How To Use Aloe Vera For Hair Growth & Thickness

Quick answer: Aloe vera won't make hair grow faster on its own, and research on aloe for hair growth is limited. What it can do is soothe a dry, itchy scalp, hydrate strands and lift product buildup, which may help hair look thicker and healthier. Apply pure aloe gel to your scalp and hair for 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a week, then rinse with a gentle shampoo.

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows in tropical and subtropical climates, and it's best known for soothing skin after too much sun.

Whether it's in the garden or on an office desk, aloe vera is a beloved plant that people have used in beauty routines for thousands of years.

And while it’s true that the research on aloe vera is limited, it is known to possess an array of vitamins and minerals–some of which may be linked to healthy hair growth.

To get the most from it, how you apply it matters as much as what's in it. Luckily, aloe is easy to use in lots of ways.

Here, we'll cover the benefits of aloe vera for your scalp and hair, and how to use it for healthier-looking, fuller-looking hair.

If you thought aloe vera was only helpful for sunburns, think again! Aloe vera can support a healthy scalp and mane in a myriad of ways, like the ones listed below.

Soothing Benefits of Aloe Vera for an Itchy Scalp
Inflammation affects the body in a number of ways. And when it comes to the scalp, dandruff is often the culprit. If you find yourself dealing with an itchy scalp, aloe vera may offer some relief.

Aloe vera is packed with fatty acids, which are known to possess anti-inflammatory benefits that can soothe redness and irritation while hydrating a dry scalp.

Clarifying Benefits of Aloe Vera
If you have an oily scalp, aloe vera may make a great addition to your hair regimen. Aloe vera helps lift excess sebum from your scalp, along with any product residue that’s collected in the hair follicles.

And unlike many clarifying ingredients on the market, aloe vera doesn’t harm your strains while it cleanses. In other words, aloe vera cleanses the scalp while keeping your hair shiny and soft.

Aloe vera also contains vitamins A, C and E, plus vitamin B12 and folic acid. Your body needs these nutrients for healthy hair, though putting them on your scalp isn't proven to change how fast hair grows.

Can Aloe Vera Help Hair Grow?
Hair that breaks less can look longer and fuller over time, and aloe's soothing, hydrating feel may help with that. But research on aloe for hair growth is limited.

One small study tested a hair tonic made with aloe vera and reported faster growth, but it was small and early, and larger human studies are still needed. For now, think of aloe as scalp care that may help hair look healthier, not a growth treatment.

Aloe vera is also full of water, vitamins and minerals, so it can help hair feel softer and look shinier.

As you’ll soon find, aloe vera is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be found in many hair care products. Here are some ways you can use it yourself for a healthier mane!

Aloe Vera To Control Frizziness
To combat frizziness with aloe vera, combine one cup of aloe vera with one cup of sunflower or coconut oil. Heat the mixture over the stove or a hot plate until it becomes slightly dark. Allow the mixture to cool before massaging into your scalp and hair, and leave in for at least thirty minutes.

Aloe Vera As leave-In Conditioner
Incorporate ten to fifteen drops of an essential oil of your choice to half a cup of aloe vera gel, stirring to combine. Then, transfer the mixture to a pump bottle, which you can use on the hair as a leave-in conditioner after each hair wash. We especially love this mixture for summertime after the pool or beach! If you'd rather skip the DIY, our Multi-Vitamin Healthy Hair Leave-In Conditioner is made with organic aloe leaf juice as its first ingredient.

Aloe Vera For Soft And Shiny Hair
If you’re looking to enjoy aloe vera’s hydrating, strand-softening benefits, we recommend a nourishing hair mask.

Combine two teaspoons of aloe vera gel with two teaspoons of yogurt and two teaspoons of honey or agave nectar in a bowl before applying to your scalp and hair. Leave the mixture in for half an hour before rinsing off.

Aloe Vera as Overnight Spray
Thanks to aloe vera’s lightweight, blendable texture, it makes the perfect hydrating ingredient for overnight spray. To make your own aloe vera hair solution, mix half a cup of aloe vera gel with a quarter cup of ginger juice. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and apply it to your scalp and strands before bedtime, massaging into your scalp. Wash mixture out in the morning. Ginger can tingle, so patch test first and skip it if your scalp is sensitive.

Aloe Vera Scalp Mask for Healthier-Looking Hair
Research on aloe vera for hair growth is still limited, but many people find a regular aloe scalp mask helps hair look healthier and break less. Apply aloe vera throughout your scalp and hair, and leave it in for 30-45 minutes before rinsing out with a gentle shampoo. Repeat this twice a week.

Aloe Vera for a Flaky, Itchy Scalp
To soothe a flaky, itchy scalp, massage three to four teaspoons of aloe vera gel into the scalp. Leave it in your hair for thirty minutes to twelve hours, and then wash it out with a clarifying shampoo in the morning. For extra soothing benefits, try adding two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.

While it’s not recommended to wash your hair with aloe vera every day, consistent use is key to promoting scalp health and hair growth.

In general, it’s recommended that you use aloe vera for scalp care about once a week. If your scalp is extremely dry, twice a week may be more suitable. Make sure to follow up with a gentle, hydrating shampoo, like our Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo, made with aloe and rose hydrosol for a dry, itchy scalp.

After applying aloe vera to your hair, you can leave it in for one to six hours. Keep in mind that soaking your hair in aloe vera for an extended period may lock unwanted dust particles in your scalp, although those with a severely dry scalp and frizzy hair may actually benefit from an overnight soak.

This depends on how you’re using aloe vera for hair. For instance, if you are using aloe vera as a leave-in conditioner, you’ll want to apply aloe vera to wet hair. On the other hand, you should apply aloe vera to dry hair if you’re using it to combat frizziness on a humid day. However you’re using aloe vera, use your best judgment!

FAQ

Does aloe vera really make hair thicker?

Aloe vera doesn't add new hairs, and research on aloe for hair growth is limited. It may help hair look thicker by hydrating strands, smoothing frizz and calming a dry, flaky scalp, so hair breaks less and looks fuller. For the best results, use it consistently, once or twice a week, alongside a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

Can I leave aloe vera in my hair overnight?

Yes, if your scalp and hair are very dry, an overnight aloe mask can be soothing. Use pure aloe gel, cover your hair with a cap or old pillowcase, and rinse well in the morning so it doesn't leave residue. If you have an oily scalp, 30 to 60 minutes is usually plenty.

Is store-bought aloe vera gel safe for hair?

It can be, but read the label. Many drugstore aloe gels contain alcohol, dyes or thickeners that can dry out hair or leave flakes. Look for a gel that lists aloe as the first ingredient with a short ingredient list, or use fresh gel scooped from an aloe leaf and blended until smooth.

Can aloe vera irritate your scalp?

Most people tolerate aloe well, but some are sensitive to it, especially people allergic to plants in the lily family. Before your first full treatment, dab a little on your inner arm or behind your ear and wait 24 hours. If you notice redness, itching or a rash, rinse it off and stop using it.

Updated November 2026.