How to Make Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil for Hair Growth

If you’ve been eyeing your kitchen for a natural ingredient that can help your scalp feel better and your strands look stronger, an aloe-and-coconut oil combo is one of the simplest DIYs that actually earns its hype. Below is the best way to make it, how to use it for different hair type needs (from oily hair to dry hair), plus smart tips so it fits your usual hair care routine without the mess or mystery.

Why aloe + coconut works (in real life)

• Aloe vera gel is water-rich and soothing. It gently loosens dead skin cells, supports healthy cell turnover, and has light antibacterial properties that can help reduce buildup that leads to scalp irritation. Translation: a calmer scalp = happier hair follicles.

• Coconut oil is a fatty-acid powerhouse that can penetrate the hair shaft better than many oils. Used as a hair mask, it reduces protein loss and improves hair strength, which is what you want if you’re chasing healthy long hair.

Quick myth-buster: there’s no single miracle for hair growth—what we really do is lower breakage, keep the scalp balanced, and protect the hair shaft so it can reach its full length. Also, nutrients like folic acid (from your diet or a multivitamin your doctor okays) support cell division behind the scenes, which complements good topical care.

Learn more about the history and properties of aloe vera here.

 Benefits Comparison Table

How to make a simple aloe–coconut hair mask

You’ll need

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought, plain)

• 1–2 tbsp coconut oil (virgin, unrefined) 

   

• Optional: a few drops of rosemary or tea tree for extra scalp freshness (skip if sensitive)

Steps

1. Warm the coconut oil between your palms until liquid.

2. Whisk with aloe vera gel until it looks like a light cream. (If it separates, keep whisking—it’s normal.)

   
   
   

3. Do a patch test behind your ear and wait 24 hours. No itchiness or redness? You’re good.

How to use

• On dry or slightly damp hair, part in sections and massage into the scalp first (think: roots and hair follicles), then smooth the rest through mid-lengths to ends for intense healing vibes.

• Pop on a shower cap and leave for 20–40 minutes.

• Rinse with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Tip: If you prefer a lighter finish for oily hair, apply only to the scalp, let it sit, and do a thorough shampoo to remove excess oil. If you’ve got dry hair, work the mixture from ears down and use a gentle shampoo so you don’t strip moisture.

 Pair this nourishing mask with a calming DIY Anxiety Relief Roller Bottle to turn your hair treatment into a full, spa-at-home self-care ritual.

Make it for your hair type

• Dry hair: Add a teaspoon of honey to your mix. It’s a humectant and pairs well with aloe vera gel for extra slip and softness. Focus more on lengths for better hair strength.

• Oily hair: Blend 2 tbsp aloe with just 1 tsp coconut oil. Aloe’s light gel texture helps balance oil while still calming scalp irritation.

• Fine hair: Keep the oil minimal and rinse thoroughly. Heavy oils can weigh hair down; your goal is scalp comfort and minimal residue.

• Thick or curly: You can go heavier on coconut oil. It helps with frizz and cuticle smoothing, protecting the hair shaft so you see fewer splits as you grow.

How often should you use it?

Start once a week. If your scalp tends to be reactive, try every other week. Pair it with gentle cleansing and a consistent usual hair care routine—that’s what moves the needle over time.

 Hair Type & Application Frequency Chart

Smart safety + troubleshooting

• Always patch test new mixes to avoid surprise scalp irritation.

• If you notice flakes after use, it might be dried aloe residue—rinse longer and follow with conditioner.

• Seeing more excess oil? Use less coconut oil or switch to a pre-shampoo treatment only.

• Sensitive skin or active acne around the hairline? Keep the mask off your face to avoid clogging dark spots or blemish-prone areas. (Aloe is great on skin, but coconut oil can be heavy for some complexions.)

Bonus: aloe “vera oil” shortcut

People sometimes say “vera oil” when they mean aloe-infused oil. You can make it: gently warm 1/2 cup light oil (like grapeseed) with 2 tbsp homemade aloe (fresh gel) on very low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring, then strain well. Use a few drops on the scalp or ends for lighter daily shine. This is handy if you love aloe’s soothing feel but want a non-greasy finish.

Results you can realistically expect

• A calmer, cleaner-feeling scalp thanks to aloe’s antibacterial properties and gentle cell turnover support.

• Less breakage and stronger-feeling strands from coconut oil’s fatty acids—hello improved hair strength.

• Over weeks, your hair can retain length better; that’s the quiet, steady side of “hair growth.”

Quick FAQs

Will this fade color? Usually no, but always test on a small section if you have vivid dyes.
Can I sleep in it? You can, under a shower cap, but most people do fine with 30–40 minutes.
What about dandruff? If it’s mild buildup, aloe’s soothing nature and antibacterial properties may help. If flakes persist or worsen, see a dermatologist—especially before trying new treatments.
Can it help skin? Fresh aloe is known for soothing dark spots appearance over time and calming redness, but keep the mask away from your face if you’re acne-prone to avoid trapping excess oil.

Bottom line: 

This duo is low-cost, customizable, and beginner-friendly. Treat your scalp like skin, pick a version that matches your hair type, keep expectations realistic, and be consistent. That’s the best way to turn a simple kitchen blend into a steady routine that supports comfort at the roots and resilience along the lengths.