Aloe Vera Gel: a lot of questions...sorry

[Peachtree]

I've read sum old threads re: this, but I'm still confused

. One thread mentioned it's a humectant, yet another thread mentioned it's drying to the hair. I know that everyone will have different results from it, but I'm just trying to get an overall understanding of this product before goin' out to buy it.

Do they all work the same? I saw some in the dolla' store & was wondering if i could save a few bucks by buying it there

.

Another thing, here's more questions...

1) What brand do u use? Can u post a pic?
2) Where do u buy it?
3) How much does it cost?
4) How do u use it?
5) What results do u get?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I'm very interested in this

.

Thanks for your patience with me ladies

Luvingly,
Peachtree

 

[Jade21]

Hi, Peachtree!

I looked at your thread, then I read here and I just wondered something. Girrrrrrl, did you have a bad day or something because YOU KNOW no one is going to make you feel weird for asking this question...or any other for that matter...hehehe.

If I am typical of any of the aloe users here who love the stuff, well, I could talk about aloe for days. I do enjoy using it on my hair and skin.

Here's what I will leave you with for now. Well, basically, you can get aloe vera in liquid form or gel form, organic, nearly organic, and totally with preservatives. Two examples would be Aubrey Organics Liquid Aloe Vera which I use exclusively and say the kind you can get at the drugstore by Fruit of the Earth which is actually quite good. It comes in gel form and the preservatives are minimal, but you do not have to store in the refrigerator. Fruit of the Earth is lik $3 for around 16oz. Aubrey's is more expensive and comes only in 4oz bottles. I couldn't quote you a price because it's been quite some time since I bought any. I have 4 bottles in my refrigerator which I purchased about 2 years ago. You would have to check aubreyorganics.com for the current price.

I think I saw the post where someone said aloe was drying . Technically, it is a humectant, draws or attracts moisture. I have never had problems with any dryness. It always adds gloss and moisture to my hair. Sometimes, if I have used too much, my hair can get crunchy, but aloe does "comb out" like natural gums. It leaves softness behind.

How have I used it on my hair? Well, I've used it alone, mixed with AO Moisturizing Jelly (Ginkgo and Ginseng), added it to pre-shampoo treatments, herbal rinses, etc. It's wonderful to use in place of a styling gel in the summer for airdrying. I like that especially.

My only issue with aloe was whether to use the gel or the liquid. Once I decided which I liked best, that was it. Utter JOY

Much Love,

Jade

P.S. If you end up liking aloe, there are places online which sell by the GALLON

 

[Peachtree]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi, Peachtree!

I looked at your thread, then I read here and I just wondered something. Girrrrrrl, did you have a bad day or something because YOU KNOW no one is going to make you feel weird for asking this question...or any other for that matter...hehehe.


[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Jade... I needed that reassurance

Thanks soooooooooooo much sweetie

.

I just love reading your posts.... I LEARN A TON FROM YOU CHICKY

.

Ok, well, I'll leave the dolla' store brand alone

, & pick up some from the drug store...fruit of the earth... i've seen that one too.
Knowing me, i'll have a "product review" to share after giving Aloe a try.

Now i just have to wait for my next product run... there's a few new things on my list

.

 

[nissi]

i use the fruit of the earth brand too. what i do is apply the aloe vera gel over this vitamin e ointment (ingredients: wheat germ oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin e) that i get from the health food store. i put this mixture on conditioner washed hair. what the aloe vera gel seems to do is seal in the moisture of the vitamin e ointment, and voila! my hair now curls "naturally" (ha! with a lye perm that is!!!), bouncy and not oily. but -- and this is key for you, peachtree -- without doing a twist out!!! hallelujah! it goes without saying that this is my new summer do (or for as long as i an let my hair dry after a condition wash! somebody asked me if i have a wet and wavy weave! I tell you, it was Jesus that blessed me -- i do so little to do this i almost feel guilty! but i thank God for you guys who share such wonderful info so unselfishly!!! tx peachtree, cuz you're a giver!

here's a flower fo ya!

btw: i have only used the natural juice straight from the plant, but only to dry my hair straight or mix with conditioner. it doesn't lend to as much styling flexibility as the gel. but i did read long ago that mexican women (where it grows) use it to keep their hair strong...

 

[Peachtree]

Hi Nissi

Thanks for the info luv. Hmmm, aloe vera gel helps to give that "wet n' wavy" look, huh

.... Yep, gotta get sum

. I'm finding that pure glycerin mixed with distilled water does the "wet n' wavy" trick too.

.

 

[MiaLi]

Re: Aloe Vera Gel

I put aloe vera gel on the edges and the ends of my hair from time to time, but I use it most often as a skin moisturizer. It seems to moisturize, soften and firm the skin all at the same time. The tube I use from GNC is $0.99.

 

[Spagirl]

Vitamin E ointment and Aloe Vera Gel

sound like that's my next combo to try. Thanks!

 

[sassygirl125]

Hmmm...

I use the Fruit of the Earth brand on my body. I'll have to try it on my hair one of these days.

Do you all apply it like a regular moisturizer or do you mix it with something else?

 

[MiaLi]

You can use the aloe vera to moisturize as is or add a little to your favorite facial cream or body lotion.

For use with the hair, you can apply aloe vera to the edges and ends as is, add some to any hot oil treatment or mix a small amount with any conditioner you use.

 

[ms_kenesha]

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel contains Aloe Vera Gel, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer 940, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea.

Today is the first time I'm using it on my hair and already I'm aridrying with it and Elucence MB COnditioner and my hair is actually making curl formations on the lower half of my hair I should have used more and maybe I'd get more of this result. This is so cool because I've never used anything that gave me any type of curl or wave formation.

 

[sassygirl125]

I tried the FOE brand mixed with Beauty Without Cruelty Leave-In. It was thick and kinda lumpy. I was afraid to put it in my hair.

I'm going to stop by the Vitamin Shoppe this week and pick up some Aubrey's Aloe Vera.

 

[CaramelKiss]

Hi Peachtree-

"Screaming"- I love those new July pics!!!! Your hair is awesome!!!!

Ahem- okay now back to the topic:
On www.naturallycurly.com there are quite a few recipes with aloe vera gel especially in combimation with glycerine and epsom salts. The effect is supposed to be softness with more curl formation and/or the beach hair look. I've been wanting to experiment, but right now I am very happy with the distilled water and glycerine mix and besides, I just got through buying some stuff, so I'm going to wait until my stock is low and before going out to get some. However, if u do try it out, please keep us posted!!!

 

[SherryLove]

Peachtree--- i just saw your july pics.....your hair is sooooooooo beautiful.. keep up the good work........