Aloe's gel comes from the pulp of the aloe vera plant's meaty leaves. Aloe has been a topical remedy for at least 6,000 years. People use it to treat many dermatological conditions including burns, skin infections, wounds and hair loss. The plant's many properties are the topic of many past and ongoing studies related to hair, skin, digestion and other possible benefits that can be derived from the plant. For example, some early studies conclude that aloe successfully treats seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes dandruff, when applied to the skin, according to Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health information service.
Inflammation
Several studies support the theory that aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties that help combat skin inflammation, according to the National Institutes of Health. Skin and hair health are closely linked.
Conditioner
Aloe is thought to be an effective hair and skin conditioner. Aloe has been traditionally used as a moisturizer. There is, however, little reliable scientific evidence to back this use, according to the National Institutes of Health. Nonetheless, aloe is found in literally hundreds of beauty products, including shampoos and conditioners, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Possible Stimulant
Aloe contains aloenin, a possible hair growth stimulant, according to the YgoY Health and Lifestyle Information website. There is little data that supports using aloe as such a stimulant, but aloe's biological activities and chemical constituents are actively being studied. So far, 22 compounds, including aloenin, have been found in the plant, according to a 2009 study published in the journal "Natural Product Research."
Recommendations
Recommendations for using your own aloe products abound in books with folk remedies as well as on the Internet. For example, Aloesajten.com, a site that purports to provide an in-depth look at aloe's many benefits, recommends using a mix of two parts aloe gel and one part shampoo to promote healthy hair growth.
Psoriasis Treatment
There is good scientific evidence to support using aloe gel for treating psoriasis in a hydrophilic cream, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who suffer psoriasis sometimes experience hair loss or thinning. However, more research is needed before this can become a strong recommendation. The aloe may reduce scaling, redness, itching and inflammation.
Safety
Using aloe on the skin is not associated with any significant side effects, according to NCCAM.
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