The aloe vera plant has always been considered as one of the most popular and sought-after ingredients for shampoos and other cosmetic products. And why wouldn’t it be?
Besides the many benefits it offers when it comes to cosmetics, this succulent plant was first used for medicinal purposes during the age of ancient cultures. Even now, aloe vera is still widely used to treat various health conditions.
Because of its increasing popularity in the cosmetic industry, aloe vera shampoos are becoming more and more common these days. Moreover, it has become normal practice for most of us to spend money on the wrong shampoo.
That’s just wrong, plain wrong. Regardless of your hair type and budget, you’re bound to find a shampoo that should work perfectly for your hair!
If you’re quite confused over how you should pick the right aloe vera shampoo, don’t worry! There are only a few things you need to consider before shopping for the right one. So to help you with your search for the best aloe vera shampoos, we made a comprehensive guide about everything you need to know about aloe vera shampoos.
At a Glance: Best Aloe Vera Shampoo Products
- Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar: Best Gentle Cleaner and Hydration
- Jason Fragrance-free Shampoo: Best for Sensitive Scalp
- Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Shampoo: Best to Rejuvinate and Soften Scalp
- Giovanni Golden Wheat Deep Cleanse Shampoo: Best for Oily Hair
- Pura D’or Anti-thinning Shampoo: Best Overall
- Dr. Alkaitis’ organic herbal shampoo: Best Organic
- Dr. Organic’s Aloe Vera Shampoo: Best to Effectively Remove Dandruff
- Foamie Natural Aloe You Vera Much Shampoo Bar: Best for Intense Hydration
PURA D’OR Original Gold Label Anti Hair-Thinning Shampoo w/ Biotin and DHT Herbal Ingredients is proven & tested to reduce hair thinning. It promotes hair strength & thickness with increased volume & reducing breakage.
But Why Aloe Vera, Though?
Just as all hair types are different, so are the many different ways you can treat it. For instance, wavy 2C hair has drastically different needs than coily 4C hair. For many people, taking a natural approach is their preferred method, and there’s really not anything out there more natural than aloe vera itself.
But that begs the question: what’s so special about aloe vera that manufacturers would want to put it into a shampoo? Well, for starters, aloe is very gentle and safe to use. In fact, the risk of an allergic reaction is so low, that most people don’t even have to worry about it.
Then there are the many reported benefits of using aloe vera on your hair. Not only can it be incredibly soothing for a red and irritated scalp and gently exfoliate away dead skin, but it also lends many benefits to your hair follicle and shaft, too.
Some of the reasons you might want to reach for an aloe vera product might include:
- Aloe vera can gently soften and nourishes your hair
- Aloe vera can help ward off damage from UV and heat styling
- It has moisturizing and conditioning properties
- Using aloe vera can help stimulate hair growth
With so many obvious benefits, why wouldn’t you want to use it? Of course, that’s not an entirely rhetorical question. As we already mentioned, some people can form an allergy to aloe. If you have a sensitive scalp, it may also cause itching.
And mixed in the wrong formula (such as one with heavy silicones), it can weigh down your hair, especially if you have fine hair. However, the benefits of using it oftentimes outweigh the negatives, making this all-natural plant a winner in our books!
The Differences Between Aloe Vera And Coconut Oil Shampoos
It should go without saying: organic shampoos are quite popular. Brands and companies compete and come up with different formulations all the time.
Most organic shampoos use aloe vera gel or coconut oil as their main ingredient. Aloe vera shampoos are much more effective than coconut oil shampoos in moisturizing your hair. In contrast, coconut oil shampoos are more popular as scalp treatments. They’re often used in minimizing symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
However, both types of shampoos offer the same benefits for your hair. They both offer sun protection and help make for a healthier scalp. Because of this, they’re often combined together in most organic shampoos.
There are a lot of other organic and herbal ingredients for shampoos out there, but most of them have more specific roles and fewer benefits for your hair.
- Coconut oil shampoos are often more effective at treating scalp problems, whereas aloe vera shampoos contribute better at conditioning and moisturizing your hair.
- Coconut oil shampoos are only effective for certain hair types, whereas aloe vera shampoos are generally much easier to deal with regardless of your hair type.
