CHARACTERIZATION OF ALOE VERA

Isolation and characterization of structural components of Aloe vera L. leaf pulp

(Y.NiaD.TurnerbK.M.Yatesa) (2004)

Abstract
The clear pulp, also known as inner gel, of Aloe vera L. leaf is widely used in various medical,
cosmetic and nutraceuticalapplications. Many beneficial effects of this plant have been attributed
to the polysaccharides present in the pulp. However, discrepancies exist regarding the
composition of pulp polysaccharide species and an understanding of pulp structure in relation to
its chemical composition has been lacking. Thus, we examined pulp structure, isolated structural
components and determined their carbohydrate compositions along with analyzing a partially
purified pulp-based product (Acemannan hydrogel™) used to make Carrisyn® hydrogel wound
dressing. Light and electron microscopy showed that the pulp consisted of large clear mesophyll
cells with a diameter as large as 1000 μm. These cells were composed of cell walls and cell
membranes along with a very limited number of degenerated cellular organelles. No intact
cellular organelles were found in mesophyll cells. Following disruption of pulp by
homogenization, three components were isolated by sequential centrifugation. They were thin
clear sheets, microparticles and a viscous liquid gel, which corresponded to cell wall,
degenerated cellular organelles and liquid content of mesophyll cells based on morphological
and chemical analysis. These three components accounted for 16.2% (±3.8), 0.70% (±0) and
83.1% of the pulp on a dry weight basis. The carbohydrate composition of each component was
distinct; liquid gel contained mannan, microparticles contained galactose-rich polysaccharide(s)
and cell walls contained an unusually high level of galacturonic acid (34%, w/w; Gal A). The
same three components were also found in AcemannanHydrogel™ with mannan as the
predominant component. Thus, different pulp structural components are associated with different
polysaccharides and thus may potentially be different functionally. These findings may help lay a
basis for further studies and development of better controlled processing methods and
applications for this well-accepted medicinal plant.
 Extraction, Characterization and Properties of the Gel of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis
Miller) Cultivated in Chile

Muñoz OM1*, Leal X2, Quitral V3 and Cardemil L4 (2015)

Abstract

This work describes the chemical characterization of Aloe vera leaves after dissecting the whole
leaf into filets and skin, and characterizes the mucilaginous gel extracted from the filets. Gel was
extracted by hand-fileting the leaves and pressing the resulting filet. The mean gel yield was
86.3% from the whole filet and the volume of freeze-dried gel was 0.91% that of fresh gel. The
volume of the pressed fresh residue (cake) of the filet after extracting the gel was 15.1% that of
the whole filet. The fresh gel had a moisture content of 97.8%, a pH of 5.24 and 0.07% acidity
expressed as malic acid. Water content analysis of the freeze-dried gel and dehydrated cake
revealed moisture values of 2.3% in the gel and 6.9% in the cake. The ash content was 17.20% in
the gel and 13.15% in the cake. The total dietary fiber determined in the cake (71.5%) was
greater than that of freeze-dried gel (64.8%), and water retention capacity (WRC), swelling (SW)
and fat adsorption capacity (FAQ) were higher in the cake than in the gel. Aloin and
polysaccharides were also determined in both the freeze-dried gel and cake. Antioxidant activity
was greater in freeze-dried gel (46.7%) than in fresh gel (36.7%). This study aims to analyze the
process by which gel and latex is extracted from aloe vera grown and utilized in Chile,
comparing it with other Aloe barbadensis varieties cultivated elsewhere.

Chemical and physical properties of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel stored after
high hydrostatic pressure processing (2013)

4 Conclusions

Aloe vera gel subjected to HHP treatments at 150, 250, 350, 450, and 550 MPa for 5 minutes,
was affected in terms of quality during processing and storage. Antioxidant capacity, total
phenolic content, color, firmness, rehydration ratio, and water holding capacity measured after
60 days storage at 4 °C showed significant changes. Total phenolic content showed an increase
as pressure level increased, which is associated with cell disruption and release of these
compounds. The best color retention of samples could be observed between the operating
pressures of 150 and 250 MPa. Modifications in cell wall structure due to HHP also resulted in a
decrease in the gel firmness as well as in its rehydration capacity meaning loss in the initial
ability to retain water. These results showed that this innovative HHP technology has a potential
use in the preservation of aloe vera gel quality, which would be highly beneficial for the
production of a high quality ingredient.
 World health organization (1999)

Aloe Vera Gel

Definition

Aloe Vera Gel is the colourless mucilaginous gel obtained from the parenchymatous cells in the
fresh leaves of Aloe vera (L) Burm. f. (Liliaceae) (1, 2).

