Viral Trend Alert: Hyaluronic Acid For Your Hair
Viral Trend Alert: Hyaluronic Acid For Your Hair
Shammi Mondal
If the viral social media video that suggests you apply hyaluronic acid has confused you, you’re not alone. There’s no denying that applying skincare actives on your hair is a growing trend, but is it worth your time?
We wanted to dig deep and find out if this will actually work, and checked in with wellness expert and dermatologist Dr Kiran Sethi to tells you more about your favourite skincare ingredient and its potential for your hair.
What is hyaluronic acid?
“Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means, it absorbs water from the atmosphere and retains moisture to your skin or hair,” says Dr Kiran Sethi.
The ingredient can hold 1000 times more water than its weight, which is why it is a great hydrating agent. Due to its hydrating property hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in many moisturizers.
Can it be used on hair?
“Yes, hyaluronic acid can be used both for your hair lengths and your scalp,” says Dr Kiran. Its moisture binding property helps smoothen your hair and tames down the fizziness. “As a humectant, it has the ability to retain the moisture of your skin and hair. Which means it takes care of dryness, frizziness and improves the overall feel of your hair,” says Dr Kiran.
If your hair ends are damaged or you have dry scalp, hyaluronic acid plumps your hair follicles by replenishing it with hydration. Hyaluronic acid also makes you hair appear shiny
Who can apply hyaluronic?
“All hair types can effectively apply the ingredient on their hair, but people with frizzy, brittle and dry hair would benefit most from it,” says Dr Kiran.
If you have colour treated or damaged hair, using hyaluronic acid would actually help improve its texture. “If you have oily hair, hyaluronic acid could weigh your hair down and make it appear greasy,” add Dr Kiran.
What should you look out for?
A lot of hair care products like shampoos and conditioners have sodium hyaluronate (a composition of hyaluronic acid) as one of their key ingredients. “But you still can apply a HA serum that is meant for skincare on your hair lengths. I wouldn’t advise using it on your scalp directly,” says Dr Kiran.
How should you apply it on your hair?
Just like with the skin you must have something for the ingredient to hold onto, so that it doesn’t paradoxically draw moisture from your hair instead of replenishing it with hydration.
“If you have a dry scalp and apply hyaluronic acid directly it might make your scalp sticky, instead apply the serum and layer it with coconut oil and let it sit for an hour before you wash it off,” says Dr Kiran.
“You can also mix your HA serum with your conditioner or hair mask and apply it to the lengths of your hair. Make sure you apply it on damp hair,” recommends Dr Kiran.