Everybody loves a great hair hack. Recently a new trend has come to light from TikTok and beauty bloggers as well. It has rather become a discovery that serves as an excellent cure for hair woes. People who are suffering from dandruff, dehydration and flaky scalps have found a new hero – Glycolic Acid.
If you don’t know what that is, glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) that works as a gentle exfoliant which is naturally derived. AHAs are made up of sugarcane, citrus fruits, grapes as well as sour milk. The size of the molecule of AHA is so small that it helps the acid to seep deep into your skin and hair for effective work.
Users on TikTok are loving the new scope of using glycolic acid for hair to fetch a healthier scalp. In this article, we will discuss everything about glycolic acid for dandruff and the scalp.
Can you use glycolic acid for dandruff?
Yes, you may! The biggest flex that has some to display online is the benefits of glycolic acid helps with dandruff. Since it works as a gentle exfoliant, it also acts as a moisturizing agent that helps in cleansing your scalp. It will further treat in keeping your dandruff at bay. The actual factor lies here. As you already know, AHA’s molecules are very small. It becomes easier for the acid to seep in and treat the scalp by removing the woes and replacing them with nourishment.
Does glycolic acid work for dandruff?
Yes, it does! If you have an oily, itchy scalp with dandruff, using a product infused with glycolic acid will do wonders for you. It takes a little time to showcase the results but the exfoliating and moisturizing properties in the acid and the product that you use will fetch you the result that you are looking forward to. The acid helps in chipping away the bond between the skin cells replacing it with fresh ones. You will get smooth ones underneath with a healthier scalp.
Is glycolic acid good for dandruff?
Glycolic acid’s use has been working wonders for the skin. It helps you with gentle exfoliation and gives you moisturizing benefits for your scalp. You need to use such products that are specially made for your hair care so that only it will not irritate your scalp. Glycolic acid functions by loosening the water-based bonds. These bonds help attract dead skin cells to the scalp.
Glycolic acid functions on the upper layer of the epidermis. Loosening the lipids that hold the dead skin cells, allows for removing the upper layer of the affected skin and replacing it with the younger skin that is underneath it. Furthermore, the AHA present in glycolic acid works as an antimicrobial agent that restricts the growth of dandruff.
Can I leave glycolic acid in my hair overnight?
It is advised to not overuse or leave the product that has glycolic acid in it overnight. Leaving it overnight could lead to scalp irritation and might worsen the scalp woes for which you wanted to get treated. Not just that, it might even weaken your hair bond. All you have to do is limit the use of the product that is infused with glycolic acid. Using it once or twice a week will serve the purpose. You can leave the product on for half an hour and abide by your normal hair care routine.
How to use glycolic acid for dandruff?
The first thing that you need to do is get the right product that will suit your hair type. The product that you may purchase will work as an exfoliating scalp scrub. Formulated with both chemical and physical exfoliators, the product will be functioning as a gentle exfoliant.
The product needs to be applied before you wash your hair. Read through the directions on when it is the right time to use it. Mostly you can keep the product for up to 30 min. Again it varies from brand to brand.
The main target is removing dandruff buildup and balancing the scalp microbiome followed by cleaning the hair follicles. Before you apply your shampoo and conditioner, apply the product to the roots or rather your scalp. Massage it if you need to or keep it as it is. Comb your hair well to not leave any tangles.
Let it be between 10 to 20 min (as mentioned in the packaging of the product). Once done. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner followed by air drying.
Glycolic acid benefits dandruff
There are two different ways to grow and maintain your hair. The first is maintaining a healthy scalp to promote better hair growth. While the second is cutting/ trimming off the ends. Since glycolic acid is trending right from TikTok, you need to know the benefits of the same.
- Glycolic acid-based scalp exfoliators help in shedding off dead skin cells. It rather helps in replacing the newer ones for stronger hair strands. Glycolic acid-based scalp treatment helps the hair follicles to remain healthy and cleans off the residue that got accumulated on the scalp.
- Your scalp has a very important function to it. It protects you from harmful UV rays as well as blocks the entry of bacteria, germs, dirt and other pollutants. When it comes to dandruff, it directly leads to the health of hair and scalp. Thus, the hero-glycolic acid gives way to the ability to omit dandruff directly.
- The key role here is that glycolic acid-based products work as a natural exfoliant. The acid has the presence of AHA. The molecules of AHA are very small which helps the acid to enter and keep inside. It helps in stripping the scalp of its issues.
- On the other side glycolic acid also helps in balancing the oily scalp. Since it has exfoliating properties, glycolic acid boosts cell turnover. Just like the skin, it helps in balancing the hair follicles and the scalp’s health.
- The acid penetrates deep into the hair shaft cuticle layer. This boosts the softness, protection as well as management of hair in all ways possible. Proper use of the product will leave a long-lasting effect.
- Glycolic acid has moisturizing properties that enhance hair health. It does have the ability to withstand hair exposure from blowers, hair dryers, curlers and straighteners.
- Maintaining your soft and smoother hair, glycolic acid stores the protein structure and hydration level of the scalp to maintain better hair growth.
- It further helps in giving top-notch lubricity for decreasing friction. It further helps in detangling, combing and brushing hair.
Glycolic acid for dandruff side effects
Glycolic acid might not suit all skin and hair types. It is better to consult your dermatologist before the scalp application. It might have some side effects on your hair. Here are some of the things that you need to know –
Do not use glycolic acid on your scalp if you have undergone any scalp or hair treatment like straightening or smoothing. If you are using it on treating hair or the scalp, it might make your scalp more sensitive and irritated.
Acting as a gentle exfoliating agent, glycolic acid should not be overused or left overnight. It might have negative reactions and leave your scalp sore.
The strength of glycolic acid on the scalp should range between 5 to 10%. The ideal is 7%. If you do not go by the same, you will have allergic reactions and your scalp might weaken the hair follicles.
If you have a sensitive or dry scalp, you should avoid the use of the product. You might have allergic reactions that might cause scalp irritation.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid helps in alleviating scalp flakiness, though it is not recommended for long-term use. If you are a beginner, opt for lower concentration since you will have no idea about the reaction. For best results, it is better to consult your doctor before scalp application. Let them examine your scalp health and recommend the best.
FAQs-
Is it safe to use glycolic acid on the scalp?
Yes, it is safe. You can use the glycolic acid provided that you are using the product that is suiting your scalp health. Do not overuse or keep it overnight as it may have inflammation or other allergic reactions.
Does glycolic acid damage hair?
Using glycolic acid for a long time could weaken the hair leading to hair loss. It is recommended to use for a short period until the scalp woe is resolved. Using the product once or twice a week will give you the results.
How do you use ordinary glycolic acid for dandruff?
Apply the product before a normal shampoo and conditioning routine. Let the product sit in for 10-15 min to help reduce dandruff as well as obstruct its reappearance.
Does glycolic acid make dandruff worse?
If you are leaving the product residue on the scalp, it could worsen the situation. Your hair might feel crispy and itchy which might result in more flakes.
Is glycolic or salicylic better for the scalp?
Glycolic acid works better than salicylic since it is not prone to drying. Salicylic will penetrate deep into the pores and remove the excess rather than balancing it.
