Glycolic Acid for Hair: Rating The Newest TikTok Trend
I have to admit: for a long time, I said that I will NEVER have a TikTok account because this app is for generation Z only.
And look how tables have turned. At some point, I had to know why people are shouting “emotional damage” for no reason at all and why Madonna’s “Material Girl” is a big thing now.
This is how I discovered that girls and guys are now using glycolic acid toner on every part of their bodies except their faces. Two years ago, I bought The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner as I struggled with acne, but it was too strong for my sensitive skin, so I had to give it away to my friend.
Little that I know that glycolic acid can be used as a natural deodorant and as an exfoliating treatment for healthy hair! Spending money on my hair is one of my biggest guilty pleasures, so I HAD to try glycolic acid toner again. This time I was going to use glycolic acid for hair (and armpits, haha).
I bought this toner so you don’t have to. Read on to see if this new trend is worth the hype.
What is glycolic acid?
First things first. I believe that you are keen to know what glycolic acid is and how glycolic acid works.
Glycolic acid is almost colorless, odorless, and water-soluble AHA acid. It is made from sugar cane and is frequently used in skincare products. The tiny molecules of glycolic acid are easily absorbed.
Glycolic acid works as a gentle peeling. It brightens your skin, evens its tone, and may help to fade hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines. This acid removes dead cells and leaves your skin looking healthy.
However, when using this acid on your face, you must avoid sun exposure and use SPF.
Side effects of glycolic acid are extreme dryness, skin irritation, and even a burning sensation. If you plan to use it on your face, don’t use it every day at first. Let your skin adapt.
As seen on TikTok: glycolic acid scalp treatment
Dry, itchy, and flaky scalp? Product buildup? Brittle hair? I have a solution for you. Try glycolic acid scalp pre-shampoo treatment.
Due to the very small molecular size, glycolic acid exfoliates, hydrates, and penetrates your scalp. You will notice a huge difference immediately. It can also help to balance the scalp’s pH and remove dead skin cells as glycolic acid shift dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Glycolic acids scalp scrub treatment works wonders on any hair type: straight hair, waves, curls, and coils.
It doesn’t matter what brand of glycolic acid you will use: the key is this magic acid, not the brand. However, it’s best to buy a bottle with a nozzle – it helps distribute the product evenly.
- Due to the very small molecular size glycolic acid exfoliates, hydrates, and penetrates your scalp.
- It can also help to balance the scalp’s pH and remove dead skin cells.
- Glycolic acid scalp treatment works wonders on any hair type: straight, wavy, curly, and coily.
Step 1
Before washing your hair with shampoo, take a bottle of glycolic acid and shake it well.
Step 2
Work in sections. Apply glycolic acid directly to your scalp and gently rub it with your fingertips.
Step 3
After applying enough product to cover the scalp, leave it for 15 minutes. You can massage your scalp while waiting. Massages help your hair to grow healthier and longer.
Step 4
Wash hair as usual. Use this treatment 1-2 times per week. If you use glycolic acid to remove the buildup, try this biweekly as it is a strong treatment.
Glycolic acid & hair loss
Latest studies showed that glycolic acid in hair products could improve hair flexibility and resistance to various environmental exposures. Due to its low molecular mass, glycolic acid connects broken keratin bonds. It means that your hair becomes stronger and less prone to breakage!
Hair loss is a complex problem. Stress, poor diet, and possible underlying medical conditions (such as anemia or thyroid disease) can cause it. However, if you are healthy but your shower drain is clogged every time you wash your hair, your scalp might be clogged, and you need a scalp scrub.
There are a few things that you can do. First, exfoliate your scalp with glycolic acid, as mentioned earlier. Second, stop using hair products with silicones, sulfates, and harsh alcohols.
Silicones coat your hair with a thin film and clog your hair follicles therefore, your scalp can’t breathe, and you are starting to lose your hair. All in all, if you want to see noticeable hair growth, you have to start taking care of your scalp.
Product buildup is very common for low porosity or 3A type hair.
There are other methods to clarify your hair at home and we have an article about that.
Glycolic acid for hair: FAQs
This acid can be used on wet or dry scalp, so you definitely can! Add a teaspoon of glycolic acid to the dime size amount of shampoo and massage it well to your scalp.
Glycolic acid works quickly, so leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Use this treatment once a week.
If you have very sensitive skin, do a patch test before using glycolic acid. If your skin is normal, glycolic acid is not bad for your hair or scalp. This treatment works as a scalp scrub and boosts hair growth.
Glycolic acid is great for any skin and scalp type and also for any hair type, from straight to curly and coily. This acid should be used as a scalp scrub, and we all need that from time to time.
My experience with glycolic acid for hair: The bottom line
I’ve been using The Ordinary glycolic acid for three months, doing the weekly exfoliating treatments. What can I say? I’m impressed! Now I can wash my hair once a week, and my hair still looks voluminous.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Well, I already did! Healthy hair is the goal for the most of us, so you should also try this method.
The best thing is that this acid is versatile. You can use it on your face, armpits, back, elbows, and scalp. At this point, I think that I should bathe in glycolic acid.
This TikTok trend deserves a solid 10. Try it!
- Due to the very small molecular size glycolic acid exfoliates, hydrates, and penetrates your scalp.
- It can also help to balance the scalp’s pH and remove dead skin cells.
- Glycolic acid scalp treatment works wonders on any hair type: straight, wavy, curly, and coily.
