Is Aloe Vera Effective as a Hair Loss Treatment?
Aloe Vera as a Hair Loss Treatment
There are a number of herbal supplements out there that claim to work as a treatment for hair loss. Whereas there is no question that marketing is over-reaching at best in order to sell a product, the real question that any hair loss sufferer asks is: will this product help combat baldness or is there any chance that it will regrow hair? To date however, it is important to understand that there is no hair loss cure, therefore realistic expectations must be kept when considering any hair restoration product.
Below I decided to take a look at an herbal supplement that has been said to combat hair loss. This product is an “active” ingredient in a few hair loss remedies such as HairMax MD. Aloe Vera is also sold as a stand alone product in local drug stores.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, native to Northern Africa, is a short stemmed plant approximately 90 cm tall. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, grayish green in color. Aloe produces a yellowish flower on a spike toward the top.
Aloe Vera is typically used to treat various skin conditions including cuts and scrapes, and very commonly used for burns such as excessive sunburn. The sap from the Aloe Vera plant allegedly eases pain and reduces inflammation though the evidence that it facilitates wound healing is seemingly contradictory. For those who have undergone hair transplantation, Aloe Vera is typically used to help with postoperative redness and alleviate scalp dryness, dandruff, and itchiness.
In particular about Aloe Vera and hair loss, I have found a number of websites that promote and sell herbal products claiming that Aloe Vera may be a benefit to balding individuals, yet I have not found any scientific evidence of it being studied as a hair loss medication . A few additional websites seemed to reference that such studies exist, but the studies themselves are seemingly impossible to find. According to those promoting these herbal hair loss products, Native Americans and Caribbeans have used Aloe Vera to promote healthy hair and supposedly prevent hair loss long ago. It allegedly works to promote scalp health by balancing pH levels and cleansing the pores.
Despite the claims however, in my research, I have not come across any clinical studies for Aloe Vera as an effective hair loss treatment.
Conclusion:
There are a number of supposed hair loss treatments out there without any real clinical evidence of efficacy. In my opinion, Aloe Vera seems to be one of them.
In my opinion, it would be better to stick to the hair loss drugs that have been proven: Propecia (finasteride), and Rogaine 5% (minoxodil). As an adjunct hair restoration treatment, Nizoral shampoo or Revita shampoo both containing active ingredient ketoconazole may also be helpful.
Bill Seemiller
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog
Technorati Tags: Aloe Vera, Hair Loss Treatment, hair loss, baldness, regrow hair, hair loss cure, hair restoration, hair loss remedies, HairMax MD, balding, hair loss medication, erbal hair loss products, hair loss drugs
October 29, 2017 @ 4:23 am
For a short time ago I’ve been using aloe to fight my thinning & hair loss issues. I’m not expecting to see the results yet cause everything does take time. So I should give it around 3 – 4 months, which does make sense. But there is one positive result that I’m noticing, the aloe did reduced the flaky and itching issue I’ve been dealing with on my scalp for years.
January 20, 2014 @ 4:15 pm
Fa,
Normally, the FDA does not review or evaluate natural/organic products. These generally fall under a different umbrella and aren’t subjected to the same FDA regulation. This applies to “natural and organic” hair loss products as well.
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant
January 15, 2014 @ 5:46 pm
I just have a curious question…since when and what type of organic and natural products does the FDA ever approved???
May 8, 2013 @ 11:16 am
James,
The “best” hair loss treatment really depends on your current level of hair loss, needs and goals. However, the most effective and only FDA approved non-surgical hair loss treatments are Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). Both treatments, especially when used in conjunction with one another have a high success rate of slowing down, stopping and even reversing the effects of miniaturization due to genetic hair loss. That said, only hair transplant surgery is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas.
Best wishes,
Bill – Managing Publisher of this Community
May 8, 2013 @ 10:01 am
what is the best gel hair loss treatment?
February 5, 2013 @ 11:12 am
i have hair loss problem since 2 years ago. Last month i saw this post and i thought why not gave it a try. i tried applying aloe vera straight from the plant 3 times a week and left it on for 20-30mins each time. its been a month now. Although ,there is no SIGNIFICANT improvements but i do notice new hair follicles!
i will continue to try it out and let you guys know the result soon!
Anw, i tried applying on my face at the same time too! and one thing for sure.. the result is GOOD!!
thanks and good luck ppl=)
February 2, 2013 @ 12:46 am
I agree with Dan. I gave up on my hair loss a long time ago. I’ve been losing it since I was about 15 or 16. I’m now 20. When my fiancee’s mother suggested I try aloe leaf gel I was obviously skeptical but it’s cheap at the grocery store and I figured I had nothing to lose but more hair. Anyways, I’ve been doing it for only about 2 weeks now (every couple of days) and multiple people I didn’t even tell I was doing this have remarked how my hair looks thicker and fuller. I have noticed results in this short time period and am excited about continuing. Just my experience. Thanks.
January 16, 2013 @ 6:53 am
Hi, the words “no proven clinical evidence” (as paraphrased from the author) has a different meaning to “proven not to work” or “has been shown to have no significant advantage compared to a control group”.
If there have simply been no studies done on the subject, then this is no reason to dismiss the possibility.
December 9, 2012 @ 5:06 am
I wonder why everyone asking can I use aloe Vera for my hair loose ?? This guy in his post clearly said there is no proven clinical evidence for aloe Vera as hair loose treatment … still ya ppl go on asking can we use it use it ???
