Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUse on HairHow to ApplyPrecautionsOther Treatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Use on Hair
How to Apply
Precautions
Other Treatments
Hyaluronicacidis a well-known substance in the cosmetic industry. It is a popular additive to skin care products because of its humectant properties, which enable the skin to retain moisture. This has prompted companies to add hyaluronic acid to hair products as well.
This article will discuss the effectiveness of usinghyaluronic acidin the hair for moisture and hair loss. It will also cover alternative products to use for hair loss.
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Reasons to Use Hyaluronic Acid in Hair
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that retains water. It can bind to over one thousand times its weight in water. When used in skin care products, hyaluronic acid can increase themoisture in the skin.Its success withskinmoisture has led people to use it in their hair.
Learn more about the potential benefits of hyaluronic acid for hair and the supporting research.
Hair Growth
One of the reasons someone might try hyaluronic acid on their hair is to improvehair growth.
A 2021 journal article found that hyaluronic acid could protect dermal papilla cells (cells that support and promote new hair follicles and maintenance of hair growth) and increase the secretion of the protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels.
While these findings are positive, more research is needed to back hyaluronic acid as an effective product to improvehair growth.
Dryness and Dullness
Hyaluronic acid may be an effective moisturizer used in the hair to reducedrynessand dullness.
While this study had positive results, more research is needed to prove hyaluronic acid’s effectiveness on dry and dullhair.
How to Apply Hyaluronic Acid to the Hair
There are no defined rules on how to apply hyaluronic acid to the hair.
Should Anyone Not Use Hyaluronic Acid on Hair?
Hyaluronic acid is generally a well-tolerated substance. However, the first time you use it on your hair, apply a small amount and test it on the skin to make sure it does not causeirritationor a reaction.
Some people may take an oral hyaluronic acid supplement to improve the appearance of their hair and skin. This should be done with caution and discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand. A 2015 study explored how oral hyaluronic acid can promotecancer cellgrowth.
Hyaluronic Acid Alternatives for Hair Loss
Several alternatives to hyaluronic acid are available to treat hair loss. Two common medications are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).
Topical minoxidil is available over the counter (without a prescription). It is better for treating early hair loss, but it will not help someone regrow an entire head of hair. Finasteride is an oral prescription medication used formale-pattern hair loss, in addition to uses in other conditions.
Other alternatives for hair loss include:
Summary
Hyaluronic acid is a popular cosmetic product used to help the skin retain moisture. It is now being added to hair products as a moisturizer and to support hair growth. Some studies support these uses but more research is needed to support its use and effectiveness.
The first time using hyaluronic acid hair products, test a small area first to ensure there is no reaction.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.Zerbinati N, Sommatis S, Maccario C, et al.In vitro hair growth promoting effect of a noncrosslinked hyaluronic acid in human dermal papilla cells. Reich A, ed.BioMed Research International. 2021;2021:1-6. doi:10.1155/2021/5598110Yagoda MD MR, Gans PhD EH.A nutritional supplement formulated with peptides, lipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid optimizes key aspects of physical appearance in nails, hair and skin.J Nutr Food Sci. 2012;s5. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.S5-002Simone P, Alberto M.Caution should be used in long-term treatment with oral compounds of hyaluronic acid in patients with a history of cancer.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(11):689-692. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0339-xAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.Zerbinati N, Sommatis S, Maccario C, et al.In vitro hair growth promoting effect of a noncrosslinked hyaluronic acid in human dermal papilla cells. Reich A, ed.BioMed Research International. 2021;2021:1-6. doi:10.1155/2021/5598110Yagoda MD MR, Gans PhD EH.A nutritional supplement formulated with peptides, lipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid optimizes key aspects of physical appearance in nails, hair and skin.J Nutr Food Sci. 2012;s5. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.S5-002Simone P, Alberto M.Caution should be used in long-term treatment with oral compounds of hyaluronic acid in patients with a history of cancer.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(11):689-692. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0339-xAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.Zerbinati N, Sommatis S, Maccario C, et al.In vitro hair growth promoting effect of a noncrosslinked hyaluronic acid in human dermal papilla cells. Reich A, ed.BioMed Research International. 2021;2021:1-6. doi:10.1155/2021/5598110Yagoda MD MR, Gans PhD EH.A nutritional supplement formulated with peptides, lipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid optimizes key aspects of physical appearance in nails, hair and skin.J Nutr Food Sci. 2012;s5. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.S5-002Simone P, Alberto M.Caution should be used in long-term treatment with oral compounds of hyaluronic acid in patients with a history of cancer.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(11):689-692. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0339-xAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment.
Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.
Zerbinati N, Sommatis S, Maccario C, et al.In vitro hair growth promoting effect of a noncrosslinked hyaluronic acid in human dermal papilla cells. Reich A, ed.BioMed Research International. 2021;2021:1-6. doi:10.1155/2021/5598110
Yagoda MD MR, Gans PhD EH.A nutritional supplement formulated with peptides, lipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid optimizes key aspects of physical appearance in nails, hair and skin.J Nutr Food Sci. 2012;s5. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.S5-002
Simone P, Alberto M.Caution should be used in long-term treatment with oral compounds of hyaluronic acid in patients with a history of cancer.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(11):689-692. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0339-x
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment.
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