Aloe Gel

[merseaone]

A while back I read a post about Aloe Gel and for the life of me I can't find it so I am sorry this may be a repeat.

What exactly is Aloe Gel used for? Is it a gel that can be used instead of hair gel for curling? Can it be used on my hem to keep it from looking so ragged or does it dry it out? Can it be used as a volumizer? Does it build up the hair and strengthen it?

[Elphie]

I don't think aloe strengthens hair. You can use it like any other gel to add some hold and it has moisturizing properties, so it can be added to hair treatments like SMT. It should not be drying, just make sure you are using pure aloe gel without any added ingredients.

[OhMyCurlz]

It's a moisturizer, and is good for the skin in general. Aloe juice in itself probably wouldn't give a lot of hold for curling, but if carbomer or xantham is added it can definitely provide hold for curls.

[rapunzhell13]

I use it to make updos sleek.

[Flynn]

Originally Posted by OhMyCurlz

It's a moisturizer, and is good for the skin in general. Aloe juice in itself probably wouldn't give a lot of hold for curling, but if carbomer or xantham is added it can definitely provide hold for curls.

I use it fresh from the plant, no additives, and it does the trick for me. Fruits of the Earth is certainly stiffer, (indeed, too stiff for me; I mix it with a fair bit of oil if I use it!), but fresh does work.

These two images were taken a few weeks apart, with the same routine (yes, there was a trim in there.) The first is with scruncing with AVG and a little walnut oil as a leave-in, the second is an untouched hairtyping picture.

[OhMyCurlz]

Wow..looks great! Aloe fresh always just gives me frizz (though, admittedly...I've never scrunched it in with oil) ...I would much prefer not to have to add additives for hold and use the juice alone but I have to add something to it. I have heard a lot of LHCer's having success with your method though..just doesn't do much justice for my 3c curls though.

Originally Posted by Flynn

I use it fresh from the plant, no additives, and it does the trick for me. Fruits of the Earth is certainly stiffer, (indeed, too stiff for me; I mix it with a fair bit of oil if I use it!), but fresh does work.

These two images were taken a few weeks apart, with the same routine (yes, there was a trim in there.) The first is with scruncing with AVG and a little walnut oil as a leave-in, the second is an untouched hairtyping picture.

[merseaone]

Originally Posted by OhMyCurlz

It's a moisturizer, and is good for the skin in general. Aloe juice in itself probably wouldn't give a lot of hold for curling, but if carbomer or xantham is added it can definitely provide hold for curls.

I don't use it for curls, mainly the length. I use something else if I want curls or even slick down my top.

[hennaphile]

I use it as a light styling product.

[tja]

I also use it as a styling product to hold my waves. Sometimes I add it to my henna mix, just because :P

[prittykitty]

I have tried aloe gel and it really didn't do much for my hair. I have found that coconut oil works great for bad dry ends. Also I have a pomade that is castor oil based that works to keep my ends looking in decent condition. I think straight castor oil would probably do the same thing.