How It Works in Hair

Alexis Stephens, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and Skin of Color Society member, again explains that hyaluronic acid in hair care primarily works similarly to our skin care; it is a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture around the hair so that it can feel softer, more flexible, and more manageable and look smoother and shinier.

“The simplest way to think about HA for hair is as a moisture-balancing and conditioning ingredient,” Dr. King agrees. “Hair that has been bleached, colored, chemically treated, or exposed to a lot of heat can become more porous and lose moisture more readily. HA can help attract and hold water around the hair fiber, improving its hydration, softness, flexibility, and manageability.”

Some emerging studies even show that use of HA (and other related humectants) in hair care can help improve moisture as well as damaged hair’s elasticity. It works on all hair types, but Dr. Stephens says it’s particularly helpful for dry, curly, coily, heat-styled, or chemically processed hair that could benefit from added moisture and improved flexibility. Fine hair can use it, too, adds Dr. King, as long as it’s a lightweight formula that won’t weigh hair down.

How to Use It

You can find HA in many different types of hair-care products. The best ones the experts recommend include:

Shampoo and Conditioner