When it comes to moisture, aloe vera is one of the best ingredients to hydrate your locs. And lately, people are using it to keep their locs moisturized and their scalp clean.

It’s one of the few ingredients that keeps my hair soft and hydrated, without the crunchy, dry feel. If you have locs and heard of the many uses of aloe vera, but are still skeptical, I understand, because I felt the same way. But let me tell you this, now I’m hooked.

So let me stop running my mouth and let’s explore how you can use aloe vera on your locs.

In a rush? Jump to a section that sparks your interest below.

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission. Read more about it in the Privacy Policy.

What Is Aloe Vera?

The aloe vera plant is green, long, flat in most sizes, and has little spikes on each side. With the spikes on the side, it almost resembles its cousin, a cactus. But the individual leaves are from a plant. 

Both aloe vera and cactus grow and thrive in hot, dry climates. Once you cut open the leaf, it has a green, slimy-like texture on the inside. This is considered the gel of the aloe vera plant, which is made up of about 99% of water. It is the reason why it is so great for moisture. 

Besides what we already know about this plant, aloe vera is also used to heal wounds and encourage hair growth. This can be good for you if you suffer from thinning edges or bald spots. You can use it inside and out. It’s safe to be disgusted. It has a mild sweet, yet bitter taste (speaking on personal experience).

Some eat it raw by blending it into their morning smoothies or steaming it. And if you are curious about eating it, here are some benefits of eating aloe vera: 

• Helps with heart disease and some cancers
• Improves skin elasticity (anti-aging remedies, diminish wrinkles, etc..) 
• Lowers blood sugar
• Regulate bowel movements
• Fight off stinky breath 

5 Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Locs

Provides Moisture for Locs

Since it’s made of mostly water, it is the best candidate for providing the ultimate hydrating for your locs. 

Cleanse Your Scalp

Removes dandruff flaking and build-up on your scalp. 

Soothes Itchy Scalp

It will soothe an itchy scalp due to its hydrating properties. 

Less Frizz

Once you put it on your dreadlocks, you will notice less frizz because it is moisturizing locs. 

Keep Your Dreadlocks Thick

When I say keep your locs thick, I mean you will see less breakage at the root of your locs. This will keep your locs healthy and damage-free. 

Cons Of Aloe Vera For Locs

Caution: You don’t want to overdo it by applying a lot of gel to your hair. This will cause a white build-up over time and may hinder the locking process.

Since aloe vera has conditioning properties, it can naturally detangle your hair and delay the budding process. So if this worries you, you can use aloe vera juice instead of the gel. 

Using It For A Retwist 

I have conflicting thoughts on using aloe vera gel for a retwist. I did some research on this and listened to others who have locs, and most people were saying that using the gel for a retwist is not a good thing.

Although it has moisturizing properties, it can leave a white build-up once it dries, just like regular hair gel does. And that’s not the look I’m going for.

But if you still want to use it for your retwist, remember that a little goes a very long way.

What’s The Difference Between The Gel And Juice?

When you cut open the plant, you will see a green slimy-like gel. This is the raw, organic gel everyone talks about. Some people put the gel directly on their scalp and hair.

Others cut the hard gel into small cubes, and blend them in a blender to prepare for making juice.  If you go to a local organic store, you may find whole aloe vera plants, aloe vera gel ready to buy, or aloe vera juice ready to buy.

However, knowing how you plan to use it on your locs will determine your buying choice. 

How To Use Aloe Vera Gel On Locs

You can apply the gel directly on your hair and scalp. But the rule of thumb is, a little can go a long way. If you use too much aloe vera gel on your hair, it can dry with a white film build-up on your locs. Which can make your hair and scalp look flaky.

Deep Conditioning Locs With Aloe Vera Gel

If you want to use it as a deep conditioner, shampoo your locs first. Then apply the gel to your hair and scalp. Put on a plastic cap and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Some people let it sit for a full 24 hours. Once you are ready, rinse your hair thoroughly. Follow with your favorite sealing oil. You can do this treatment once or twice a month. 

Retwisting Your Locs

Remember what I said earlier, when using aloe vera gel on your hair for a retwist, a little goes a long way. Make sure your hair is damp when applying it on your hair.

Put the gel on your roots, and twist or palm roll each loc. Once done, you can let it air dry or sit under a warm-temperature hooded dryer. 

How To Use Aloe Vera Juice On Locs

Just like the gel, you can put aloe vera juice directly on your scalp and hair. This is personally my favorite way to use it on my locs. Keep in mind that some refer to it as aloe vera juice or aloe vera water. 

Daily or Weekly Moisturizer

If you make your own aloe vera juice or buy it already from the store, you can put it in a spray bottle and mist your locs daily or weekly. You can add your favorite essential oils to your aloe vera water to take away the strong smell if you like. 

Where To Buy Aloe Vera?

If you want to buy the plant, you can go to your local natural food store. Sometimes, you can find them at your local Walmart or grocery store. Or if you are an earthy girl like myself, you can plant and grow your aloe vera. 

If that’s not your thing, and you’d rather buy it already made, you can look below at the best options on the web.

Instead of making your own aloe vera water, you can buy it ready to use with Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice. This juice is 99.8% pure, certified organically grown, naturally gluten-free, GMO-free, and vegan. It is safe to use on your hair and scalp.

The Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel is made from real aloe vera plants, not the powder form. The makers say it is the purest form of aloe vera you can get on the market. It absorbs quickly into your scalp and claims to give your skin, scalp, and hair a healthy glow.

If you have sensitive skin, the NatureSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel may be for you. It is safe for all skin types since it is now USDA-certified organic. With only five listed ingredients, aloe vera is the first on the list.

The only difference between the Aloderma Aloe Vera Gel and the others is that it contains 96% of the aloe vera plant compared to the rest.

It is made using SATT proprietary technology and does not contain Aloe powder concentrate, alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, GMOs, hormones, or sulfates.

I hope this helps you.