Glycolic Acid for Hair: Benefits & Uses

Superheroes are to movies what glycolic acid is to skincare. It’s known for its exfoliating and hydrating abilities. It doesn’t just make the skin smoother, brighter, and more youthful, but it also fades dark spots and enhances skincare absorption.

Now imagine if your hair could get the same rejuvenating treatment; soft, shiny, and a scalp free from buildup. The product that will help you achieve that is already available to you and in fact, it is a huge part of your routine.

Glycolic acid is already a star in the world of skincare but its benefits for hair are only now getting the attention they deserve. Be it frizzy hair you might be dealing with or an itchy scalp, glycolic acid has the potential to improve scalp health, enhance moisture retention, and strengthen hair strands.

Curious to know how it works and whether or not you should start incorporating it into your haircare routine? Keep reading to find out!

In this blog we’ll discover how it works, why you should use it, and how you should use it.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It is molecular in size which is what allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and the hair. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acids work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. It is also effective in reversing the damage caused to the skin by the sun.

In skin care, people generally use glycolic acid to exfoliate and reduce fine lines, for acne, aging skin, and dark spots as well as for improving the overall skin texture. When it comes to using glycolic acid as a part of your haircare, it can help you remove buildup, improving the retention of moisture and enhancing the quality of your hair in terms of looks and strength.

Being a water-soluble acid, it is not uncommon to find glycolic acid listed as an ingredient in your shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. It proves to be really effective when it comes to removing dead skin cells from the scalp, reducing dandruff, and improving hair manageability. Due to its ability to maintain hydration, it is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry and frizzy hair.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Hair

The benefits of using glycolic acid for hair include: 

1. Exfoliates the Scalp: Glycolic acid is a gentle exfoliator. When used for your scalp, it exfoliates it and removes dead skin cells, excess sebum (oil) and any possible product buildup. This further ensures that hair follicles do not get clogged, dandruff is reduced and hair growth becomes better.

2. Enhance Hair Hydration: Glycolic acid for hair is meant to aid in attracting and retaining moisture. When applied to hair it helps keep the strands hydrated, reducing dryness and frizz. This is particularly useful for individuals with curly or coarse hair that tends to lose moisture quickly.

3. Prevents Hair Breakage: Are you tired of frequenting the salon often to get blowouts or straightening done before important events? Glycolic acid is here to help you with that as well! Glycolic acid for hair ensures that the structural integrity of the hair is maintained and they are more resistant to damage. By keeping the hair hydrated, and flexible, glycolic acid prevents brittleness and split ends.

4. Improves Hair Manageability: Styling hair that is rough and dry is definitely nothing short of a challenge. Glycolic acid smooths the hair cuticle, making the strands more manageable. This reduces tangles, improves detangling ease, and enhances overall hair texture.

5. Balances Scalp pH: The factor responsible for excessive oiliness or dryness of your hair may be an imbalanced pH scalp. Glycolic acid’s benefits also include restoring the scalp’s natural pH and creating a balanced environment that supports healthy hair growth.

6. Boosts Hair Growth: Glycolic acid contributes to better hair growth by removing any sort of debris that might clog the follicles and thus promotes a clean scalp. If the follicles are healthy and clean, they produce stronger and healthier strands also reduce the possibilities of hair thinning or hair fall.

7. Better Product Absorption: Through its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid paves the way for other products to do their job in the best way possible.

How to Use Glycolic Acid for Hair?

There are quite a few ways you can start using glycolic acid for your hair. They are as follows:

1. Glycolic Acid Shampoo: One of the easiest ways to start using glycolic acid for hair is to start using a shampoo already infused with glycolic acid. These shampoos will help to clean the scalp thoroughly while also providing gentle exfoliation.

2. Glycolic Acid Scalp Treatment: If your scalp is also plagued with dandruff or scalp buildup, opting for a glycolic acid scalp treatment can prove to be beneficial. These treatments may either be in the form of a serum or a toner. They can be directly applied to the scalp before shampooing.

