Glycolic acid for hair: Benefits, Side effects and How to use it

Glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid found in foods, is a hit in the skincare world. Many people with acne or dull skin include glycolic acid in their skincare routine. But do you know that this natural acid derived from sugarcane is also beneficial for your hair? While netizens have been rooting for glycolic acid due to its ability to get rid of dandruff, it can work wonders for people with oily hair and those dealing with hair loss as well. But you need to be careful when it comes to the concentration of glycolic acid as well as duration if you want to enjoy these benefits. Too much glycolic acid can cause scalp irritation. So, before using glycolic acid for hair, know how much is good enough and how to use it safely.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid that comes from sugarcane. It is most commonly used as an exfoliating agent, as per a research published in Cosmetic Dermatology in 2009. It is widely used in skincare, as it can help to remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and improve skin texture and tone, says dermatologist Dr Mikki Singh.

What are the benefits of glycolic acid for hair?

Here are some of the glycolic acid benefits for hair:

1. Dandruff removal

On TikTok, users have been promoting a glycolic acid ‘hair hack’. They claimed that the acid helped remove dandruff, which is basically a build-up of dead skin. Well, they were not wrong. One of the significant benefits of glycolic acid is its exfoliating property, which helps alleviate common scalp issues such as dandruff, itchiness, and flakiness, says dermatologist Dr Pawan Singh. By breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, glycolic acid allows them to be easily shed.

2. Controls oil production

Glycolic acid is great for people with an oily scalp, as it can do away with excess sebum. This way it can help to control oil production and keep the scalp cleaner, says Dr Mikki. Also, its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help cleanse the scalp, reducing the presence of harmful bacteria.

3. Hair growth stimulation

Glycolic acid enhances blood circulation in the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Improved blood flow can deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots, supporting the hair growth cycle.

4. Improved hair texture

Using glycolic acid can improve hair texture by smoothing the hair cuticles. This makes the hair appear smoother, shinier, and more manageable. Smooth cuticles reflect light better, resulting in healthier and more vibrant-looking hair.

5. Enhanced product absorption

This acid can enhance the absorption of hair care products. When incorporated into a hair care routine, it can optimise the effectiveness of hair conditioners, serums, and treatments by allowing better penetration into the hair shaft, ensuring maximum benefits from these products, says Dr Pawan.

What should be the concentration of glycolic acid?

For hair and scalp treatments, a concentration of glycolic acid between 5 to 10 percent is generally effective, says Dr Mikki. Lower concentrations are safer for at-home use. They are effective yet gentle for use.

How to use glycolic acid for hair?

You can apply a low-concentration glycolic acid serum directly to your hair and scalp. Gently massage it in, wait for 20 to 30 minutes, and then wash it off with your regular shampoo. It is best to use it in the evening or cover your head if you go out in the sun after using it, as glycolic acid can make your scalp more sensitive to sunburn, says Dr Pawan.

What are the side effects of using glycolic acid for hair?

It is generally safe for your scalp and hair if you use a glycolic acid hair care product with a concentration of under 10 percent. You should also not use glycolic acid more than once or twice a week, and not more than 20 or 30 minutes at one time, says Dr Pawan. Exceeding the recommended concentration, application duration, or frequency can cause certain side effects –

Glycolic acid can improve your hair health. But prolonged exposure to it can damage your hair and scalp. It can lead to adverse reactions, such as scalp irritation.