Glycolic Acid in Hair Care: The Next Big Thing?

Who doesn't love hair care and switching up their look?! From dyes, to hair extensions, to finding a great shampoo and conditioner, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in hair products! So when I caught wind about one of my favorite skincare ingredients, Glycolic Acid, being tested for hair care, I was naturally intrigued.

Through my research I learned that not many companies have explored Glycolic Acid as a hair care ingredient. In fact, the most recent study I could find was conducted by the researches at DuPont, who allegedly ran tests on a variety of different hair types, including: health, chemically, African, Asian, Caucasion, and Latino hair samples in an effort to see just how glycolic acid would work as a hair care ingredient. The restults? Read on to find out!

Before I dive into it's benefits for hair, I wanted to give you guys the inside scoop on this fabulous ingredient. Glycolic Acid comes from the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family, and is known as being one of the most common, and safest AHAs in the family. Glycolic Acid is amazing simply because it does so much. First, it is an amazing skin exfoliator, meaning it works to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, renewed skin underneath. This process also helps to stimulate cellular turnover, which is essential for preventing and reversing the signs of aging. Glycolic Acid is also a very effective skin lightener, making it ideal for anyone struggling with sun spots, age spots, general hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and more. As if that wasn't enough, Glycolic is also fantastic for those with acne-prone skin . So, its pretty evident why this particular ingredient is used and beloved by many.

You can find Glycolic Acid in a variety of different products, from cleansers, to serums, eye creams, peels, masques, and more. This is a popular ingredient in skin care, and I am beyond excited to learn about it's hair-helping abilities.

Glycolic Acid For Your Hair

Going back to the DuPont studies, there were a number of benefits found in their research. I want to note that I did not conduct this research, nor was I able to find much outside of the research conducted by DuPont. I am in no way advocating that you slather your hair with any form of glycolic acid, I am simply reiterating the exciting benefits seen in this particular study . So, with that in mind, here are the findings, according to DuPont:

• Better Heat Tolerance - DuPont found that hair treated with their Glypure® ingredient experience a better moisturizing effect, making it less prone to damage from heat styling.

• Less Breakage During Coming and Brushing - Glypure® was also shown to help deliver deep conditioning and "superior lubricity", which essentially kept allowed the hair to run smoothly through a comb or a brush without too much entanglement.

• Softer and Smoother Tresses - Glypure® was shown to boost the moisture level of hair, making it softer and smoother.

• Positive Results on the Scalp - Glypure® displayed Glycolic Acid's skincare benefits by acting as both an exfoliator and moisturizer on the skin.

So, Is It The Next Big Thing?

Too me, this new research is a great indicator that Glycolic Acid may start making a very real, and very beneficial appearance in the hair care world. However, given the limited studies, it is really to early to say. I am certainly looking forward to learning more!

How do you feel about Glycolic Acid in hair care?