I can perfect the art of the Dyson Airwrap to give myself an immaculate at-home blowout, but that means nothing if I don’t have the haircare behind it to help support my new ‘do. I’m always on the hunt for something that will hydrate my long, thick hair, which unfortunately does get very dry, very often. So even if (and when) I’m able to achieve the volume I want, it kind of goes to waste the minute moisture is sucked up from my hair, leaving it looking dull, disheveled and dry. Could the answer to my hair problems be hyaluronic acid? Perhaps.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a known humectant that attracts and retains water, is a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies and in our beloved skincare products. As New York City–based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains, hyaluronic acid’s moisture-bounding property is why there’s a growing interest in using it for our hair and scalp as well. “In skincare, we think of it primarily as a hydration and skin-plumping ingredient,” says Dr King. “In haircare, that same water-binding ability can help the hair feel softer, smoother, more flexible and less dry or frizzy.”
How it works in hair
Alexis Stephens, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and Skin of Color Society member, again explains that hyaluronic acid for hair primarily works similarly to our skincare; it’s a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture around the hair so that it can feel softer, more flexible and manageable and look smoother and shinier.
“The simplest way to think about HA for hair is as a moisture-balancing and conditioning ingredient,” Dr King agrees. “Hair that has been bleached, coloured, chemically-treated or exposed to a lot of heat can become more porous and lose moisture more readily. HA can help attract and hold water around the hair fibre, improving its hydration, softness, flexibility and manageability.”
Some emerging studies even show that use of HA (and other related humectants) in haircare can help improve moisture as well as damaged hair’s elasticity. It works on all hair types, but Dr Stephens says it’s particularly helpful for dry, curly, coily, heat-styled or chemically-processed hair that could benefit from added moisture and improved flexibility. Fine hair can use it, too, adds Dr King, as long as it’s a lightweight formula that won’t weigh hair down.
How to use it
You can find HA in many different types of haircare products. The best ones the experts recommend include:
Shampoo and conditioner
L’Oréal Paris 72H Moisture Filling Shampoo
