If you’re anything like us and you’ve been just as obsessed with perfecting your skin care routine as you have been over finding the perfect hair extension application kit, odds are you’ve probably heard of hyaluronic acid. After all, the stuff has been showing up in plenty of beauty products for a while now thanks to its moisturizing properties. But have you heard of hyaluronic acid for hair?
Thanks to some viral TikTok videos and a slew of people willing to join in on this trendy scalp health experimentation, more and more people seem to be thrilled with the results they’re seeing after applying hyaluronic acid to their tresses. And, much like those who have tried our Seamless Hair Extensions or Classic Volume Bundles, they can’t wait to show off their gorgeous new locks for the rest of the world to see. But is it all a big coincidence, or is there actually something to this theory of hyaluronic acid for hair?
If you’re interested in soft hair that you can’t help but want to touch (not to mention constantly check out in your compact mirror), read on to learn all you need to know about hyaluronic acid for hair and why you may benefit from a little boost yourself.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, found mostly in the fluids of the eyes and joints. It can also be made synthetically. In the past it has been used as a medicine for things like joint disorders and urinary tract infections, as well as to treat swelling, inflammation and cataracts.
In terms of beauty products, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which is a moisturizing agent. Other humectants you may be more familiar with from the world of hair care products include polyethylene or propylene glycols. Basically, humectants are substances that attract and trap water, and are found in plenty of skin and haircare lines.
Traditionally, hyaluronic acid has been a skincare humectant, but as the “skinification” of hair increases in popularity, this moisturizing secret in hair care products has also grown in fame.
The what of hair?
The skinification of hair. Basically that means the way we now look at treating common hair ailments. In the past, hair care has typically focused on treating our locks and nourishing the growth that has already occurred. But in recent years we’ve turned our attention towards scalp care, with the theory that healthy hair starts from the root. Or, to go back to that term skinification again, it means taking care of the skin on our head the way we do the skin on the rest of our bodies.
That’s why we’re turning to new tools like scalp massagers, better overall hair care routines, and even hair-and-scalp-boosting vitamins that start from the base of the problem, helping us to grow our best head of hair yet.
Okay so is hyaluronic acid good for hair?
All early evidence points to yes. This past summer after TikToker Katilyn Boyer shared a video showcasing her jaw-dropping results using the stuff on her hair, many others quickly did the same. Now, dermatologists are weighing in with their own praise for the stuff.
“Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, which means it holds onto about 1,000 times its weight in water,” explained dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah on TikTok after Boyer’s video went viral. “By holding onto water it serves as an amazing moisturizer for the hair and the skin. This hack is particularly good with dry or damaged hair, swimmers that are exposed to a lot of chlorine, people that use damaging shampoos, and it’s safe for colour-treated hair.”
Does my hair type matter if I’m using hyaluronic acid for hair?
Hyaluronic acid is typically good for all hair types and textures, but it is especially helpful for those with dry, damaged and brittle hair. Those with frizzy hair may also love the way their tresses feel after applying hyaluronic acid for a few days, as it tends to work with your natural locks and doesn’t weigh down curls the way that some other products can.
However, those with fine hair may want to start any new hair care routines involving hyaluronic acid sparingly. Too much of the product may weigh down fine tresses, so a little could go a long way. The best way to know what works for you is to experiment.
How do you use hyaluronic acid?
Because hyaluronic acid works a bit like a sponge in that it absorbs water, it’s important to always start with wet hair—throwing product on dry tresses won’t add extra moisture to those locks. In fact, putting hyaluronic acid on dry hair could actually have the opposite effect: it could pull coveted moisture out of your hair and wind up drying it out even more.
If you’re looking to incorporate pure hyaluronic acid into your hair care routine, you can do so in one of two ways. Gently massage it onto wet or damp hair after you step out of the shower, working the product from the root down. Or, for better scalp health apply it to a wet scalp while in the shower before shampooing, working it all over your scalp with circular motions and then into the hair itself.
Does hyaluronic acid work with other products?
One of the biggest reasons people seem to love hyaluronic acid for hair is that it appears to be pretty interchangeable with all kinds of other products. That means you can easily incorporate it into your routine without having to switch too much else up.
