Aloe vera contains lignin, which can help other ingredients penetrate the skin (3). When mixed with hair masks, aloe vera can improve other ingredients’ absorption to keep your hair and scalp healthy.
  • Moisturizing Properties: Aloe vera contains glucomannan, a moisturizing agent widely used in cosmetic products (2). Using aloe vera for hair and scalp can help keep them moisturized and soft. This is especially beneficial for dry, damaged, and color and chemically-treated hair.
  • Tackles Hair Loss: Aloe vera hair mask is also often used for hair loss. According to anecdotal evidence, the tropical vitamins such as A, C, and E found in aloe vera deeply nourish the tresses to reduce hair fall. It is also proposed that aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties can diminish scalp irritation and itchiness, thus preventing any damage to the hair follicles that may hinder hair growth. However, scientific research related to these claims are limited.

Doro Cubillo, a YouTuber, documented her seven-day challenge of applying aloe vera gel to her hair daily. She outlines the meticulous routine, including detangling, applying aloe vera gel from roots to tips, and wrapping the hair for an hour. She says, “My hair throughout this entire week has never felt dry, never felt, like, greasy, dirty or anything like that. It always felt very clean…. My scalp is very cleaned, it hasn’t developed any dandruff, and I don’t see any dryness either in the scalp, even though we are washing our scalp every single day…. During this entire time my hair from roots to ends always felt very soft, deep moisturized, insanely shiny, and hair was super easy to detangle. Basically felt like I was literally applying a deep conditioner hair treatment every single day (i).”

protip_icon Quick Tip

Preferably use freshly extracted gel from aloe vera. If unavailable, use store-bought gel that is chemical-and fragrance-free.

Now that you know of the benefits of using aloe vera for hair, scroll down to learn the ways to incorporate it into your hair care routine.

Key Takeaways

  • Aloe vera contains certain active compounds like saponins, lignin, and glucomannan that cleanse and moisturize the scalp and hair and increase the absorbency of other ingredients.
  • Aloe vera gel can revive lifeless and limp hair and neutralize the effects of styling products, pollution, and environmental stress.
  • Homemade aloe vera hair masks use aloe vera gel and other nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, and apple cider vinegar.

DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask Recipes

1. Aloe Vera And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Aloe vera and coconut oil for hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

Coconut oil minimizes protein (keratin) loss from the hair. It penetrates the hair shafts to keep them moisturized (4). This mask can keep your hair hydrated, soft, and bouncy.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Directions

  1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply the mixture to your hair strands and scalp.
  3. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Wash off with shampoo.
  5. Use the mask twice a week.
protip_icon Quick Tip

You may need to wash your hair more than once to completely remove the mask and keep the filmy residue from forming on your hair.

2. Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask

Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in DIY hair masks and keeps the hair shiny and smooth.Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. Mix the two ingredients. Adjust the quantity depending on the hair length.
  2. Massage the mixture on your scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use this mask once a week.

3. Aloe Vera, Yogurt, And Jojoba Oil Hair Mask

Yogurt is commonly used in DIY hair masks as an emollient to soften the hair, while jojoba oil contains wax esters (5),(6). This mask is beneficial for dry and damaged hair.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 1 tablespoon of yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil

Directions

  1. Blend all the ingredients.
  2. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp and massage it in.
  3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off with shampoo.
  5. Use it twice a week.

4. Aloe Vera With Fenugreek And Castor Oil

Castor oil improves hair luster, while fenugreek extracts have antifungal properties and prevent dandruff (7), (8).

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
  • 2 tablespoons of fenugreek leaf paste
  • 1 tablespoon of castor oil

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients.
  2. Apply the blend to your hair and scalp.
  3. Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use the mask twice a week.

5. Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, And Argan Oil Hair Mask

Argan oil moisturizes the hair, and tea tree oil has antifungal properties and reduces dandruff

(9), (10). This mask has therapeutic properties and can help prevent flaking and itching caused by dandruff.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon of argan oil
  • 2-3 drops of tea tree oil

Directions

  1. Combine all the ingredients into a smooth paste.
  2. Apply it to your scalp.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo.
  4. Use the mask twice a week.

6. Aloe Vera And Lemon Hair Mask For Oily Scalp

Aloe vera and lemon for hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

Lemon juice may have some effect in minimizing dandruff (11). This mask can keep your scalp hydrated and healthy.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions

  1. Blend the aloe vera gel and lemon juice.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly on your scalp.
  3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
  4. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use the mask twice a week.

7. Aloe Vera, Avocado, And Honey Mask

Avocado is an excellent base for any skin or hair mask. Honey has antifungal properties and can keep your scalp healthy (12).

