I recently discovered the almost magical effects of whole leaf aloe vera juice for dry hair by accident and found the results incredible.
I’ve been wearing my hair in braids for the last thirteen weeks, and when I usually take them down, I follow with an aloe vera pre-poo before shampooing and deep conditioning.
I didn’t have any aloe vera juice on hand, so I ordered some without paying attention and ordered whole leaf ale vera juice instead of the regular kind.
What followed was a happy incident and a discovery that dry and dull hair will love!
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What is Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice?
When it comes to aloe vera treatments, most people are familiar with the juice and the gel derived from the inner part of the aloe leaf.
On the other hand, whole leaf aloe vera juice is extracted from the entire leaf.
Whole leaf aloe vera juice contains the inner gel and the more fibrous outer parts of the aloe leaf.
This retains a broader spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work together to nourish and rehydrate dry and dull hair.
The Incredible Benefits of Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice for Hair
Whole leaf aloe vera juice contains the same benefits as regular aloe vera juice, but some key components include:-
- Vitamins A, C, E, and B12, which are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Vitamin E, in particular, encourages softness and eases detangling.
- Whole leaf aloe vera juice is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They help strengthen hair strands from within, preventing breakage and improving elasticity, smoothen the cuticle, and improve shine.
- The polysaccharides contained in whole-leaf aloe vera juice provide extra moisturizing properties for dry and parched hair and lock in hydration.
- Anti-inflammatory properties help soothe dry, irritated, flaky, or itchy scalps and restore balance.
- Minerals in whole leaf aloe vera juice, like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, support scalp health and stronger hair.
Though these benefits are the same as regular aloe vera juice, they are concentrated in whole leaf aloe vera juice, making them more effective.
How This Natural Resource Works to Rejuvenate Dry Hair
- Whole leaf aloe vera juice acts as a natural moisturizer. It deeply penetrates the hair shaft and provides intense hydration to dry hair.
- Whole leaf aloe vera juice contains water-retaining abilities, which help your hair retain moisture for longer.
- Whole leaf aloe vera juice’s natural enzymes and antioxidants also promote the healing of damaged hair, preventing split ends and breakage.
How To Apply Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice for Dry Hair
This is where I noticed the immense difference in results between regular aloe vera juice and whole leaf aloe vera juice.
After thirteen weeks in braids, my hair needed super hydration before my henna and indigo treatment so I expected the aloe vera pre-poo to deliver as always.
Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Pre-Poo
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups of whole leaf aloe vera juice
- 0.5 cup of plain water
- 2 tablespoons of EVCO
- 5 drops each of vitamin E and hibiscus oil
- 15 drops each of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions
I measured all the ingredients into a cosmetic bowl then whisked thoroughly. I poured into a bottle and immersed the bottle in warm water for twenty minutes.
To use, I sectioned my hair and started applying it in smaller sections. My hair instantly became softer, and my fingers glided through as the whole leaf aloe vera juice mix completely melted any tangles away. And I do mean completely!
I used a detangling comb that glided through each section easily without getting caught on any hair.
The mixture also brought out great curl definition, which usually doesn’t happen until the deep conditioning stages.
Check out the picture below with the treatment in my hair. Does it remind you of the final stages of the Max Hydration Method?
I left the treatment overnight and washed out the next morning with Giovanni Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo.
5 Reasons I Loved the Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Pre-Poo Recipe
- The instantly softer curls were impressive.
- The mixture made it easier to finger detangle and I could use a detangling comb at this stage. I usually don’t use a comb until the deep conditioning stage.
- The instant curl definition was surprising given how dry my hair was after taking down the braids.
- The whole leaf aloe vera leaf juice pre-poo promoted instant elasticity. Elasticity is a sign of healthy hair.
- There was minimal hair breakage with the whole leaf aloe vera leaf juice pre-poo.
Best Tips Using Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice for Hair
- Since whole leaf aloe vera juice contains all parts of the plant, it’s thicker and more concentrated, so it must be diluted with plain or distilled water.
- Do not use a spray bottle for the treatment. The pulp will clog the spraying mechanism. Using a bottle and making a hole in the top is better.
- The mixture might settle, so shake a few times while applying.
- Discard any leftover mixture. Do not store it for use a few days or weeks later.
- While whole leaf aloe vera leaf juice is very moisturizing, too much can lead to over-moisturized hair. Use no more than once or twice a week.
- Rinse thoroughly to get all the residue out of your hair.
Best Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice for Natural Hair
The best whole leaf aloe vera juice for natural hair is pure and additives-free.
- Lily of the Desert Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice
- Lakewood Organic Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice
- Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice
- Nature’s Way Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
You can also grow aloe vera, harvest, and blend to create homemade whole leaf juice.
Last Word on Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice for Softer, Hydrated Hair
I am a convert to whole leaf aloe vera leaf juice from now on. I will be experimenting with more recipes and sharing them later on.
This does not mean regular aloe vera juice doesn’t work. But after wearing your hair in a protective style for a long time, whole leaf aloe vera leaf juice might be more beneficial as a pre-poo.
Whole leaf aloe vera leaf juice pre-poo is probably best for high porosity hair over regular aloe vera juice.
But feel free to experiment with both to see which version your hair loves best.
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies
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