Synonyms

Aloe barbadensis Mill., Aloe chinensis Bak., A. elongata Murray, A.

indica Royle, A. officinalis Forsk., A. perfoliata L., A. rubescens DC, A. vera L.
var. littoralis König ex Bak., A. vera L. var. chinensis Berger, A. vulgaris Lam. (2–5). Most
formularies and reference books regard Aloe barbadensis Mill. as the correct species name,
and Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. as a synonym. However, according to the International Rules of
Botanical Nomenclature, Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. is the legitimate name for this species (2–4).
The genus Aloe has also been placed taxonomically in a family called Aloeaceae.

Selected vernacular names

Aloe vera gel, aloe gel.

Description

Succulent, almost sessile perennial herb; leaves 30–50 cm long and 10cm broad at the base;
colour pea-green (when young spotted with white); bright yellow tubular flowers 25–35 cm in
length arranged in a slender loose spike; stamens frequently project beyond the perianth tube (6).

Plant material of interest: liquid gel from the fresh leaf

Aloe Vera Gel is not to be confused with the juice, which is the bitter yellow exudate originating
from the bundle sheath cells of the leaf. The drug Aloe consists of the dried juice.

General appearance

The gel is a viscous, colourless, transparent liquid.

Organoleptic properties

Viscous, colourless, odourless, taste slightly bitter.

Microscopic characteristics

Not applicable.

Geographical distribution
Probably native to north Africa along the upper Nile in the Sudan, and subsequently introduced
and naturalized in the Mediterranean region, most of the tropics and warmer areas of the world,
including Asia, the Bahamas, Central America, Mexico, the southern United States of America,
south-east Asia, and the West Indies (2).

General identity tests

To be established in accordance with national requirements.

Purity tests

Microbiology

The test for Salmonella spp. in Aloe Vera Gel should be negative. Acceptable maximum limits
of other microorganisms are as follows (7–9). For external use: aerobic bacteria-not more than
102/ml; fungi-not more than 102/ml; enterobacteria and certain Gram-negative bacteria-not more
than 101/ml; Staphylococcus spp.-0/ml. (Not used internally.)
Moisture

Contains 98.5% water (10).

Pesticide residues

To be established in accordance with national requirements. For guidance, see WHO guidelines
on quality control methods for medicinal plants (7) and guidelines on predicting dietary intake of
pesticide residues (11).

Heavy metals

Recommended lead and cadmium levels are not more than 10 and 0.3mg/kg, respectively, in the
final dosage form (7).

Radioactive residues

For analysis of strontium-90, iodine-131, caesium-134, caesium-137, and plutonium-239, see

WHO guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal plants (7).

Other tests

Chemical tests for Aloe Vera Gel and tests for total ash, acid-insoluble ash, alcohol-soluble
residue, foreign organic matter, and water-soluble extracts to be established in accordance with
national requirements.

Chemical assays

Carbohydrates (0.3%) (12), water (98.5%) (10). Polysaccharide composition analysis by gas–
liquid chromatography (13).
Major chemical constituents

Aloe Vera Gel consists primarily of water and polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses,
glucomannan, acemannan, and mannose derivatives). It also contains amino acids, lipids, sterols
(lupeol, campesterol, and β-sitosterol), tannins, and enzymes (1). Mannose 6-phosphate is a
major sugar component (14).

Dosage forms

The clear mucilaginous gel. At present no commercial preparation has been proved to be stable.
Because many of the active ingredients in the gel appear to deteriorate on storage, the use of
fresh gel is recommended. Preparation of fresh gel: harvest leaves and wash them with water and
a mild chlorine solution. Remove the outer layers of the leaf including the pericyclic cells,
leaving a "fillet" of gel. Care should be taken not to tear the green rind which can contaminate
the fillet with leaf exudate. The gel may be stabilized by pasteurization at 75–80°C for less than
3 minutes. Higher temperatures held for longer times may alter the chemical composition of the
gel (2).

Medicinal uses

Uses supported by clinical data

None.

Uses described in pharmacopoeias and in traditional systems of medicine

Aloe Vera Gel is widely used for the external treatment of minor wounds and inflammatory skin
disorders (1, 14–17). The gel is used in the treatment of minor skin irritations, including burns,
bruises, and abrasions (1, 14, 18). The gel is further used in the cosmetics industry as a hydrating
ingredient in liquids, creams, sun lotions, shaving creams, lip balms, healing ointments, and face
packs (1).

