The Bowl Method using Aloe Vera for Curly Hair: Keeps your Locks Hydrated

Posted on January 16, 2023

If your curly or wavy hair doesn’t have the same vibrance it once had, or appears dry, frizzy, or flat, you’ve probably considered (or have tried) loads of hair treatments to rejuvenate those soft, bouncy locks. Before you shell out a bundle at the hair salon, there’s a simple, natural method that you can add to your regular routine that helps to hydrate your curls. It’s called the bowl method, and it’s gone viral on social media channels. 

What is the Bowl Method?

The bowl method is one of the easiest ways to revitalize your curly or wavy hair, and all you’ll need is a large bowl of warm water, a hairbrush, and a natural, hydrating product like aloe vera. You can perform this method right after you’ve showered, or on day two or three of your hair care routine. 

The concept behind the bowl method is that it provides a deep conditioning that locks in moisture to hydrate dry hair and tame curls, and is a cost-effective, and natural way to reclaim your locks.  

Bowl Method Steps:

1. First, wet your hair (either with a showerhead or in the bowl) and brush out any tangles.
2. Apply about 4 to 6 tablespoons of the aloe vera to your hair. Or, alternatively, you could apply the aloe vera into the water in the bowl (and stir to mix it in) if you prefer.
3. Once it’s fully applied, you’ll want to submerge your hair in the bowl.
4. Squeeze out the water (and remaining aloe vera) from your locks and into the bowl. Continue to scrunch your hair multiple times until it stops dripping.
5. Repeat the process (up to four times) by reusing the water (that now contains the diluted aloe vera), making sure to tilt your head to the sides to rinse all your hair. 
6. For best results, let your hair dry naturally (no diffuser, curling iron, or blow dryer).

Why is Aloe Vera a Good Choice for the Bowl Method?

Although any leave-in conditioner can be used in this method, if you’re looking for a natural hair care product for this treatment, we recommend an aloe vera gel. Not only does aloe vera add hair hydration to help improve dry hair, but it also contains vitamins C, E, B-12, folic acid, and choline content — all of which can help improve the overall health of your hair. Plus, aloe vera is non-comedogenic, so it’s easy on the scalp and is even frequently used in hair masks because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory abilities. 

If you decide to use aloe vera, make sure that it's free from harsh (or sticky) chemicals that can dry out your hair, or synthetic fragrances (which many of the store-bought brands contain). Seven Minerals’ aloe vera is alcohol free and uses seaweed extract to thicken (instead of xanthan), ensuring it won’t leave residue behind. It’s cruelty-free and made from 99 percent organic aloe that’s grown in Southern Texas.

Who Should Try the Bowl Method?

Results vary depending on the individual, but those with curly, coily, or wavy hair with low porosity (difficulty absorbing water) should consider the bowl method, particularly if they’re interested in natural alternatives to hair care. If your curls are dry or damaged from other treatments (like chemical hair dye), you might find success by providing it with some extra hair hydration through the bowl method. However, those with sensitive scalps or other related skin conditions should consult with a dermatologist before making changes to their hair care routines. In addition, although the bowl method can add hydration to straight hair, you must already have curly or wavy hair for it to be effective.

How Often Should the Bowl Method be Performed?

The frequency of this treatment depends on each person’s hair care needs, and while some use it multiple times per week, others use it seasonally (when the climate changes). It’s worth noting that excessive use of the bowl method could potentially lead to build up with certain commercial hair products, but using clean, natural products like aloe vera gel can alleviate this risk.

My Experience with the Bowl Method

I live in a very humid climate (South Florida) and have always had temperamental hair that frizzes instead of curls and finds itself somewhere between wavy and curly (like a type 2C). After years of using mousse that left it stiff and grainy, I switched to natural hair care products, but my hair often fell flat, or didn’t quite have that bounce that’s difficult to achieve. I decided to give the bowl method for hair hydration a try. 

I first performed the bowl method on my day two hair by wetting it, applying Seven Minerals’ aloe vera gel, and dunking my head into a bowl. The aloe very was so smooth on my hair (and not sticky) that provided a refreshing feeling. Then I squeezed my hair (in portions) up to my scalp to wring out the water. The first thing I noticed was that my hair scrunched differently when it was still fully wet (versus when I scrunched my damp hair). It seemed to find different curling patterns than usual. I repeated the process three times, and each my hair shortened a little more as the curls took hold. I let my hair air dry in the sun and did not add any products, so I could see the full effect without them. 

Once dried, my hair had more of a natural, just-left-the salon type of look and tamer curls (although it didn’t add any volume — just less frizz). However, with the climate here in Florida and without any styling product, a few hours later the soft, wavy curls faded a bit. So, I decided to try the bowl method again, only this time, after the third “rinse-and-scrunch” in the bowl, I added Seven Minerals’ natural sweet almond oil as my curls dried and they lasted all day.  

Overall, this method produced the type of frizz-free curls that I haven’t seen in years! It only took about five minutes or so to do, so I plan on adding the bowl method to my regular hair care regimen. If you decide to try it, I’d suggest experimenting with how many times you repeat the process and find the combination of aloe vera and natural oils that work best for you and your curly or wavy hair type. 

-Amber Nolan

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