The Major Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Shampoos
Aloe vera gel is a very common ingredient in organic shampoos and there are a lot of good reasons why it’s often used. If you have any doubts or questions about what aloe vera shampoo can do for your hair, here are some of the major benefits of using aloe vera shampoos:
- Prevents dandruff and itchy scalp
- Strengthens and thickens hair
- Makes hairstyling easier
- Improves hair hydration and protection
- Promotes consistent hair growth
Prevents Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
Well-formulated aloe vera shampoos will contain their natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. These will help you avoid getting the itch, as well as most of the other symptoms of an irritated scalp. Its antifungal and antiviral properties will help you fend off dandruff and other potential scalp problems that you might be experiencing with your hair.
Strengthen And Thickens Hair
Aloe vera shampoos also nourish your hair better. They can open up pores on the scalp and exfoliate hair follicles. Moreover, aloe vera gel is rich in the amino acids that make up the keratin of your hair. Mixed in aloe vera conditioners, they help your hair become stronger and thicker.
Makes Hairstyling Easier
If you’re fond of trying out different hairstyles, then you will definitely love aloe vera shampoos. As a matter of fact, some people use raw aloe vera gel to make their hair more manageable for styling. It also helps protect and maintain your hair as it goes through different hairstyles.
Improves Hair Hydration And Protection
Aloe vera gel is a great medium for hydration because it’s made up of 98.5% water. Moreover, it has small traces of polysaccharides, which can help create stronger hair follicles. Hydration is an important thing that you need to consider when shopping for aloe vera shampoos because dehydration can make your hair drier and more brittle.
Whether you are in drier climates or just want to avoid damaging your hair during the summer months, high-quality aloe vera shampoos will surely prevent your hair from becoming dehydrated.
Promotes Consistent Hair Growth
If you’re looking for something that can potentially make your hair grow longer, aloe vera is also known to stimulate hair growth. It’s packed with enzymes that help eliminate the dead skin cells covering your hair follicles.
Most aloe vera shampoos also come with moisturizing elements. This helps preserve the overall condition of your hair as it goes through different stages of growth.
How To Buy The Right Aloe Vera Shampoo Online
As we all know, there’s no easy way around trying out shampoos. It’s always a trial-and-error experiment until you end up with something seemingly made just right for your hair. It only gets harder and more difficult to search if you just try a small selection of traditional shampoos from your local malls and stores.
Unfortunately, that’s also the case with aloe vera shampoos. You’ll likely find yourself searching for viable options online for the right one. But whether you’re buying online or in person, there are few things you need to know about before buying aloe vera shampoos.
Apart from knowing your hair and skin type, you should always try to read past the label. It’s important to remember that you should never trust a product just because it’s labeled organic.
Some brands or companies tend to put such labels as marketing ploys to convince you into buying their products. Rather than relying on those, make sure that you read the list of ingredients to know what you’re dealing with.
Also, be sure to avoid ingredients such as:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Synthetic fragrance
- Petrolatum
- Siloxane
Or really, any other chemicals that can harm your hair.
Our Top Recommendations
No matter what you’re looking for from an aloe vera shampoo, it’s going to take some time before you find the right one. But if you’re very lucky or very careful with what you buy, you might end up with the perfect shampoo after a couple of purchases. So, to make your purchase decision a lot easier, we made a list of the best aloe vera shampoos you can find in the market.
What’s Our Evaluation Criteria?
People frequently buy the wrong shampoo for their hair. In fact, even the most reliable aloe vera shampoos can sometimes be irritating for some people. That’s why we were considered this, among other things, when we made our list:
- How reliable is it? (i.e., will it work regardless of my hair type?)
- How many natural ingredients does it have? Is it all-natural?
- What makes it a great shampoo? (i.e, is it for treating dry hair or hair loss?)
Most aloe vera shampoos have similar prices to most traditional shampoos. But since organic shampoos are typically more difficult to make than chemical shampoos, some of them tend to be more expensive than your usual shampoos.
Although some of our picks are very expensive, we also gathered some of the most affordable shampoos you can find and order online. We hope you like our picks!
Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar With Aloe Vera
Designed to be an all-natural and long-lasting product, the Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar is a great choice for gentle cleanses and hydration. It’s composed of aloe vera, castor oil, natural glycerin, and other natural ingredients.
This bar also doubles as a great body soap because it can make your skin feel fairly soft, lightly refreshed, and overall more comfortable. Moreover, it has a lovely fragrance and a shape that lathers very well.
Having said that, it’s not meant for all hair types. Some people might experience having dull and lifeless hair after using it. But it does make for an okay job at preventing your hair from becoming oily.
Pros:
- Gentle on the scalp
- Lasts longer than most shampoo bottles
- Cleans thoroughly
Cons:
- You might find the scent a little overpowering
- Not meant for all hair types
Composed of aloe vera, natural glycerin and castor oil, it gently cleanses the hair and body, leaving the hair fiber hydrated and full of vitality.
Jason Fragrance-free Aloe Vera Shampoo
Jason Fragrance-free Shampoo can cleanse your hair without stripping any essential moisture. It’s formulated with eco-friendly and gentle ingredients such as sage extracts, chamomile, and pro-vitamin B5.
If you have sensitive skin or an allergy to fragrances, this one is a great choice for you. You can also add in your own choice of essential oils or therapeutic properties since this shampoo has a thinner and light formulation.
However, even though it’s a nice and well-formulated family-sized shampoo, it still comes with a few drawbacks. Since this shampoo comes with no sulfates, it takes a few pumps to make a decent lather for your hair.
Pros:
- Good for soothing irritated scalps
- Great base shampoo
- A good choice for sensitive skin types
Cons:
- Comes with a cheap quality pump
- Doesn’t lather very well
Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo gently cleanses and nourishes hair without stripping away essential moisture.
Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore + Bamboo Fibers Shampoo
Made with exotic bamboo fibers, lush neem oil, rich castor oil, and 100% aloe vera juice, the Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Shampoo is a great option if you want something that can truly rejuvenate and softens your skin. With the use of bamboo fibers and other natural ingredients, this lovely shampoo encourages your hair to have a healthy-looking glow.
Unfortunately, this shampoo is not friendly to all hair types. If you have long, fine hair, you might want to pass on this. It’s also a hit or miss if you have a sensitive skin type, giving you drier hair after a wash.
Pros:
- Lathers very well even in small amounts
- Has a long-lasting and amazing mild fragrance
- Free from silicones, parabens, and mineral oil
Cons:
- The texture of the shampoo is not for everyone
- Not meant for fine hair
This 13-fluid ounce bottle of Maui Moisture Thicken and Restore plus Bamboo Fibers Shampoo contains a strengthening formula that helps densify and revive brittle curls to their fullest bounce.
Giovanni Golden Wheat Deep Cleanse Shampoo
This aloe vera shampoo is formulated with several nourishing plant extracts including rosemary, lavender oils, and sunflower seed. Apart from having a lovely herbal scent, Giovanni Golden Wheat Deep Cleanse Shampoo has deep-cleaning abilities which makes it a good option for those who are suffering from oily hair or scalp.
After using this shampoo, you might find that it gives more volume and shine to your hair. It also works great at preventing irritated scalps. But you might think that it’s not ideal for treating dry skin and it has an uncomfortable lid. It’s basically a specialized product for people with oily hair.
Pros:
- Good for treating oily scalp or hair
- Very affordable
- Has a herbal and light fragrance
Cons:
- You might find its lid to be a bit inconvenient to use
- It can make your hair drier
Golden Wheat Shampoo is ideal for removing excess oils while contributing to a beautiful head of hair. Hair that's lustrous and golden makes the world beholden.
Pura D’Or Original Gold Label Anti-thinning Shampoo
Made with 24 exotic ingredients, this shampoo does a great job of improving the overall health of your hair. The Pura D’or Anti-thinning Shampoo is formulated to make your scalp a lot healthier. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals like nettle extract and saw palmetto, making it the seemingly obvious choice when it comes to organic shampoos.
