Hyaluronic Acid for Hair: TikTok’s Viral Hack

Hyaluronic acid is widely used in skincare products as it is a hydrating and skin-plumping ingredient. This acid attracts moisture and holds on in skin cells. But should you use hyaluronic acid for hair?

It’s already proven that this ingredient hydrates the hair and scalp, therefore might help to reduce frizziness. But would it work for everyone?

I had to try it myself as my hair is curly and frizzy. And, well, TikTok showed me that HA can make your hair look shiny and healthy in just a few days. 

Trisha Chapman, hairstylist, and writer at SubjectCurls, explains the science behind this world-renowned acid.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our skin and in the connective tissue in our bodies.

It’s a humectant. That means that this ingredient can not only retain moisture but also bind 1000 times its weight in water. It’s very gentle so it can be safely used for all skin types. This might just be the reason why this ingredient is so common in skincare and haircare products!

HA keeps our skin, joints, eyes, hair, and entire body moist and well-lubricated.

There are no contraindications for this acid: you can use it all year round even if you have super sensitive skin.

Can you put hyaluronic acid on hair?

Yes, you can! And not only when you are using shampoo or conditioner with this ingredient.

HA serum can be used directly on hair and scalp as well, just remember that your hair has to be wet or damp, otherwise this moisturizing ingredient can dry your hair out! How?

HA retains moisture from the environment and when you are using it on dry hair it can even pull moisture from your hair. 

Hyaluronic acid for hair

Hyaluronic acid works well on any hair type but the results would be most visible if you have color-treated, damaged, or frizzy hair. Damaged hair is definitely more porous than healthy hair and porous hair retains moisture poorly.

This ingredient is a humectant, therefore attracting and holding on to much-needed moisture.

If you have healthy hair, hyaluronic acid is still beneficial as it helps to keep your mane healthy, frizz-free, and smooth.

HA is one of the safest ingredients to use and it’s unlikely to have an allergic reaction to this acid as your body already produces it naturally.

Is hyaluronic acid good for hair?

TikTok is not lying, folks. Hyaluronic acid is really good for your hair.

When used on wet or damp hair, this ingredient helps to trap the water in your hair cuticle, therefore your hair looks less frizzy and dry.

If you want to take an extra step, before using hyaluronic acid treat your hair with a deep conditioner.

If you have dry and flaky scalp HA could also be helpful. It is such a lightweight ingredient that it would not make your hair greasy but will hydrate and protect your scalp until the next wash.

Besides hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid is also a great help when trying to get rid of dandruff naturally. You can try to combine them both!

Hyaluronic acid serum for hair

Which HA serum should you choose? Look for the shortest ingredient list. You don’t need a thousand other ingredients as hyaluronic acid is the one you want.

I have a few recommendations:

Hyaluronic acid benefits for hair

#1 Improves the overall look of your hair

Moisturized hair=healthy hair. This magical ingredient helps to retain moisture in your hair, therefore it can appear softer and healthier.

#2 Helps to combat the frizz

Frizzy hair stresses me out and hyaluronic acid helped me with that.

In fact, I started using HA serum because my hair was so frizzy. This acid seals the cuticle and this prevents unwanted moisture from the environment that makes our mane so unmanageable.

#3 Beneficial for high porosity hair

If your hair is porous, it loses moisture very quickly. HA helps to fill in the cuticle and maintain moisture.

#4 Hydrated scalp

Dry scalp is a huge concern. After washing your hair, take a few drops of HA and massage it into your scalp. 

#5 Retain and seal moisture

HA is a great ingredient if your hair is dry or damaged as it helps to retain moisture from the other products that you are using. As a result, your hair looks super healthy and shiny.

Hyaluronic acid for hair growth

Does hyaluronic acid help with hair growth? Well, yes and no.

It can help to reduce hair loss because of the excess moisture in your hair strands. When our hair is properly moisturized they are less prone to breakage and damage.

If you are using HA exclusively on your scalp it also can help with hair growth as this ingredient can improve the blood flow to your scalp and, again, hydrate it.

However, this ingredient alone has no proven effect on hair growth, says Trisha Champan, hairstylist and writer.

Hyaluronic acid for hair: FAQs

How long do you have to leave hyaluronic acid in your hair?

It depends if you are using HA as a pre-poo treatment or a leave-in. 

If you are using HA before washing your hair, apply it in sections, massage it well into your scalp and then continue as usual. You can also combine this acid with your favorite hair oils!

If you are using it as a leave-in, only apply HA on your wet or damp hair and leave it until the next wash.

What hyaluronic acid is best for hair?

Look for the shortest ingredient list. The Ordinary or The Inkey List has wonderful HA serums for a great price.

Can you use HA every day?

Yes, you can! Use it on your skin or hair as frequently as needed – this ingredient is very safe.

The bottom line

Should you try HA? Yep.

I’m on my second HA serum bottle now and even my colleagues noticed how shiny my curls look. I’m using a few drops of hyaluronic acid after every wash. Remember that your hair has to be wet!

Overall, nandiniraw from TikTok inspired me to try this HA hack and I’m glad I did.

Get the hair you deserve!