FYI: This Popular Skincare Staple Also Prevents Hair Breakage

By now, you’ve heard all about the skin-plumping and hydrating properties of superstar ingredient hyaluronic acid. It’s a miracle worker for dehydrated skin, boosting moisture by drawing in water. It’s been a staple in skincare routines for years, but lately, people have been applying the buzzy ingredient to their hair. 

Since hyaluronic acid is known for smoothing and plumping skin, logically, it makes sense to put the ingredient on your hair. In fact, hyaluronic acid has been touted as helping boost hair growth and even preventing hair loss. To get the facts on putting hyaluronic acid in your hair, we reached out to the experts, who shared what HA is, how it works, and if you should be putting it in your hair.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

Hyaluronic acid is actually found naturally in our skin’s collagen, according to Nikki Hill, MD, dermatologist, hair expert, and founder of Skin of Culture and Hair (SOCAH) Center. "It acts as a humectant by pulling moisture from the surrounding environment and holding it close to the skin,” she explains. "Hyaluronic acid can absorb more than its weight in water, which is why it’s commonly found in beauty products geared toward alleviating dryness.” When applied to hair, HA works the same way, drawing more moisture into strands.

What are the benefits of putting hyaluronic acid in your hair?

"Hyaluronic acid helps decrease and manage frizz and seal split ends, resulting in fuller and overall shinier hair and a balanced and hydrated scalp,” says Shab Reslan, a trichologist, hair expert, and hairstylist based in New York City.

Hill explains that by soaking moisture into the hair, hyaluronic acid can also improve the porosity of hair (or its ability to absorb water). Damaged hair usually has a high porosity, which means that water exits too quickly from the hair to maintain hydration. With hyaluronic acid, "improving the hydration can help improve the porosity of the hair,” says Hill.

What about hair loss? While Reslan and Hill both agree that hyaluronic acid won’t prevent or curb hair loss, it can help make sure hair is healthy. "It can, however, potentially alleviate breakage because dry hair is frizzy and fragile,” says Hill.

What hair types and concerns is hyaluronic acid best for?

Just like when it comes to skincare, HA is well-tolerated by almost everyone, so it’s great for all hair types (and skin types!). Since it specifically targets dehydration, however, it is perfect for hair that’s on the drier side. "The hair types that may see the most benefit are damaged, processed and overprocessed, dry, dull, and frizzy hair,” Hill says.

You can use hyaluronic acid at any time, but Reslan says that as the weather starts to cool down, it’s a great time to consider mixing HA into your haircare routine. "The harsh winters and indoor heating can dry out the scalp and cause flaking by throwing off the scalp’s microbiome,” Reslan explains. "Hyaluronic acid can provide relief and moisture as seasons change.”

The 9 Best Hair Products With Hyaluronic Acid

1. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Treatment

Pair With: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum

Pair With: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

3. Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Pair With: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

4. Oribe Power Drops Hydration Anti-Pollution Booster

Pair With: Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

5. NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Oil Mist

Pair With: NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub

6. Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment

Pair With: Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask

7. IGK Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner

Pair With: IGK Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray

8. Kérastase Blond Absolu Overnight Recovery Treatment for Lightened Hair

Pair With: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum

10. Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Shampoo and Conditioner With Hyaluronic Acid