Aloe Vera Gel has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for burns (18, 19). Aloe Vera Gel
has been effectively used in the treatment of first- and second-degree thermal burns and radiation
burns. Both thermal and radiation burns healed faster with less necrosis when treated with
preparations containing Aloe Vera Gel (18, 19). In most cases the gel must be freshly prepared
because of its sensitivity to enzymatic, oxidative, or microbial degradation. Aloe Vera Gel is not
approved as an internal medication, and internal administration of the gel has not been shown to
exert any consistent therapeutic effect.

Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental or clinical data

The treatment of acne, haemorrhoids, psoriasis, anaemia, glaucoma, petit ulcer, tuberculosis,
blindness, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and fungal infections (2, 6, 19).

Pharmacology
Wound healing

Clinical investigations suggest that Aloe Vera Gel preparations accelerate wound healing
(14, 18). In vivo studies have demonstrated that Aloe Vera Gel promotes wound healing by
directly stimulating the activity of macrophages and fibroblasts (14). Fibroblast activation by
Aloe Vera Gel has been reported to increase both collagen and proteoglycan synthesis, thereby
promoting tissue repair (14). Some of the active principles appear to be polysaccharides
composed of several monosaccharides, predominantly mannose. It has been suggested that
mannose 6-phosphate, the principal sugar component of Aloe Vera Gel, may be partly
responsible for the wound healing properties of the gel (14). Mannose 6-phosphate can bind to
the growth factor receptors on the surface of the fibroblasts and thereby enhance their activity
(14, 15).

Furthermore, acemannan, a complex carbohydrate isolated from Aloe leaves, has been shown to
accelerate wound healing and reduce radiationinduced skin reactions (20, 21). The mechanism of
action of acemannan appears to be twofold. First, acemannan is a potent macrophage-activating
agent and therefore may stimulate the release of fibrogenic cytokines (21, 22). Second, growth
factors may directly bind to acemannan, promoting their stability and prolonging their
stimulation of granulation tissue (20).

The therapeutic effects of Aloe Vera Gel also include prevention of progressive dermal
ischaemia caused by burns, frostbite, electrical injury and intraarterial drug abuse. In
vivo analysis of these injuries demonstrates that Aloe Vera Gel acts as an inhibitor of
thromboxane A2, a mediator of progressive tissue damage (14, 17). Several other mechanisms
have been proposed to explain the activity of Aloe Vera Gel, including stimulation of the
complement linked to polysaccharides, as well as the hydrating, insulating, and protective
properties of the gel (1).

Because many of the active ingredients appear to deteriorate on storage, the use of fresh gel is
recommended. Studies of the growth of normal human cells in vitro demonstrated that cell
growth and attachment were promoted by exposure to fresh Aloe vera leaves, whereas a
stabilized Aloe Vera Gel preparation was shown to be cytotoxic to both normal and tumour cells.
The cytotoxic effects of the stabilized gel were thought to be due to the addition of other
substances to the gel during processing (23).

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe Vera Gel has been revealed by a number of in
vitro and in vivo studies (14, 17, 24, 25). Fresh Aloe Vera Gel significantly reduced acute
inflammation in rats (carrageenin-induced paw oedema), although no effect on chronic
inflammation was observed (25). Aloe Vera Gel appears to exert its anti-inflammatory activity
through bradykinase activity (24) and thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin F2 inhibition (18, 26).
Furthermore, three plant sterols in Aloe Vera Gel reduced inflammation by up to 37% in croton
oil-induced oedema in mice (15). Lupeol, one of the sterol compounds found in Aloe vera, was
the most active and reduced inflammation in a dosedependent manner (15). These data suggest
that specific plant sterols may also contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe Vera Gel.
Burn treatment

Aloe Vera Gel has been used for the treatment of radiation burns (27–30). Healing of radiation
ulcers was observed in two patients treated with Aloe vera cream (27), although the fresh gel was
more effective than the cream (29, 30). Complete healing was observed, after treatment with
fresh Aloe Vera Gel, in two patients with radiation burns (30). Twenty-seven patients with
partialthickness burns were treated with Aloe Vera Gel in a placebo-controlled study (31). The
Aloe Vera Gel-treated lesions healed faster (11.8 days) than the burns treated with petroleum
jelly gauze (18.2 days), a difference that is statistically significant (t-test, P < 0.002).

Contraindications

Aloe Vera Gel is contraindicated in cases of known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae.

Warnings

No information available.

Precautions

No information available concerning general precautions, or precautions dealing with

carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility; drug and laboratory test interactions; drug
interactions; nursing mothers; paediatric use; or teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects on
pregnancy.

Adverse reactions

There have been a few reports of contact dermatitis and burning skin sensations following topical
applications of Aloe Vera Gel to dermabraded skin (18, 32). These reactions appeared to be
associated with anthraquinone contaminants in this preparation (33). A case of disseminated
dermatitis has been reported following application of Aloe Vera Gel to a patient with stasis
dermatitis (34). An acute bullous allergic reaction and contact urticaria have also been reported
to result from the use of Aloe Vera Gel (35).

