Hyaluronic Acid for Hair: The Secret to Hydrated Locks

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Hyaluronic Acid For Hair: The Secret To Hydrated Locks

We know hyaluronic acid as the ingredient responsible for hydrating and temporarily plumping up the skin to lessen the appearance of superfine lines – but did you know that it could benefit the hair as well? 

This champion hydrator helps skin retain moisture, much like the way a sponge holds water, and its benefits extend to all skin types. The benefits don’t stop there – hyaluronic acid can also do wonders for your hair care routine. While there’s no shortage of hydrating hair care products, hyaluronic acid goes a step beyond and also helps the hair retain moisture. 

If you have yet to use hyaluronic acid in your hair care products, this is one ingredient you’ll want to start seeking out. Here’s all you need to know about the benefits and how to use hyaluronic acid for hair. 

What Is Hyaluronic Acid? 

Hyaluronic acid sounds a tad ominous and not like something you’d want to be adding to your skin or hair care routine. Put all your worries aside because hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in your body — though, it can be made synthetically. 

As a humectant, it can retain moisture and bind approximately 100 times its weight in water. Which is why it’s perfect for plumping and hydrating your hair.

4 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Hair

To be clear, hyaluronic acid is not a moisturizer (it’s a humectant). This means it works by retaining water and drawing moisture to the skin’s surface. This benefits the hair and scalp in several ways. Here are four brilliant benefits of hyaluronic acid for your hair. 

  1. Hydrates Hair and Scalp: The humectant-binding properties of hyaluronic acid performs similarly on hair fibers as it does on the skin, allowing the hair fibers to retain and seal moisture from products. Not only does hyaluronic acid benefit the hair strands, it benefits the scalp as well. Humectant molecules attract and bind moisture to the skin, allowing collagen to thrive in the skin and scalp. It can keep the scalp hydrated and prevent dry scalp. 
  1. Reduces Frizz and Shrinkage: Using hyaluronic acid on hair can also help to seal the cuticle, which prevents unwanted moisture that causes frizzy hair and curl shrinkage from entering it. 
  1. Adds Volume: Hyaluronic acid could help plump up dry, damaged hair — giving you beautiful, volumized hair. With hydrated hair and a healthier scalp, your roots can be plumped with volume. 
  1. Revitalizes: Dry, damaged hair does not easily retain water but hyaluronic acid benefits for hair includes filling in the cracks of the porous hair shaft and moisturizing, giving you revitalized hair. 

How To Use Hyaluronic Acid on Hair 

With all the benefits of using hyaluronic acid on your hair, you’ll want to know the best way to apply it. Here’s a few ways to apply hyaluronic acid to your hair to get the best results: 

As a Pre-Shampoo Treatment 

A hyaluronic acid hair treatment is exactly what your hair needs. Before shampooing, apply hyaluronic acid liberally all over your scalp and massage it in with your fingers in circular motions, focusing on areas that are more problematic than others. 

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The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid

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No matter your hair type, this lightweight serum will hydrate hair while reducing frizz and brittleness. Use it after washing your hair by massaging it into your hands before working them through your strands. Use it one to two times a week before shampooing for shiny and healthy results.

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Sephora Collection Hydrating Scalp Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

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This hydrating serum is perfect to apply to your hair a few hours before washing your hair. It will hydrate and soothe any scalp irritation you may be experiencing. If your hair is feeling a little more on the dry side, you will love using this serum pre-hair wash.

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Oribe Power Drops Hydration Anti-Pollution Booster

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An oil-based hair treatment that boosts moisture is exactly what your hair care routine needs. Incorporate it with your everyday hair care products  for nourished hair. You’ll absolutely love how soft your hair feels after using it.

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On Wet Or Damp Hair

Apply hyaluronic acid post-shower while your strands are still wet. Not only is this when the hair is most receptive to products, but water is also key when using hyaluronic acid. Because hyaluronic acid absorbs water, using it on damp hair can accelerate the effect. 

Hyaluronic acid thrives when there is moisture, so make sure whenever you use hyaluronic acid, you mist hair with plenty of water or wash it beforehand. With added moisture, hyaluronic acid can bind and form a coating to keep the moisture in for maximum effect. 

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Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Mask

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Nourish and soothe your scalp with this cooling hydration mask. Not only will it feel lovely on your scalp, it will relieve any itchiness, irritation, or flaking. Use it in the shower after washing your hair and leave it in for 10 minutes. 

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Kérastase Blond Absolu 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hair Serum

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Repair your hair and soothe your scalp with this lightweight, dual-action serum. The hyaluronic acid works to condition blonde hair and give it glorious hydration. It will tackle any concerns you have regarding split ends, dryness, lack of shine, and damage. 

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As A Leave-In Product

Hyaluronic acid hair products such as serums can be helpful for styling, especially on damp hair or even as a part of a hair mask. To use it as a leave-in product, apply it from root to ends. Comb through for even distribution, and then layer your preferred styling product on top. 

