Aloe vera for the scalp: what it is used for

Aloe barbadensis miller is a succulent whose thick leaves hold a clear inner gel, roughly 98 percent water with polysaccharides, amino acids, enzymes and minerals making up the rest.

Between the outer rind and the inner gel sits a yellow layer of latex containing aloin, a bitter compound with a laxative effect. This is the part to avoid, and it is the reason properly prepared aloe is rinsed rather than scraped straight in.

The reasonable case is that aloe gel is largely water held in a polysaccharide matrix, which makes it a light humectant. It sits on the skin, holds moisture at the surface, and feels cooling. For an irritated, dry or sun-exposed scalp, that is genuinely soothing.

It is also light. Unlike a rich oil it does not leave a greasy film, which suits people who want scalp comfort without weight at the roots.

1. 01Cut an outer leaf close to the base and stand it upright in a glass for ten to fifteen minutes so the yellow latex drains out.
2. 02Rinse the cut end, then slice off the spiny edges.
3. 03Lay the leaf flat and cut away the flat side of the rind to expose the gel.
4. 04Scoop out the clear gel with a spoon, avoiding any yellow-tinged material near the rind.
5. 05Rinse the scooped gel in water to remove residual latex, then blend briefly if you want a smooth consistency.
6. 06Refrigerate and use within about a week, since fresh gel has no preservative.

Shop-bought gels are a reasonable shortcut, but read the label. Many are mostly water, thickener and fragrance with a modest percentage of aloe. Look for aloe high in the ingredient list and avoid added colour.

As a scalp application

Apply to the scalp, leave for twenty to thirty minutes, then rinse or wash. Suits an itchy, dry or sun-exposed scalp.

Mixed with oil

Combined with a hair oil it gives a lighter application than oil alone. The two do not emulsify properly, so mix immediately before use rather than storing a blend.

As a leave-in for definition

A small amount smoothed through damp hair gives light hold, which people with wavy or curly hair often use for definition. Too much leaves a crisp, slightly stiff feel.

• Patch test. Aloe allergy is uncommon but real, and those in the lily family may be more susceptible.
• Avoid the yellow latex layer, which is irritating.
• Do not use on broken or weeping skin without medical advice.
• Fresh gel spoils. Refrigerate and discard after about a week.
• It is a humectant, so in very dry air it can draw moisture out of hair rather than into it. If your hair feels drier after using it, that is likely why.