Did You Know That This Popular Skincare Product is Also Perfect for Hair?
26.10.2021You’ve probably heard about the skin-plumping, hydrating properties that hyaluronic acids is a superstar ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a miracle worker for dry skin. It increases moisture by drawing in water. This ingredient has been used in many skincare routines over the years. However, it is now being applied to hair.
Hyaluronic acid is well-known for its ability to smoothen and plump skin. Therefore, it makes sense that you apply the ingredient to your hair. Hyaluronic acid is known to increase hair growth and prevent hair loss. We reached out to experts for more information about putting hyaluronic acids in your hair. They explained what HA is and how it works.
What is the function of hyaluronic acids?
According to Nikki Hill MD, a dermatologist and hair expert and founder of Skin of Culture and Hair Center (SOCAH), Center, hyaluronic acid can be found in the skin’s collagen. She explains that hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, pulling moisture from the environment and keeping it close to the skin. “Hyaluronic Acid can absorb more water than it weighs, which is why it is often found in beauty products that are aimed at alleviating dryness.” HA also works in the same way when applied to hair. It draws more moisture into the strands.
What are the benefits to putting hyaluronic acids on/in your hair?
Shab Reslan is a New York City-based hairstylist, trichologist and hair expert, says “Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce and manage frizz, seal split ends, and result in fuller, shinier hair, and a balanced, hydrated scalp.”
Hill explained that hyaluronic acids can be used to soak moisture into hair. This will increase its porosity (or ability to absorb water). Hair that is damaged has a high level of porosity. This means that water leaves the hair too quickly to keep it hydrated. Hill says that hyaluronic acids can improve hair’s porosity by increasing the hair’s hydration.
How about hair loss? Reslan and Hill agree that hyaluronic acids won’t stop or curb hair fall, but it can make hair healthier. Hill says that hyaluronic acid can help reduce hair breakage, as dry hair is fragile and frizzy.
Which hair types and concerns does hyaluronic acids work best for?
Like skincare, HA can be tolerated by most people. It’s great for all hair types and skin types. It is ideal for hair that is drier than usual, as it targets dehydration. Hill states that damaged hair, overprocessed hair, frizzy hair, and dry hair are the ones most likely to benefit.
Hyaluronic acid can be used at any time. Reslan however suggests that when the weather cools down, it is a good time to start incorporating HA into your haircare routine. Reslan says that indoor heating and harsh winters can dry out scalps, causing flaking and destroying the microbiome of the scalp. “Hyaluronic Acid can offer moisture and relief as the seasons change.”
These are the 9 Best Hair Products with Hyaluronic Acid
- The Inkey List Hyaluronic acid Hydrating Treatment ($10)
The serum absorbs quickly and is light. Reslan says it is “ideal to apply on your roots and ends to provide moisture protection.” Use right after you have finished showering to ensure your hair absorbs the maximum amount of moisture.
Combine with: The Inkey List Hyaluronic acid Hydrating Serum ($8)
Apply this hyaluronic treatment to your skin for an extra boost of moisture.
- The Ordinary Hydruronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Skin ($7)
This hydrating serum is not only for skin. To moisturize and soothe your scalp, you can apply it to problem areas.
Pair with: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Density Serum($18)
This serum can also be used to increase volume and thickness. Redensyl and Procapil are all combined to improve blood flow to hair and make it appear fuller.
- Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Shampoo ($28)
This conditioner is super hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acids. It also repairs broken bonds and mends split ends. After you use it, your hair will be stronger and smoother.
Combine with Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($28)
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil seals in the moisture. 7 Bonding Oil is packed with nutrients oils such as sunflower, moringa and pomegranate seeds.
- Oribe Power Drops Hydration Anti Pollution Booster ($58)
This oil is liquid gold and can be used to save damaged hair. The oil is rich in hyaluronic acid, which absorbs moisture. Moringa-seed oil increases shine and softness.
Pair with: Oribe Royal Blonout Heat Styling Spray ($22)
This spray can be used to give your hair a boost of moisture before you style it. Spray it on your hair before you blow-dry to ensure heat protection and smoothness.
Bonus: It claims to reduce drying time.
- NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Oil Mist ($17)
This spray is your one-stop finishing spray. This mist adds moisture, protects hair against environmental damage, and gives hair a shiny sheen.
Pair with: NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scour ($17)
This scalp scrub will remove any buildup before you apply NatureLab Tokyo’s Perfect Shine Oil mist. Sake water rich in probiotics balances pH levels, while sugar crystals gently exfoliate.
- Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment ($34)
You can rejoice if your scalp is dry and itchy. This treatment is designed to soothe the most sensitive scalps. To moisturize and nourish, B3 and Hyaluronic Acid work together.
Pair with: Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisturizer Mask ($38)
This deeply hydrating mask will not only moisturize your scalp, but your hair as well. Hair will feel soft and touchable with shea butter.
- IGK Thirsty Girls Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Leave In Conditioner ($31)
Dry, damaged hair’s best friend is a leave-in conditioner. This conditioner is infused with hyaluronic acids to nourish, moisturize, and keep hair silky smooth all day.
Pair with: IGK Good Behaviour 4-in-1 Prep Spray ($27)
This multi-purpose prep spray will hydrate your hair and make it ready to style. It can be used to detangle, protect hair from heat, add shine, and combat frizz. It is the ideal tool for creating any style.
- Kerastase Blond Abssolu Overnight Treatment for Lightened Hair ($56)
Anyone who has ever been blonde knows it can make your hair dry, brittle and straw-like. This treatment uses the power of edelweiss flowers and hyaluronic acids to ensure that your blonde hair stays soft and smooth over night.
Pair with: Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum ($51)
Apply this oil serum to maintain moisture. It will be strengthened and protected by argan, pracaxi and maize oils.
- Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydrating Scalp Hydro Boost Conditioner with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid ($9)
This ultra-moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will get you started in your haircare routine. This shampoo-and-conditioner combination will allow your hair to start soaking in hydration before you even leave the shower.