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Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Ultra Rich Hyaluronic Treatment Lotion

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Perfect for dry and very dry hair, this treatment can be left in your hair after washing it. The multi-tasking product will provide you with up to 72 hours of hydration, even in high-humidity. The best part? It helps reduce frizz each time you use it. 

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Ulta

Sebastian Penetraitt Overnight Repair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

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This overnight repair serum is made with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. While you sleep, the serum works to repair your hair. Just three to five pumps on dry or damp hair will start a journey to healthy locks. 

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Ulta

All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid

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Get immediate shine when using this leave-in treatment formulated with hyaluronic acid. It works to condition your hair, giving you healthy and hydrated hair. When you apply it to towel-dried hair, just know the product is retaining moisture loss caused by humidity, heating tools, and even hair dye. 

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Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid

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Detangle your hair while adding long-lasting moisture and hydration with this intense moisture leave-in conditioner. Using this product will help with dryness, frizz, and pesky flyaways. Use it on towel-dried hair and as a leave-in conditioner. 

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Combine With Oils

Using hyaluronic acid in conjunction with other ingredients can help repair damaged hair. Combining it with jojoba and argan oils can help hydrate dry hair, while collagen and proteins like keratin are good for strengthening the hair.

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Verb Moringa + Jojoba Hair Treatment Oil

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This deep treatment oil is made with moringa and jojoba oil. It will hydrate and smooth your hair while conquering split ends. The oil is lightweight and will feel lovely each time you lather a few drops through your strands. 

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Act+Acre 5% Agran Repair Hair Oil for Frizz

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Your frizzy hair will be nonexistent once you begin using this hair oil. It will intensely nourish your hair while moisturizing dry ends and smoothing your hair. To see the oils magic, apply it evenly from mid-length to ends of your hair. 

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Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil

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This multitasking moisturizer is made from 100 percent pure argan oil. It will give you smoother, healthier, and more hydrated hair. You can use it to treat split ends and minimize flyaways. Oh, and you can use it on your nails, face, and under-eye area too. 

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Ulta

Pattern Jojoba Oil Blend

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Not only does this Jojoba oil blend smell divine, it works even better. The oil is a lightweight formula that nourishes your scalp with its blend of safflower oil, rosehip oil, olive oil, and lavender oil. A little goes a long way with this oil — so a few drops spread evenly throughout your hair will give you smooth and healthy-looking hair.

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Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Hair Care Routine 

Adding hyaluronic acid to your hair care routine can do many great things for the health and appearance of your hair, especially if you have thin, dehydrated or damaged hair. 

Check out our tips on how to use hyaluronic acid in your regimen. 

Choose a Shampoo and Conditioner That Contains Hyaluronic Acid

Shampoo and conditioner with hyaluronic acid is a great way to implement the star ingredient  to your hair care routine. Even better, opt for a paraben-free formula that includes hyaluronic acid and castor oil to lock in moisture and reveal shiny, bouncy hair. 

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NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Clean 2-In-1 Scalp Scrub & Clarifying Shampoo

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This 2-in-1 scalp and clarifying shampoo will gently remove any product build up found on your hair and scalp. The results? A healthy scalp and shiny hair. Use it once a week in place of your normal shampoo. 

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Nécessaire The Shampoo Scalp Cleanse

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Hydrate your scalp and relieve any itchiness with this deeply cleansing shampoo. Perfect for any hair type, this hypoallergenic shampoo will help strengthen your scalps barrier and help your hair feel soft and healthy. 

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Nécessaire The Conditioner Hydrating Cream

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A cream that will hydrate hair while repairing the scalp is a win-win. This conditioner-hydrating cream will prep your hair for growth and helps those with dry and thinning hair. Use it as your regular conditioner for the best results. 

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Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo with Hyaluronic Acid

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This intense moisture shampoo is infused with the dream combination of hyaluronic acid and squalane. It will gently cleanse your hair while drenching it with hydration and moisture that will last.

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Opt For Styling Products With Hyaluronic Acid 

A hyaluronic acid serum for your hair is a great way to give your tresses a long-lasting boost from this moisture-absorbing ingredient. As shampoo and conditioners are washed out, using a serum is a great way to increase the contact the ingredient has with your hair. 

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The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum

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This lightweight serum has a milky consistency that provides your hair and scalp with moisturizing benefits. All you need to do is apply a few drops onto your hands and massage onto your hair and scalp. It works best if you don’t wash your hair after applying.

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Sephora

Amika Water Sign Hydrating Hair Oil

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Reduce frizz and breakage with this hydrating hair oil. Apply it to your hair before getting on with your day to boost shine and even protect against heat. If you struggle with taming flyaways, you will love how easy it is to control them with this oil. 

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Kérastase Densifique Leave-In Thickening Mousse

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This leave-in thickening mousse will add volume to your thinning hair. Made with hyaluronic acid, it gives your hair an enhanced shine. Your strands will look and feel hydrated and smooth each time you use it. Use it after washing your hair for best results. 

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Looking for further ways to give your hair some much-deserved love and care? As the fall weather is finally here, Your Hair Deserves A Little TLC - 10 Products Your Hair Is Craving After a Hot Summer. Also check out our recommended beauty products to give your hair the care it deserves. 

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