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Sure, you may think an aloe vera plant looks adorable in a succulent garden, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. These spiky stalks contain a delightfully goopy gel known for its soothing, moisturizing properties, according to Britannica. If you’ve ever fallen asleep at the beach and gotten a sunburn, you know it’s a powerful, healing shmear! No one-trick pony, aloe vera gel also lends itself to various beauty applications, including DIY hair gel.
Put the gel’s moisture-boosting properties to use in a quick and easy hair gel. It can be used on its own or bolstered with essential oils, according to Mommypotamus. Be sure to look for all-natural aloe vera gel without any added chemicals. If you want to dabble in beauty-herbalism — or just want heavenly-scented hair — add 24 drops of essential oil for every half cup of aloe vera gel.
According to the beauty experts at Byrdie, ylang-ylang is an excellent option for oily hair, whereas chamomile works well for everyone. If you’re looking for a scent that holds up throughout the day, give sandalwood essential oil a try. With a recipe that calls for 24 drops, you’ve got plenty of room to customize your own signature blend.