What makes honey so universally loved is, no doubt, its sweetness. Aloe vera cannot boast of being sweet, yet it is just as loved by everyone as honey. One may wonder why a gel so bitter could receive such an open-arm embrace. The reason for this is not far-fetched. Despite its bitter flavor, the benefits of aloe vera to the body, skin and hair are much sweeter than honey.

Aloe vera is quickly rising to the ranks of wonder ingredients in the hair industry, and for good reason. At the back of any skin or hair care product, there's bound to be aloe vera gel in the ingredient list. What's the aloe vera rave all about? Here are 3 benefits of aloe vera gel to the hair.

1. It soothes the scalp

Itching is a common side effect of dandruff. Applying aloe vera gel to the scalp will stop this irritation and any potential inflammation that may arise. The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel makes it able to alleviate itching, reduce scalp irritability, and heal wounds.

2. It is an excellent moisturizer

Water is a primary moisturizer, and interestingly, aloe vera contains a substantial amount of it. Water makes up 99.5 percent of aloe vera gel. This makes aloe vera gel a superb natural moisturizer. Aloe vera gel seeps swiftly into the hair follicles to hydrate the hair from within and eliminate dryness.

3. It is a good source of antioxidants

When your hair is exposed to damaging factors like UV rays from the sun or harsh chemicals in hair products, it begins to break down quickly and lose its color and sheen. Antioxidants shield the hair from these abrasive conditions by forming a protective layer on the hair shaft. Aloe vera contains a significant amount of these antioxidants. Including aloe vera gel in your hair regimen or buying hair products that contain aloe vera as their key ingredient will protect your hair against premature aging and discoloration.