An Aloe Vera DIY Leave-In Conditioner + Mask For Hydrated Hair

And while you can use aloe vera alone as a conditioner or hair mask, we wanted to take it next level. So we tapped into a few experts to get their take on how to whip up a DIY leave-in conditioner and mask combo using a few other ingredients you'll likely already have in your pantry:

It's also important to note that aloe vera can cause irritation or inflammation due to allergic reaction, so testing the ingredient first can help avoid any major reactions. (A good rule to follow for all products, DIY or not.) "I always recommend a quick patch-test before applying anything new to your scalp," says celebrity hairstylist and colorist Brittany King from Mare Salon in West Hollywood. "Before mixing the ingredients, you can test the aloe on your skin. If there aren't any reactions, you can mix the mask and apply."

King's hair cocktail consists of the aforementioned aloe vera gel, plus honey and coconut oil. Coconut oil has plenty of healthy-hair properties of its own, including nourishing the strand with triglyceride of lauric acid and helping protect it from physical damage. Plus, research shows that due to its molecular weight, it's better able to penetrate the hair cuticle1, unlike some other oils. Honey can also act as a humectant for strands, so it helps your hair hold moisture for longer.

King suggests taking your aloe vera plant and cutting at the stem before soaking it in water for 30 minutes. After your leaf has been soaked, cut it open and scrape out the jellylike center. That's the good stuff, so get every last drop. If you're doing this a few days before you plan to mask, here's how to store the gel to keep it fresh for longer.

This recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of aloe gel, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 3 teaspoons of coconut oil. Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix together with a fork until it's well combined. Since the mask doesn't call for all of the aloe, set some aside for your leave-in conditioner spray later.

You'll want to apply this deep treatment prior to shampooing your hair. Because you want this to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, you don't want to try this when you're running short on time. It's one of those masks you apply and then go do chores around the house or relax on the couch with a book in hand while you wait. King recommends paying close attention to the scalp when applying the mask and ensuring it covers your hair from root to tip.

Once your timer goes off, it's time to shampoo. Since the ingredients are sticky, gooey, and heavy, you may want to shampoo twice until you feel like your hair is completely clean. This is especially true for fine hair types since you don't want to be stuck with greasy locks post-treatment. Like any deep treatment, you don't want to apply this daily. King suggests applying this mask once a week at most.

With the extra aloe vera, you can make your own leave-in conditioner for post-wash. This is especially helpful for those with really dry, damaged hair who need extra-strength moisture. In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, 3 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Stir the mixture until it's evenly mixed, then pour it into an old spray bottle. Thoroughly shake the spray bottle before use, and then on damp hair, spritz the mixture all over, evenly distributing the tincture.

Aloe vera has plenty of hair-healthy uses, and this mask and leave-in conditioner combo will leave your hair hydrated and so healthy.