Posology

Fresh gel or preparations containing 10–70% fresh gel.

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Aloe Vera: A short review

Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani, and D G Saple (2007)

Abstract
Go to:

Introduction
The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and
skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning
“shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true.” 2000 years ago, the Greek
scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of
immortality.” Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology.

History
Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for millennia: Greece, Egypt,
India, Mexico, Japan and China.1 Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their
regular beauty regimes. Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’
wounds. The first reference to Aloe vera in English was a translation by John Goodyew in A.D.
1655 of Dioscorides’ Medical treatise De Materia Medica.2 By the early 1800s, Aloe vera was in
use as a laxative in the United States, but in the mid-1930s, a turning point occurred when it was
successfully used to treat chronic and severe radiation dermatitis.2

Plant
The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae
(Liliaceae) family, and is a shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea- green
color plant. It grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In India, it
is found in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Anatomy
The plant has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges, yellow tubular flowers and fruits that
contain numerous seeds. Each leaf is composed of three layers: 1) An inner clear gel that
contains 99% water and rest is made of glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins.
2) The middle layer of latex which is the bitter yellow sap and contains anthraquinones and
glycosides. 3) The outer thick layer of 15–20 cells called as rind which has protective function
and synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins. Inside the rind are vascular bundles responsible for
transportation of substances such as water (xylem) and starch (phloem).3
Active components with its properties: Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents:
vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.4–6
 1. Vitamins: It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also
contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
2. Enzymes: It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase,
carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce
excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the
breakdown of sugars and fats.
3. Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese,
potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various
enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.
4. Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides:
(glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and
are known as mucopolysaccharides. The most prominent monosaccharide is mannose-6-
phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-
acetylated mannan]. Acemannan, a prominent glucomannan has also been found.
Recently, a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-
inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel.7,8
5. Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds
traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and
antivirals.
6. Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol.
All these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and
analgesic properties.
7. Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-
inflammatory action.
8. Others: It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and 7 of the 8 essential
amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and
antibacterial properties. Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical preparations,
enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are the
soapy substances form about 3% of the gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties.

Mechanism of actions

1. Healing properties: Glucomannan, a mannose-rich polysaccharide, and gibberellin, a

growth hormone, interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast, thereby
stimulating its activity and proliferation, which in turn significantly increases collagen
synthesis after topical and oral Aloe vera.9 Aloe gel not only increased collagen content
of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the
degree of collagen cross linking. Due to this, it accelerated wound contraction and
increased the breaking strength of resulting scar tissue.10An increased synthesis of
hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate in the granulation tissue of a healing wound
following oral or topical treatment has been reported.11
2. Effects on skin exposure to UV and gamma radiation: Aloe vera gel has been reported
to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin.12,13 Exact role is not
known, but following the administration of aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein,
metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents
suppression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the skin. It reduces
 the production and release of skin keratinocyte-derived immunosuppressive cytokines
such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and hence prevents UV-induced suppression of delayed
type hypersensitivity.14
3. Anti-inflammatory action: Aloe vera inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduces
prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid. Recently, the novel anti-
inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl chromone was isolated from gel extracts.8
4. Effects on the immune system: Alprogen inhibit calcium influx into mast cells, thereby
inhibiting the antigen-antibody-mediated release of histamine and leukotriene from mast
cells.7 In a study on mice that had previously been implanted with murine sarcoma cells,
acemannan stimulates the synthesis and release of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis
factor from macrophages in mice, which in turn initiated an immune attack that resulted
in necrosis and regression of the cancerous cells.15 Several low-molecular-weight
compounds are also capable of inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen free radicals
from activated human neutrophils.16
5. Laxative effects: Anthraquinones present in latex are a potent laxative. It increases
intestinal water content, stimulates mucus secretion and increases intestinal peristalsis.17
6. Antiviral and antitumor activity: These actions may be due to indirect or direct effects.
Indirect effect is due to stimulation of the immune system and direct effect is due to
anthraquinones. The anthraquinone aloin inactivates various enveloped viruses such as
herpes simplex, varicella zoster and influenza.18 In recent studies, a polysaccharide
fraction has shown to inhibit the binding of benzopyrene to primary rat hepatocytes,
thereby preventing the formation of potentially cancer-initiating benzopyrene-DNA
adducts. An induction of glutathione S-transferase and an inhibition of the tumor-
promoting effects of phorbol myristic acetate has also been reported which suggest a
possible benefit of using aloe gel in cancer chemoprevention.19,20
7. Moisturizing and anti-aging effect: Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into
the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making
the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial
flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino
acids also soften hardened skin cells and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Its
moisturizing effects has also been studied in treatment of dry skin associated with
occupational exposure where aloe vera gel gloves improved the skin integrity, decreases
appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema.21 It also has anti-acne effect.
8. Antiseptic effect: Aloe vera contains 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea
nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur. They all have inhibitory action on fungi,
bacteria and viruses.

