Last Updated on December 31, 2022 by Gaga
Today we are going to talk about one of the biggest cosmetic advancements of the past 30 years – hyaluronic acid. If you have dry, porous hair that is prone to frizz, you might want to know more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid for hair and how to apply it to your hair.
Though it was discovered almost 90 years ago in the 1930s, its benefits are so extensive that we didn’t discover its most popular application, skin and hair health, and beauty, until the 1990s. The benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare are obvious to most, but why are we putting it in our hair?
First of All, What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a biopolymer that’s naturally produced by your body. It has long been established that this polymer is essential to cell metabolism and healing.
Our bodies love this stuff. We each have about 15 grams of it in us at any given time, with about 5 grams being refreshed every single day. Your cartilage is coated in it, it’s embedded in your fascia, and it helps your muscles slide against each other painlessly. But its most common role is as a major component of skin. Your hair grows out of your skin, so this is important to note.
During the last decades, hyaluronic acid has found its way into our hair care products. When applied to the scalp and hair, it offers the same incredible benefits that it does for the rest of your skin, resulting in that hair you think only exists in shampoo commercials.
If you don’t see hyaluronic acid listed on the product label, look for the term “sodium hyaluronate”. Sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid developed to provide the same benefits as Hyaluronic Acid but also to ensure greater penetration into the skin. This is possible because it has a smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Hair and Scalp
1. Moisture Miracle
The number one most important benefit of hyaluronic acid for skin (scalp) and hair is its ability to replenish moisture. This stuff doesn’t just deliver moisture to your cells. No, this stuff is a hydration miracle. Two words – moisture retention.
What’s the worst thing about your hair moisturizing products? I’m willing to bet it’s either the weight, causing your hair to lose volume or look oily, or the fact that it feels great for ten minutes and then vanishes like a thief in the night. A thief who steals your hair’s good looks and silky texture. These undesirable features exist for two reasons: it takes a lot of product to deliver the moisture you want and they deliver moisture, but won’t help your hair and scalp hold on to it.
Hyaluronic acid is the gold standard for moisturization. It can absorb 1000 times its weight in water. It’s not just sitting on the surface like a lot of other products. It’s bringing intense moisture into the cells and keeping them there.
2. Thicker and Healthier Hair
As mentioned, hyaluronic acid plays a significant role in the health and healing of your skin. That means it’s necessary for all of your skin’s natural processes, including the growth of hair. Keeping your scalp healthy and moisturized is a crucial part of keeping your hair healthy and growing. Healthier skin promotes the growth phase of more follicles. Having more hairs on your head in the growth phase means denser hair. Growth phases that last longer mean longer hair.
Now here’s something you might not have expected from this brilliant little polymer: it can actually increase the diameter of each strand of hair, so you get a thicker, fuller head of healthy hair that looks and feels great.
3. Superior Frizz Control
If you have particularly frizzy or dry hair, you will benefit from using hair products formulated with hyaluronic acid. Dry, damaged hair does not easily retain water but hyaluronic acid helps boost hair’s ability to trap the water inside the hair shaft and minimize moisture loss. This also prevents unwanted moisture from entering the strands causing swelling and frizz. As a result, you may notice that your hair is smooth, shiny, and frizz-free.
4. Soft Manageable Hair
Bleaching and frequent hot styling can leave hair porous and fried. Hyaluronic acid in your hair products can make a big difference. It will make your dull hair look smoother, softer, and shinier. The texture and manageability of your locks may be noticeably improved.
How to Get Hyaluronic Acid into Your Hair
The simplest way to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your hair care routine is to use products that contain this ingredient. By using hair products enriched with hyaluronic acid, you’ll see a significant improvement in the health and appearance of your hair and scalp.
Since hyaluronic acid attracts water, it would be best to apply it right after the shower while your hair is still wet or damp. This way this hydrating ingredient helps to lock in moisture and banishes frizz.
1. Hyaluronic Acid Hair Serums
The best way to get hyaluronic acid into your hair is with a leave-in product like a serum. Unlike many other leave-in products, a serum containing hyaluronic acid will be lightweight and long-lasting, not to mention highly effective. Leaving it in your hair will allow more of the product to be absorbed into the strands where you want the moisture to be delivered and retained. Apply the serum on wet or damp hair, before drying. Focus on the areas that need extra protection and care.
Styling products infused with hyaluronic acid include Hair Density Serum by Grow Gorgeous, Blond Absolu Cicaplasme Hair Heat-Protecting Serum by KERASTASE, and Power Drops Hydration & Anti-Pollution Booster by ORIBE.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Shampoos and Conditioners
A leave-in serum is a great delivery method, but it’s also a good idea to think about your shampoo and conditioner. A lot of shampoos (drug store and grocery store products) are actually damaging to your hair, but a well-formulated shampoo with hyaluronic acid will clean your hair and scalp while delivering serious moisture from the follicle to the tip.
Conditioners have cationic charges and are designed to aid in moisture retention. When you’re choosing which conditioner to buy, your best bet is the one that’s going to deliver and retain the most moisture you can get: one with hyaluronic acid.
Popular shampoo brands enriched with hyaluronic acid include Vitamin Shampoo by Julien Farel, Hyaluronic Acid Light&Volume Filler Effect Shampoo by L’Erbolario Loti, Episilk Shampoo with Hyaluronic Acid by Hyalogic, and Moisturizing Shampoo with Aloe & Hyaluronic Acid by Apivita.
Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.