When seeking out this ingredient for your strands, it’s important to know that hyaluronic acid may not be directly on the label. If you’re up for some digging, look for sodium hyaluronate. This is a less expensive version of hyaluronic acid that is most commonly found in our hair care products. Keep scrolling to find out more about hyaluronic acid, all of its benefits, and how to use it in your hair.
All About Hyaluronic Acid for Hair
Before using this ingredient, it’s good to know what it actually is and does.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that’s naturally found in our bodies. However, in products, it acts as a humectant, which means it helps our skin hold on to water by pulling moisture from the air. This is why the ingredient does such a great job keeping our skin hydrated. When used in hair care, this humectant works the same way, keeping our hair hydrated. We love this ingredient because it can be used on any hair type.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Hair
Intrigued by hyaluronic acid? Here’s how it can benefit your hair.
1. Hydrates Hair
The most widely known benefit of hyaluronic acid is its ability to keep your hair hydrated. It does this by binding the moisture from other hair products applied beforehand and water (if applied on damp hair) to our strands to hydrate.
2. Helps Reduce Frizz
Since this ingredient seals your hair cuticle, this works to reduce frizz. When the hair cuticle is sealed, moisture from the air that causes our hair to become frizzy isn’t able to enter the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother strands.
3. Hydrates and Reduced Inflammation of Your Scalp
Hyaluronic acid is also great for our scalp health. When applied directly to the scalp, this serum can reduce inflammation by soothing and hydrating. Since moisture is being pulled into your scalp, this also allows the collagen in the skin of your scalp to thrive.
4. Help Plump Strands
Since your hair is becoming more hydrated, it’s no surprise that this would cause a plumping effect just like it does to your skin. The extra dose of volume is most noticeable on healthy strands. So, if you’re dealing with any damage, you’ll have to use products that help repair your hair, too, to see the most significant change.
5. Can Help Strengthen Strands
Hyaluronic acid works to strengthen your strands by making them less brittle. When your hair is hydrated, it won’t be as weak, making it harder for your strands to break.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Hair
Not sure how to start using hyaluronic acid in your hair care routine? Check out some of the best ways to use it below.
1. As a Leave-In Treatment
If you’re using hyaluronic acid as a way to overall hydrate your hair or reduce frizz, it’s best to apply it on damp hair right after you get out of the shower. This is because the ingredient absorbs water, giving you the highest amount of benefits at this stage. When applying the product, start with 2-3 drops and work it through your hair, starting at the root and going through the ends. Feel free to adjust how you apply based on your preference. You don’t need to worry about hyaluronic acid weighing your hair down because it’s not an oil, so there won’t be any pesky residue.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Shampoo and Conditioner
If using hyaluronic acid on its own isn’t your thing, you can use a hyaluronic acid shampoo and conditioner set that already has the ingredient in it. We love Suave Professionals Hyaluronic Infusion Long-Lasting Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner because the hyaluronic infusion combined with the QuenchLock technology work to give you the same hydrating, frizz-free benefits.
3. As a Scalp Treatment
If you want to reap the benefits of hyaluronic acid for your scalp, you’re in luck! This product can be applied directly to your scalp, and it’s very easy to do. Apply a few drops right at your roots, making sure the acid goes onto your scalp. Then, massage in just like you would receive a scalp serum. If you’re looking for additional ways to soothe your scalp and reduce dryness, try a scalp scrub! We love Nexxus Scalp Inergy Gentle Exfoliating Scrub because it gently removes dead skin while using a blend of wheat protein and ginger root combined with amino acids to improve the strength of your scalp and hair.
