Ever since it found its way to millions worldwide, TikTok has solidified its position as a beauty and skincare juggernaut. Among the myriads of hacks found on the platform, one that has gained mainstream attention is the hyaluronic acid for hair hack.
Seeing how this ingredient is plastered on more or less every other skincare product, it seems like a natural evolution of its usage. And as far as the general consensus on it goes, it’s quite positive. Although there are some things you should know about before using it.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Hair?
Because hyaluronic acid has the capacity to retain water and an assumed ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, it’s considered to be good for the hair. It’s believed to:
- Add moisture to hair and keep it from getting dry
- Make the hair less frizzy in appearance
- Make the hair look more “plumped” or voluminous
- Leave the hair soft, shiny and smoother-looking
- Improve the texture of the hair
In addition to hydrating the hair on the scalp, it’s also said to be good for the skin of the scalp, as it may keep it from getting dry, flaky and even itchy. So, in general, by keeping the scalp and hair healthy, it may allow the hair to continue to grow normally.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For Hair?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant – a substance that promotes moisture retention – which makes it an effective moisturising agent, and this, in turn, may have the potential to help keep the hair hydrated.
According to Cleveland Clinic, just “a quarter teaspoon of hyaluronic acid” has the capacity to hold “one and a half gallons of water.” And this ingredient isn’t just made synthetically in a lab, it’s also found naturally in the body to act as a “cushion and lubricant,” as per WebMD. It can be found in the eyes, joints and the skin. So, because of its hydrating ability, it’s believed to work well for the hair as well.
Additionally, a 2022 study published in Molecules investigated whether sodium hyaluronate (a type of hyaluronic acid) could restore the mechanical properties of damaged hair; and it found that (low molecular weight) hyaluronate did indeed have the capability to repair hair damage.
How To Use Hyaluronic Acid For Hair?
There are several shampoos, conditioners and serums that have hyaluronic acid in their formulation, so you can consider trying them out as they’re specifically made for the hair.
Some have also tried to DIY it at home by adding their hyaluronic acid serum for the skin in water and then spraying it on the scalp or simply adding a few drops of it to their hair products. But there are two issues with this: 1) hyaluronic acid for skin is not cheap, and 2) without the right formulation, there’s no guarantee it might work.
Depending on which product you choose to buy, make sure to read its usage instructions, as some may advise applying it on wet hair while others may consider both wet or dry hair to be okay for this.
About dry hair application though, some are of the view that it might not be such a good idea, arguing the hyaluronic needs water to hold onto, and if it doesn’t have that, it may further dry your hair out instead of hydrating it. If you are experiencing any hair issues, the best thing to do is consult a medical professional.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Hyaluronic Acid For Hair?
On application to the skin, hyaluronic acid might cause allergic reactions, although they’re rare, according to WebMD. As long as it’s used appropriately, they deem it to be safe.
To make sure you’re not allergic to it, you should conduct a patch test before using a product containing hyaluronic acid. Also, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, are on any active medication/treatment and/or have a health condition, you should consult your medical professional about using hyaluronic acid.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid for hair might actually work to make your strands more hydrated and shiny. Because of its ability to retain moisture, this ingredient has become popular in both skincare and haircare products, which is why you can easily find it as an ingredient in the latter.
However, if you’re experiencing hair loss, you should consult a board-certified medical professional to find the root cause of your problem so your treatment plan is devised accordingly.
Reviewed and approved by Trichologist Yaprak Yazan
FAQ
Is hyaluronic acid good for low-porosity hair?
Hyaluronic acid might work better on high-porosity hair since this kind of hair can absorb moisturising agents more quickly. Still, it’s generally considered suitable for all hair types.
Is hyaluronic acid bad for hair?
The anecdotal reports on hyaluronic acid for hair are generally positive. While allergic reactions are considered rare, they can still occur with this ingredient, so you should talk to a doctor before using it.
Is hyaluronic acid good for curly hair?
By attracting and binding itself to water, hyaluronic acid can work to add moisture to your hair, so it’s believed to be good for any hair type, including curly. It may make the hair less frizzy, smooth it out and make it more manageable for you.
Is hyaluronic acid safe for hair?
Hyaluronic acid as an ingredient is considered safe. It’s also quite popular in skincare and haircare products. It may still cause adverse effects, which is why you should consider consulting a medical professional.