Clinical uses: The clinical use of aloe vera is supported mostly by anecdotal data. Though most
of these uses are interesting, controlled trials are essential to determine its effectiveness in all the
following diseases.22,23
A. Uses based on scientific evidence: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety
and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis,24 psoriasis vulgaris,25,26 genital herpes,27,28 skin
burns,5,29 diabetes (type 2),30 HIV infection,31 cancer prevention,32,33 ulcerative colitis34 wound
healing (results of aloe on wound healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive
results35 and others showing no benefit36 or potential worsening37,38 ), pressure
ulcers,36 mucositis,39 radiation dermatitis,40 acne vulgaris,41 lichen planus,42frostbite,43 aphthous
stomatitis,44 and constipation.17
B. Uses based on tradition or theory: The below uses are based on tradition or scientific
theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness
have not always been proven.
Conditions: Alopecia, bacterial and fungal skin infections, chronic leg wounds, parasitic
infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, arthritis and tic douloureux.

Side effects
Topical: It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in
sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and
barbaloin. It is best to apply it to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction.
Oral: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine, hepatitis, dependency or worsening of
constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Laxative
effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels).
Contraindication: Contraindicated in cases of known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to
theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometime
causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.
Interactions: Application of aloe to skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as
hydrocortisone. It reduces the effectiveness and may increases the adverse effects of digoxin and
digitoxin, due to its potassium lowering effect. Combined use of Aloe vera and furosemide may
increase the risk of potassium depletion. It decreases the blood sugar levels and thus may interact
with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin.
Thus, though Aloe vera has wide spectrum of the properties and uses, some of them could be
myths and some of them could be real magic. In future, controlled studies are required to prove
the effectiveness of Aloe vera under various conditions.

USES OF POMADE

WHAT IS POMADE AND WHY DO I NEED IT?

Posted by Rocky Mountain Barber on October 24, 2017

Hair texture is just as important as its style. We all desire that effortlessly touchable he-man hair-
- the kind that feels firm enough to hold its shape, yet flexible and free-flowing enough to
suggest we don’t even try. In other words, it’s our inner mountain lion--all natural and glorious.
When it comes to achieving this masterpiece, we look to a particular type of product to master
these goals: pomade. If you’re a styling newbie who’s still wondering, “what is pomade and why
do I need it?”, here are some enlightening facts of the trade.

What is pomade?

Pomade is an ideal option for virtually all hair types and styles. With its lightweight and versatile
quality, you can create all different effects by switching up the amount you use.

Since pomade creates body and structure, you can sway and swivel your hair into all kinds of
looks, ranging from a stylishly messy finish to a neat-and-tidy work of art. The outcome is
completely up to you; you’re the artist of your hair. It could be grizzly outdoor waves or a slick,
princely quaff; pomade is the invincible multi-tasker.

Plus, it’s extremely easy to wash out-- bonus!

POMADE VS. GEL

Gel is more known for creating a harder look with a "crunchy" effect, on the other hand,
Pomades are water-based and offer flexible texture to create a more authentic feel without the
crunchiness of a gel.

So, essentially, your hair still gets the shaping benefits, but it stays more breezy and natural-
looking-- not stiff and immovable.

Many guys consider investing in a Barber-grade Pomade which offers a lighter formula, while
also preventing scalp dryness and clogged pores. Because let’s be honest, no matter how
impressive your hairstyle, there’s few bigger turnoffs than a head full of dandruff.

Why do I need pomade?

Any man who takes pride in his hair needs pomade. Especially since most of today’s hairstyles
are designed with a more natural approach to texture, pomade is the only viable solution.

Trying to maintain any of the latest hair trends without pomade keeps your style from reaching
the best of its potential. Take this scenario, for example: if you’re a pro climber who’s training to
sharpen his skills, would you invest in shoddy gear? No! Because great hair is a skill and you
can’t cheap out on your gear (hair products).

Stay groomed and glorious, guys!

PREPARATION OF POMADE

RYAN FOY

https://www.momtastic.com/style/425571-diy-hair-pomade-for-fathers-day/#/slide/1