If you have been a long-time user of this shampoo, however, you might think that it’s not as effective as how it used to be anymore. But even so, this shampoo is still a good choice if you’re looking for something that can significantly reduce hair thinning.
Pros:
- Great at protecting and strengthening hair
- Encourages thicker hair
- Can considerably reduce dryness and brittle strands
Cons:
- Has a chemical like fragrance
- Might take a while for you to notice any real difference
PURA D’OR Original Gold Label Anti Hair-Thinning Shampoo w/ Biotin and DHT Herbal Ingredients is proven & tested to reduce hair thinning. It promotes hair strength & thickness with increased volume & reducing breakage.
Dr. Alkaitis’ Organic Herbal Shampoo
Even though it can cost around $50 and it has a medicinal herbal smell, this chemical-free shampoo is rich in essential ingredients such as coconut oil, grapefruit seed extract, and horsetail. In fact, it can even serve as your conditioner because it has a lot of versatile ingredients. The brand also claims that it’s formulated for all hair types.
Having said that, Dr. Alkaitis’ organic herbal shampoo provides a thinner and liquid-like texture so make sure to pour carefully when applying. You wouldn’t want to waste so much shampoo by mistake, would you?
Pros:
- Great light shampoo
- Promotes a healthier and manageable hair
- Moisturizes better compare to other natural shampoos
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Has a strong medicinal smell
Formulated for normal, dry, and oily hair; stimulates skin functions. Contains vitamins, medicinal herbs, and therapeutic and essential oils.
Dr. Organic’s Aloe Vera Shampoo
Despite being free from sulfate and other chemicals, this Dr. Organic’s Aloe Vera Shampo lathers up very well. It wards off most of the common hair problems such as split ends, dryness, and breakage.
It’s formulated with bioactive aloe vera gel, making it incredibly helpful in coating your hair with protective nutrients. if you’re looking for an aloe vera shampoo that can effectively remove dandruff, this shampoo might be what you’re looking for.
Although this shampoo’s cleaning ability is one of the best, you might want to skip this from your list if you have thinner or finer hair. The shampoo tends to make them a lot harder to manage. But that shouldn’t be a problem if you have thicker hair.
Pros:
- A good option for dry or sensitive skin
- Has a light and fruity fragrance
- Great at moisturizing and softening your hair
Cons:
- The bottle is somewhat inconvenient to use
- Not meant for fine hair
Using pure bioactive organic Aloe Vera ensures that the plant's beneficial polysaccharide levels are maximized, and in combination with a select blend of bioactive naturally inspired extracts helps to coat and penetrate the fibers of the hair, soothing and nourishing the roots and scalp. This leaves the hair feeling silky soft, restored and totally manageable.
Foamie Natural Aloe You Vera Much Shampoo Bar
Apart from being vegan and cruelty-free, the Foamie Natural Aloe You Vera Much Shampoo Bar provides intense hydration and moisture for your hair. It has a pH value of 5.5 and it’s capable of gently cleansing the scalp without straining it. It also has an adorable string that you can use to hand dry it and prevent it from getting gross.
Unfortunately, compared to the other shampoo bars on our list, this shampoo bar requires you to put more effort into creating a lather. Other than that, it’s not so great with dealing with waxy or greasy hair.
Pros:
- Suitable for dry and dull hair
- Travel-friendly
- Has a lovely, fresh scent of aloe vera
Cons:
- Shampoo bars takes time to get used to
- It doesn’t lather up very well
Aloe You Vera Much Conditioner Soap Bar lives and breathes to nourish your hair so prevents hair breakage, locks in moisture and gives natural shine while intensively strengthening it with the help of aloe vera & hydrolyzed oat protein!
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: You absolutely can! Since aloe vera shampoos are becoming much more popular these days, there are a lot of recipes out there that can help you make your own homemade version. And if you don’t have your own aloe vera plant to harvest the gel from, you can also buy some organic aloe gel at natural health stores.
Making your own organic aloe vera shampoo at home is a great way for you to create a much more effective shampoo for your hair. Plus, it’s usually cheaper and you can add your favorite essential oils or herb. For instance, if you tend to have dry hair, you can add in some rosemary or peppermint to go with your recipe. To know more, check out this incredibly helpful guide from Bellatory.
