How to Make Aloe Vera Oil for Hair: What It Can Really Do for Hair Growth and Hair Loss
Aloe Vera May Still Be Useful for the Scalp
Although evidence for hair regrowth is limited, topical aloe has been studied for several skin conditions.
NCCIH reports that topical aloe gel is generally well tolerated, although occasional reactions such as burning, itching, rash, and eczema have been reported.
This is important because the scalp is skin.
Aloe may therefore be useful as a scalp-conditioning ingredient, particularly for people who like lightweight botanical products.
It shouldn’t, however, be marketed as a guaranteed hair-loss treatment.
Homemade Aloe Vera Oil Isn’t Really “Aloe Oil”
This is an important technical point.
Aloe vera gel is mostly water.
Oil is chemically different.
When people make “aloe vera oil” at home, they’re generally making an oil-based preparation containing aloe-derived material, rather than extracting an actual essential oil from aloe.
The method shown in the image appears to involve:
Cutting aloe leaves
Removing or preparing the gel
Heating the aloe
Straining the mixture
Combining it with oil
The resulting preparation can be used as a cosmetic hair treatment, but its exact composition will vary depending on the ingredients and cooking method.
That makes it very different from a standardized commercial formulation.
A Simple Homemade Aloe Hair Oil Recipe
If you’d like to try the recipe as a conditioning treatment, you can make a small batch.
Ingredients
1 fresh aloe vera leaf
½ cup of a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil
A clean saucepan
A fine strainer or cheesecloth
A clean, dry glass container
You don’t need a huge amount.
Making a small batch is actually preferable because homemade water-containing preparations can spoil more easily than commercial products containing appropriate preservatives.
Step 1: Wash the Aloe Leaf
Rinse the aloe leaf thoroughly under clean running water.
Remove visible dirt or debris.
Then place the leaf upright for a short period so the yellow latex can drain away.
This step is important because the outer leaf contains latex compounds that you don’t need in a topical hair preparation.
Step 2: Remove the Outer Skin
Using a clean knife, carefully remove the spiny edges and outer green skin.
Scoop out the clear inner gel.
Avoid deliberately including the yellow latex.
NCCIH distinguishes between aloe gel and aloe latex because they have different chemical and safety profiles.
Step 3: Rinse the Gel
Place the clear gel in clean water and rinse it thoroughly.
This helps remove residual material from the leaf.
Don’t assume that more aloe is automatically better.
A small amount is enough for a homemade cosmetic preparation.
Step 4: Prepare the Oil
Pour approximately ½ cup of your chosen carrier oil into a clean saucepan.
You can use:
Coconut oil
Popular for hair conditioning and easily available.
Olive oil
Provides a heavier, richer feel.
Jojoba oil
Lightweight and often preferred for scalp and hair products.
The choice of carrier oil is mostly a matter of hair type and personal preference.
Step 5: Add the Aloe
Add a small amount of prepared aloe gel to the oil.
Heat the mixture very gently.
You don’t need a violent boil.
The objective is to infuse the oil rather than burn the aloe.
Keep the heat low and stir periodically.
Step 6: Watch the Mixture Carefully
Fresh aloe contains a large amount of water.
This is important because water and hot oil can be a dangerous combination.
Moisture can cause oil to sputter and splash.
For that reason, don’t pour a large quantity of wet aloe directly into very hot oil.