3. Glycolic Acid Hair Masks: For deep hydration and strengthening benefits, use a hair mask containing glycolic acid. Try to apply them once a week so that your hair becomes soft, smooth, and manageable.

4. Glycolic Acid Rinse: For a more natural approach, simply create a glycolic acid rinse for your hair by diluting a glycolic acid toner with water. Apply this to your scalp before washing your hair. Following up with a conditioner will help to maintain moisture balance.

Who Should Use Glycolic Acid for Hair?

While glycolic acid definitely has several benefits when used for your hair, you should be careful while using it. It may or may not suit you.

Best Candidates for Glycolic Acid

• People With Dry Hair: If you have dry, frizzy, or damaged hair, glycolic acid will help due to its smoothening capabilities.

• People With dandruff: If you struggle with dandruff or build-up, glycolic acid can help remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and lead to it.

• People With Scalp Irritation: If you struggle with irritation or inflammation on your scalp, glycolic acid can help in soothing and calming the scalp.

• People With Oily Scalps: If your hair becomes greasy real soon and you struggle with an oily scalp, glycolic acid can help to control the production of oil and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria.

Who Should Avoid It?

• People With Highly Sensitive Scalps: People who have sensitive scalps should probably avoid using glycolic acid on their hair, as it’ll make their scalp even more sensitive.

• People With Sores on Scalps: People who have sores on their scalp or are suffering from scalp conditions such as psoriasis would avoid using glycolic acid on their hair as it may further trigger the conditions.

• People Who Have Recently Had Scalp Treatments: Glycolic acid can be too harsh for skin that has recently been treated with chemical peels, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion. 

• People Who Are Allergic to AHAs: Glycolic acid is an AHA, so people who are allergic to AHAs should not use it. 

• People Who Have Damaged Hair: Glycolic acid can irritate hair that has been damaged by bleach or dye.

Potential Side Effects & Precautions

While glycolic acid for hair offers many benefits, it is essential to use it correctly to avoid potential side effects. They are mentioned below as follows:

1. Scalp Irritation: Overuse of glycolic acid on hair or usage in incorrect amounts may lead to redness, itching, or cause a burning sensation on the scalp. It’s best advised to do a patch test before using glycolic acid-based products.

2. Dryness and Over-Exfoliation: Although one of glycolic acid’s selling points while using it for hair is its hydration properties, excessive use of it might lead to over-exfoliation. This may cause dryness and irritation. It is advisable to start with a lower amount and gradually increase the usage.

3. Sensitivity to Sunlight: The way glycolic acid increases sensitivity to sunlight when a part of skincare, it also increases the sensitivity when used on hair. If using, don’t forget to wear a hat before going out in the sun.

4. Interaction with Other Ingredients: Avoid mixing glycolic acid with strong actives like retinoids or harsh sulfates in hair products. These combinations may cause excessive dryness or irritation.

5. Chemical Burns: Using too much or too strong of a concentration of glycolic acid, or leaving it in for too long, may cause chemical burns which in turn further increase hair loss. Unless under the care of a professional, stick to using a glycolic acid concentration of 10% or lower.

Conclusion

Just like superheroes aren’t limited to one mission, glycolic acid isn’t just a skincare savior, it’s a haircare powerhouse too. With its ability to exfoliate, hydrate, and strengthen, it tackles frizz, dryness, and scalp buildup, giving your hair the rejuvenation it deserves. If radiant, healthier strands are what you’re after, it might be time to let glycolic acid step up in your routine. After all, why should your skin have all the fun when your hair can shine just as bright? 

Recommended Products

Glycolic Acid Serum for Face

Hair Oils for Hair Growth

Natural Hair Shampoo

Hair Conditioner & Mask for Shiny Smooth Hair

Hair Tonic & Serums for Hair Growth

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