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 1 medium-sized ripe avocado (mashed)
  • 1 tablespoon organic honey

Directions

  1. Blend all the ingredients.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly on your scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use the mask twice a week.

8. Aloe Vera And Green Tea Hair Mask

Aloe vera and green tea for hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

Green tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects when used topically (13). This mask can minimize inflammation and irritation to keep your scalp healthy.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of green tea
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera

Directions

  1. Blend the aloe vera gel and green tea. Adjust the quantity to get a smooth and dense consistency.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly on your scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use this nourishing mask every alternate day.

9. Onion Juice And  Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Onion juice promotes hair growth

(14). This mask is best for people with hair fall and thinning issues.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of onion juice
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

Directions

  1. Mix the onion juice and aloe vera gel.
  2. Use a brush to spread the mixture evenly on your scalp.
  3. Leave it on for 7-15 minutes.
  4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use the mask twice a week.

10. Egg And Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Aloe vera and egg as for hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

The peptides in chicken egg yolk can promote hair growth (15). Use this mask if you have hair fall issues.

Ingredients

  • The yolk of an egg
  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera

Directions

  1. Mix the egg yolk and aloe vera gel to make a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the mixture to your scalp. Focus on the hair roots.
  3. Leave it on to dry or for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
  5. Use the mask twice a week.

Infographic: 5 Easy DIY Aloe Vera Hair Masks

Aloe vera is one of the best herbs to help revive your hair. It provides nourishment, repairs hair damage, and soothes scalp irritation. In the infographic below, we have compiled the best DIY hair mask recipes that will help make your hair look shiny and rejuvenated. Check out it to know more.

5 easy diy aloe vera hair masks (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Aloe vera has multiple advantages for your hair, making it a popular ingredient in natural hair care, especially for hair repair and hair conditioning. This versatile ingredient suits almost all hair and skin types unless you are allergic to it. Homemade aloe vera masks can help moisturize the hair strands and keep them soft, smooth, and manageable. You can follow any of the recipes shared in the article. You may customize the recipes and add other natural ingredients to them. However, always do a patch test before using any natural ingredient to avoid the risk of allergic reactions. Consult a doctor if you experience skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you put aloe vera on wet or dry hair?

Aloe vera can be applied to both dry and wet hair. If you are using it as a hair mask, you can put it on dry hair. You can apply it to wet hair as a leave-in conditioner. You can also try using aloe vera oil for a soothing massage.

Does aloe vera help split ends?

Yes, aloe vera can help reduce split ends. In addition, it effectively clears out dead cells from the scalp, locks in moisture, and improves hair growth.

Which is best for hair growth – onion or aloe vera?

Both onion and aloe vera can promote hair growth effectively. While onion stimulates hair growth, aloe vera imparts a shine to the hair because of its moisturizing effect.

What happens if we apply aloe vera on hair daily?

Aloe vera can be applied to your hair daily. It moisturizes the hair, reduces itchiness, accelerates hair growth, and helps manage dryness effectively.

How often can I use aloe vera hair masks?

This depends on your hair type and texture. If you have dry hair, you can pair aloe vera with hydrating ingredients and use it once a week. If you have oily hair, you may want to use it twice or thrice a week, as aloe can absorb excess oil. If you have normal hair, you can use aloe vera hair masks 1-2 times a week for best results.

Illustration: Best Homemade Aloe Vera Hair Masks For Healthy Tresses

home aloe vera hair mask

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Aloe vera: A Review
    https://www.scirp.org/html/39281.html
  2. Aloe Vera Barbedensis: A review on its Ethanopharmacological value
    https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.736.2668&rep=rep1&type=pdf
  3. A Review on Pharmacological Properties of Aloe vera
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270157982_A_Review_on_Pharmacological_Properties_of_Aloe_vera
  4. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  5. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  6. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  7. Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis
    https://europepmc.org/article/med/14528387
  8. Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity Against Malassezia furfur
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524496/
  9. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
  10. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
  11. Analysis on the Natural Remedies to Cure Dandruff/Skin Disease-causing Fungus – Malassezia furfur
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261071142_Analysis_on_the_Natural_Remedies_to_Cure_DandruffSkin_Disease-causing_Fungus_-_Malassezia_furfur
  12. Antifungal activity of four honeys of different types from Algeria against pathogenic yeast: Candida albicans and Rhodotorula sp
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609343/
  13. Protective Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390139
  14. Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/


Learn how to make a nourishing aloe vera hair mask at home. Watch this video to give your hair the ultimate hydration and shine.

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Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

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Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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