Even before the advent of more modern advances in technology, glycolic acid was viewed as one of the more popular forms of AHA due to its exfoliation properties. Whether this acid is derived from canes or a sugar source, this acid is predominantly used for skin purposes although now there is a shift and new research is showing potential in this acid to help with the scalps as well. A strong scalp leads to vibrant and strong hair which poses the question, can glycolic acid be that key?

In this article, we’ll dive into detail about what glycolic acid is and if it can be rubbed on the scalp, how to rub it on the scalp, the benefits it provides, any side effects, and other common questions and answers.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid on Scalp?

To put it simply, yes, you can use glycolic acid on the scalp. The acid’s ability to break down oil pens and even battle dry skin makes it an effective solution for battling common scalp conditions such as scalp skin allergies, product overload-related skin irritation, grease, and dead skin cells. The most common usage of this acid is in skin care products but there have been staple brands in the beauty industry that offer it for scalp usage.

However, it’s essential to clarify that not all the formulations containing glycolic acid are appropriate for treating the scalp. The self-care treatments created for the face may have very high concentrations or a blend of ingredients that would most likely irritate the sensitive skin of the scalp. Always use a product designed for application on a particular part of the body and ask a physician about your doubts.

How to use Glycolic acid on the scalp?

  1. Pick a Suitable Product: Among the many available products, try to pick a glycolic acid scalp exfoliant or a scalp treatment with a concentration of 5-10%. As stated earlier, products designed for the face have different requirements and should never be used to treat the scalp as its requirements are different than that of the scalp.
  2. Conduct a Patch Test: Before applying glycolic acid to the entire scalp, test a small amount behind the ear or on the back of the neck. Leave it on for 24 hours to check for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction. If no adverse effects occur, it is likely safe to proceed with full application.
  3. Process of Massaging: Yes, the next step is to use your fingertips to massage the product gently into your scalp. This process helps distribute the glycolic acid evenly and promotes increased blood flow to the scalp.
  4. Instruction on the Pack: Instructions on the pack should be followed with the instructions of how long the product is to be left on. Normally, the range is 10 – 15 minutes. Leaving the product longer than usual or instructed may result in irritation and dry hair.
  5. Wash It Off: Rinse your scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water, followed by shampoo and conditioner. Ensure no glycolic acid residue is left behind, as it may cause irritation.
  6. Applying Skin and Scalp Evening Treatment: The skin and scalp evening treatment booster should be applied no more than once a week initially. If your scalp tolerates it well without any negative reactions, the frequency can be gradually increased to twice a week.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid on Scalp

  1. Exfoliating Agent

Exfoliation helps remove debris from hair follicles, therefore, allowing for a healthy clean scalp.

  1. Controls Sebum Production

An increased oil secretion naturally leads to an oily scalp which further adds to the amount of dirt and causes dandruff. Glycolic acid serves to help maintain and balance the oil secretion on the scalp leaving it non-oily.

  1. It Has the Potential to Improve the health of the Scalp

By promoting the rapid cycling of cells, glycolic acid makes the scalp healthier, leading to the growth that is more robust hair.

  1. Antibacterial and Antifungal Effects

The exfoliating effects of glycolic acid may lessen the existence of yeast and bacteria in the scalp, allowing for ease and relief for conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or even scalp acne.

Side effects of using glycolic acid on the scalp

Although glycolic acid has multiple benefits, it may still have certain side effects.

  1. Irritation

More sensitive skin may react to glycolic acid by becoming red, itchy, or causing a burning sensation. This could be especially true if you have a high concentration of the acid or when the product is left on for too long.

  1. Dryness

Using glycolic acid frequently can remove oil from the scalp and cause it to become almost parched. This is especially critical because of the way it uses up the scalp of what it needs.

  1. Increased Sensitivity to the Sun

Glycolic sunlight makes the skin much more sensitive to UV rays increasing vulnerability to sunburn. Use a hat or scalp sunscreen if you have used glycolic acid recently.

  1. Allergic Reactions

Glycolic acid seldom causes allergic reactions, but it can trigger such an event. Stop using it as soon as you notice any severe itching, swelling, or hives.

Conclusion

Glycolic acid is useful for many purposes whereby it beneficially affects the skin not only but also the scalp. Because it exfoliates, it becomes an excellent choice for common scalp problems like dandruff, oiliness, and product build-up. However, because it is such a potent ingredient, caution is needed in its use to avoid any irritating or drying side effects. Select the correct product, starting with a low concentration, and follow the recommendations for use. Hence, you can get the benefits of glycolic acid while still enjoying a healthy scalp.

Before you implement any new treatment into your routine, always check with your dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive skin or any scalp disease.

FAQs

How long to leave glycolic acid on the scalp?

Most products recommend leaving glycolic acid on for 10-15 minutes. Always pay attention to the instruction manual included in the product packaging to prevent any irritations.

How often to you use glycolic acid on the scalp?

Begin with using it once a week and move up to twice a week if your scalp handles it well. By learning how to use glycolic acid properly, you can make the most of it to improve your scalp care. This can lead to healthier hair and a refreshed scalp.

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