Yes, head over to Whole Foods, your local Farmers Market or Co-op and indulge in these spiny gems. This plant is one of the best natural conditioners for natural hair, with its cool gel containing over 96% of water, it keeps the scalp and hair hydrated, as well as providing vitamins A, B, C and E and 18 of the 20 amino acids found within our bodies. The gel is most known for its healing properties and aids in the treatment of minor wounds, cuts, scrapes and burns. 

According to the University of Hawaii researchers, we can trace the use of Aloe Vera for hair growth and prevention of hair loss back to the ancient Egyptians. The succulent plant contains proteolytic enzymes that directly promote healthy hair growth. The enzymes are able to rid the dead skin cells on the scalp that could be clogging the hair follicle, not allowing proper penetration of nutrients to the hair. Aloe vera’s alkalyzing properties can help bring the scalp’s pH to a more desirable level, thus increasing the promotion of further hair growth.

I prepare my aloe vera solution by removing the thick translucent gel and blending it in my Ninja blender by itself. The consistency is like thick slime, which can be thinned out with the addition of filtered water. 

The consistency may be frothy at first due to the air bubbles created from the blender. It will soon settle and leave a slime-like consistency.

I apply the gel in sections to my freshly washed natural hair, massaging the gel thoroughly throughout my scalp from root to tip. I use this growth-promoting gel as a leave in conditioner, thoroughly coating the  scalp and hair. I, then, twist my hair for the week. I would recommend this treatment twice a month for someone who washes their hair weekly. 

If you wish to use this as a leave-in for a twist-out style, or as a protective style, I definitely would recommend thinning the gel out with filtered water 2:1 parts gel:water (ex. 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to avoid any flaking. The gel seems to flake if it is not mixed with the water. 

Your hair will be left conditioned, moisturized and supple. Any unused gel remaining can be simply placed in the freezer until it is desired. Please try and add this this simple, nutrient rich mixture to your regimen and reap all of its glorious benefits!