Answer: Even though aloe vera shampoo bars are much less popular compared to liquid shampoos, they are surprisingly more cost-effective and convenient to use. Shampoo bars are a lot easier to store and they take up less space than bottles.
Replacing shampoo bottles with bars is also more eco-friendly. After all, you can just store them in a fancy bar holder without bringing them around and throwing away an unreusable plastic bottle when it’s empty.
Do take note, however. If you are going to use an aloe-vera shampoo bar, your hair will typically adjust by going through a transitional period where it might temporarily feel sticky or waxy.
A great way to avoid or shorten this period is by investing in well-formulated shampoo bars. Make sure to check out any reviews or blogs about the product’s effectiveness first before buying.
Answer: Aloe vera gel is actually safe to eat, and it also comes with multiple health benefits. Apart from the gel, the skin of the plant’s leaves is also safe to consume. However, if you’re thinking of eating the skin, be sure to wash it well beforehand since it may have been touched by dirt or pesticides.
Although the gel and skin of the plant’s leaves are edible, the latex layer isn’t. It contains aloin, a harmful chemical that can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach. Although a gram or two won’t do much, eating a significant amount of the latex layer can be very dangerous.
Answer: Besides being a prominent ingredient in the hair care industry, aloe vera gel is also used in other cosmetic products. In fact, there are a lot of benefits when it comes to using aloe vera gel on your skin.
Aloe vera gel can be applied to reduce the appearance of scars and acne spots. It’s also effective as a face moisturizer and a treatment against sunburns.
There are also potential health benefits in eating or drinking aloe vera gel. For one, it is rich in antioxidants. Aloe vera gel can also boost your immune system. But with that said, regardless of where you buy aloe vera-based products, make sure to always do your own research about the product’s reputation and side effects.
Answer: Aloe vera shampoos are generally safe to use for your hair. However, if it happens to be your first time trying out aloe vera shampoo, we recommend that you do a patch test first to know if you’re allergic to aloe vera.
This is so you could avoid experiencing skin rashes, irritations, burning sensations, and redness in the eyes in case you might actually be allergic to them.
Answer: Even though most organic shampoos don’t lather up as much as chemical-based ones, they’re generally much more gentle and friendly on your hair. Organic shampoos are formulated with proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients that are good for your hair.
Moreover, since most organic shampoos are all-natural, you’ll have an easier time finding something that will work with your sensitive skin and hair type. In contrast, chemical-based shampoos sometimes have synthetic chemicals that can harm your skin and overall health. They typically contain harmful ingredients such as alcohol, silicone, and sulfate.
While it may seem like traditional shampoos are more popular and affordable, organic shampoos tend to be much more effective when it comes to keeping your hair healthy.
Final Thoughts: Use the Shampoo That You Feel Most Comfortable With
Picking the right aloe vera shampoo for your hair isn’t an easy task especially if you tend to have a specific need for your hair or you’re following a tight budget. That’s why you should have a reasonable understanding of aloe vera shampoos first. There are a lot of different options for different hair and skin types. Needless to say, you should always go for the one that you feel most comfortable with.
But if we had to pick only one aloe vera shampoo from our list for you to check out, we recommend that you consider the Pura D’Or Anti Hair-Thinning Shampoo. Doesn’t matter if you really are suffering from thinning hair or not, this organic shampoo has pretty much everything you’d expect from an aloe vera shampoo. It contains no harmful chemicals and it has a lot to offer.
PURA D’OR Original Gold Label Anti Hair-Thinning Shampoo w/ Biotin and DHT Herbal Ingredients is proven & tested to reduce hair thinning. It promotes hair strength & thickness with increased volume & reducing breakage.
Whether you’re looking for a high-quality aloe vera shampoo that can promote the overall health of your hair or you’re in search of a great hypoallergenic shampoo, we hope that our guide has been really helpful.
We suggest that you should always do your thorough research regarding what you’re buying. It wouldn’t be worth it if it will only make things worse for your hair. However, by doing your due diligence — and checking out the eight shampoos on our list, we hope you find one that works great for your needs!
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