You can even use it as the first layer in your styling routine. Work it evenly into tresses from the scalp-to-tip and then carry on with the rest of your hair prep as per usual. Easy peasy, right?
What kind of results should I expect?
Great ones, if anecdotal evidence has anything to say about it. But more specifically:
Hydration: Within a few days your hair should feel softer and more manageable as your tresses lock in and retain all of that coveted moisture you’ve been lacking.
Smoothness: Hyaluronic acid is also said to help seal damaged hair cuticles, which means your hair may soon begin to feel less frizzy.
Added volume: As your hair begins to retain more moisture and the cuticles on your follicles seal, your hair may also appear plumper and more voluminous.
A healthy scalp: By using hyaluronic acid as a dry scalp treatment and massaging it into your scalp as well as your tresses, you may notice that your head also feels more moisturized. That’s especially beneficial during the colder months, when dry scalp, dandruff and flaking tend to be more prominent problems.
What are some good hyaluronic acid for hair products?
Ready to incorporate this trending ingredient into your own hair-care routine? It’s important to either go for concentrated hyaluronic acid serums (with no additives) or hair-specific products that tout hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, which is another word for the substance.
Also try and avoid using skin care products with hyaluronic acid on your hair and scalp. Not only may they contain other ingredients that won’t be beneficial for your hair, but they also tend to be more costly. And no one wants to run up a bill for no good reason.
Products to check out:
JOYAL BEAUTY Hyaluronic Acid Serum
If you’re looking for 100 per cent pure hyaluronic acid serum, this bottle is a solid bet. It’s also 100 per cent vegan (unlike some synthetic products, which contain phenoxyethanol), free from harsh chemicals, and comes with a full refund guarantee if you’re not happy with the product. If you’re dipping your toes in the hyaluronic acid game this is a good place to start, since you can also use this stuff on your skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This bottle contains three type of hyaluronic acid (they vary at the molecular level) with the addition of Vitamin B5, which has also been linked to hair growth. Whether you’re looking at better scalp health, considering a dry scalp treatment, or just into the idea of softer tresses, this product is another solid base from which to start.
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Shampoo
If you want to simplify the hyaluronic acid for hair care process, reach for an inexpensive bottle of shampoo that has already added the ingredient for you. Users report that after switching to this shampoo, their locks feels softer and their scalps feel healthier, and overall they all seem to agree that their hair has basically come back to life.
NatureLab Perfect Shine Oil Mist
If you tend to use a lot of heat during your styling process, then you may benefit from this heat-protecting oil mist, which comes with a dose of—you guessed it!—hyaluronic acid. Spray it evenly onto wet tresses before blow-drying and help to retain your hair’s natural moisture, shine and volume.
Hyalogic Biotin Hair Thickening Spray w/Hyaluronic Acid
If you have thinning hair give it a one-two boost with this biotin and hyaluronic acid-infused thickening spray. Not only does it promote hair growth from the scalp while hydrating and nourishing, but it also cuts down on dandruff and frizz.
Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir
Take scalp health into your own hands, literally, with this leave-in conditioner that’s infused with two hair “superfoods:” coconut oil and hyaluronic acid. It’s perfect for taming frizz and treating split ends while injecting extra moisture and softness into those locks.
Naturavis Hyaluronic Acid Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner Set
In need of a whole new shampoo and conditioning routine in order to reset those dry locks and add some much-needed moisture back into your life? This combo set is full of naturally derived plant extracts, keratin and hyaluronic acid to take back control of unruly frizz and inject hair follicles with all the moisture they truly deserve. It’s a formula that promotes accelerated and silkier hair growth, which is probably something we can all get behind.
NOAH YAL Restore Hair Mask with Hyaluronic Acid for Hair
If you’re looking for a hair mask that’s organic and cruelty-free, this one will leave you feeling good from the inside out. The mask is made with avocado, coconut oil and of course hyaluronic acid to help you procure a head of hair that’s smoother, fuller, and intensely moisturized. Now what’s not to love about that?
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