August 6, 2012 @ 3:36 am
I’ve been using Aloe Vera Gel directly from its plant leaves for 7 weeks. Before I get into my results let me just say that I am a 31 year old sufferer of male pattern baldness. In fact, I started noticing hair loss when I was 19 years old and it had gotten progressively worse over the years. Well, two months ago, I lost my job so I decided to start the next phase of my life by shaving my head, then applying Aloe Vera plant gel from my plants once every 3-4 days before bedtime. On the days that I don’t use aloe vera gel, I use organic coconut oil to moisturize my scalp. I didn’t see results right away as I grew my hair back. On week 3, I decided to get a buzz cut due to potential job interviews. That’s when I noticed new hair follicles in my bald spots, but the bald spots were still noticeable. Week 4, I saw a little more improvement. Week 5, I saw more improvement, and in weeks 6 & 7 my hair is thicker and I’m seeing more new folicles sprouting.
To the previous posters, you can’t use aloe vera gel and organic coconut oil for two weeks and conclude that it doesn’t work. I saw on another website that it takes 2-3 months to see a significant difference when using aloe vera gel. I started seeing small results myself in 3 weeks but your results will vary. Rub aloe vera in the thinning/balding areas of your hair for at least 3 months before deciding whether or not it works.
I think for me that it also helped that I stopped brushing my hair, and its too short to comb. I just rub the coconut oil/ in my head and forgo combing and brushing.
I also wash my hair with Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap once evey two weeks. During my shampooing, I use a scalp massager to spread out the soap before rinsing.
With that being said, give aloe vera a try for 3 months and draw your own conclusion.
May 16, 2012 @ 10:31 pm
Melissa,
Thanks for the tip! Keep us updated on the aloe vera trials!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
May 16, 2012 @ 12:42 pm
Thanks for the post! Have to try aloe vera. I found that Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo helped immensely with hair loss. The argan oil stimulates growth and makes the strands more resilient. One extra plus is increased shine 🙂
March 5, 2012 @ 10:13 am
sir i am 21year old but i am loosing hair from 2 year I would like to know using aloe vera products can stop hair loss and helps to regrow.I have male pattern baldness.
August 24, 2011 @ 11:55 am
Judy,
There does not seem to be any conclusive evidence linking hair restoration and aloe vera gel/juice. Because of this, I don’t think pouring the solution on your head will make any significant difference.
After your other medical conditions are treated and controlled, you may want to discuss hair restoration options with your personal physician and determine whether or not proven medications or even surgical restoration is a possibility.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
August 23, 2011 @ 2:17 am
I ‘TECHNECLY’ DIED IN THE HOSPL A MONTH AGO, BROUGHT ME BACK, BUT ON KIDNEY DIALYSIS 3 X WELY. MY HAIR IS GETTING FRIGHTFULLY THIN. I HAD SOME 99.8 ALOE VERA JUICE THAT I WAS GOING TO DRINK. TODAY, IN DESPARATION, I SOAKED MY HAIR IN IT. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF IT WILL HELP? MY HAIR WAS FINE TO BEGAIN WITH AND NOW IT’S GETTING WORSE. SOME ADVISE IS WELCOME. JUDY (CAN THE OLD HAIR FOLICLES BE RESRORED?)eneifni
May 31, 2011 @ 12:46 am
I have been for along time trying aloe as a hair restore treatment. I haven’t found it to regrow hair, however I do think it has slowed down my hair loss.
April 4, 2011 @ 8:21 pm
I am trying aloe vera gel every night before i go to bed with a shower cap on.Part of my question is has anybody religously done that. So many people try things for 1 maybe 2 weeks and there done.
May 8, 2010 @ 2:08 pm
My house is never without the Made from Earth Aloe Vera Skin Treatment and I’ve tried many kinds. Most of what has been available has been in gel form – which is full of chemicals! To make it gel-like, carcinogenic preservatives are used, as well as artificial colors, scents, etc. All I want is 100% aloe vera.
Since finding the Made from Earth Aloe Vera (including the Aloe & Jojoba for the body), I keep one bottle on the frig door at all times for a more immediate cooling, soothing effect. One bottle is in the bathroom medicine cabinet and one in the bedroom. Its not a gel – its a real aloe vera cream that is potent.
January 6, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
Aloe Vera is a cheap product, therefore it is a great candidate to use (even if it does or does not) produce the expected results.
If it does not help retard hairloss, move on to the next high priced drug or artificle application.
November 4, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
Richard,
Chemo and radiation therapy causes hair loss for reasons other than genetic ones. In many cases, upon stopping chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, hair loss reverses itself and hair is restored to normal. Though Aloe vera brings certain soothing and cooling properties to the skin, I’ve seen nothing to suggest it will bring back hair regardless of the cause. In my opinion, talk to your doctor who adminstered the treatments and ask what your chances are of restoring your hair to normal.
All the Best,
Bill Seemiller
Associate Publisher/Editor
November 4, 2009 @ 11:57 am
I;m losing my hair, following a procedure of eigth weeks of chemo and radiation. Almost bald and still losing. Any chance aloe would help in this situation?
September 20, 2009 @ 12:20 am
Girish,
As the article states above, there’s no real evidence to suggest Aloe Vera is effective in treating male pattern baldness. In my opinion, you may want to consider treatments proven successful such as Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil).
All the Best,
Bill Seemiller
September 19, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
Sir/Madam,
I am loosing hair from past 4 years. I would like to know using aloe vera products can stop hair loss and helps to regrow.I have male pattern baldness. Thanking You