Glycolic acid is a popular skincare ingredient. But it is gaining popularity for its amazing benefits for hair and scalp health. If you are into hair care, you might have heard the term “scalp detox.” Here, glycolic acid is becoming popular due to its scalp-exfoliating benefits that leave the scalp clean and healthy for boosted hair growth.
Since a lot of ongoing debate is going on around whether you can use glycolic acid for hair and scalp, we will guide you on the right approach, how it works, and how to use it safely in your haircare routine. We will also guide you if you need special haircare products with glycolic acid or if your Asra Derm 7% glycolic acid toner can do the job.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is derived from sugarcane. It has exfoliating properties that dissolve dead skin cells from the skin's surface and promote the skin cell cycle for skin rejuvenation. People use glycolic acid toners for the face, arms, underarms, strawberry legs, and private areas for pigmentation removal by shedding pigmented skin cells.
The same mechanism works on the scalp too. Glycolic acid loosens the bond that holds dead skin cells, so it reduces cell buildup on the scalp that can hinder hair growth. Since it has a smaller molecular size than other AHAs, it effectively penetrates the skin and gently exfoliates the scalp buildup without causing inflammation or irritation.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Hair and Scalp
Glycolic acid is a helpful skincare ingredient that can help with pigmentation, textured skin, and dullness. For hair and scalp, it can have the following benefits:
Clears Scalp Buildup
Shampoo cleanses oil and dirt, but it does not fully wash away the dead skin cells, product residue, and sebum that accumulate in the follicle over time. This buildup leads to inflammation that restricts hair growth. Glycolic acid exfoliation helps lift dead skin cells from the scalp by using it as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment.
Helps with Flaking and Mild Dandruff
Flaking and dandruff are common concerns in the heat, monsoon, or cold season in Pakistan. It usually occurs due to dead skin not shedding properly, and your regular shampoo routine cannot do it.
Glycolic acid can help with build-up-related flaking like persistent, itchy, or inflamed dandruff. Other flaking conditions like seborrheic dandruff or psoriasis need a dermatologist’s consultation and a medicated hair routine.
Controls Excess Oil
A lot of people suffer from oily scalp issues. You wash your hair in the morning, and by the end of the day, you can feel your scalp getting greasy due to excess oil production.
Glycolic acid helps clean the scalp properly by removing cell buildup and acts as a humectant to keep your scalp hydrated that reduces excess oil production. So, you will not get a greasy feeling between wash days.
Supports a Healthier Environment for Hair Growth
Glycolic acid does not directly have hair growth benefits but it helps in creating a hair-growth-friendly environment.
By removing cell buildup, it prevents follicle clogging or inflammation that promotes a healthier scalp. A cleaner and well-balanced scalp lays the foundation for hair to grow.
Leaves Hair Feeling Softer and Shinier
Glycolic acid, in moderate and correct use, is known to smooth and add shine to hair by lowering the pH to align and flatten the hair follicles.
It also removes mineral deposits from hard water that make hair strands and scalp cleaner and shinier.
Does Glycolic Acid Have Any Downsides for Hair?
While looking at all the glycolic acid benefits for hair and scalp, people tend to forget that it is an exfoliant that can also have downsides like:
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Increase in hair porosity: Glycolic acid can weaken the hair cuticles through prolonged, continuous, and high-concentration use that increases hair porosity. Thus, hair gets dry, and color fades faster if you have chemically treated hair.
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Irritate the scalp: Overexfoliation with glycolic acid, with too frequent use or in high concentration, can irritate the scalp and worsen your scalp health.
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Weaken hair over time: With excess and unsupervised use, glycolic acid can weaken hair strands and lead to breakage.
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Increase scalp sensitivity: Glycolic acid makes skin prone to sun sensitivity. So, exposing your scalp or hair to the sun while using glycolic acid can damage scalp health.
None of this means you cannot use glycolic acid for hair and scalp. All these downsides are related to excessive use. If used occasionally, at the right strength, and with a proper method, you can avoid all these concerns.
How to Use Glycolic Acid On Scalp?
Just like on your skin, you cannot use glycolic acid every day on your scalp. You have to follow a simple and correct method to get the best results.
Step1: Choose the Right Concentration
Always look for a product that has a 3-7% glycolic acid concentration. If you have any product above 10% concentration, consult a dermatologist, as this concentration is much more effective for stronger facial skin peeling. Start with a lower concentration to avoid scalp inflammation.
Step 2: Patch Test First
Before you go in with a whole-head application, always patch test first. Apply a small amount behind the ear or on a small patch of scalp 24 hours before your first full application. Check for any irritation. Don't use it if irritation occurs.
Step 3: Apply To Clean, Dry Hair
If you are using glycolic acid for dandruff or for a cleaner scalp, always begin with a clean scalp base. Section your hair and apply glycolic acid directly to the roots. Avoid the lengths. Gently massage after applying to spread it more evenly.
Step 4: Leave it On, Then Rinse
Leave it on your scalp for 10-15 minutes. Then shampoo gently to remove any residue.
Step 5: Follow with a Conditioner
Glycolic acid may dry out your hair, so always finish with a conditioner on the lengths of your hair. Use a moisturizing conditioner to reinforce moisture in the hair and avoid dryness and increased porosity.
How Often Should You Use It?
Start with once a week and see how your scalp reacts to the ingredient. It is not an every-wash thing. You should never use it before every hair wash, as it will increase hair porosity and weaken your hair. So, use it once or twice a week at the beginning. Once you feel your scalp buildup has gone, you can stick to it once a month for maintenance.
Remember that more is not better. Overexfoliating will show its consequences in the worst ways. So, stick to a lower frequency for healthy hair.
Who Should Be Careful or Avoid It?
Glycolic acid is not for every scalp. Therefore, be cautious and check with a dermatologist first if you have:
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Eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp
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Open cuts, sores, or an actively irritated scalp
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A history of sensitivity or reaction to acids on any area of your skin
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Chemically treated or heavily damaged hair from color, keratin, or chemical straightening)
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using any other actives, always consult with a dermatologist.
Asra Derm’s Glycolic Acid Recommendation
Asra Derm’s 7% Glycolic Acid Toner stands out among all other glycolic acid toner options in the market. It has a blend of 7% glycolic acid with soothing and hydrating ingredients that minimize irritation. It contains mandelic acid, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, rose water, aloe vera, and green tea extract. All these ingredients make it a milder glycolic acid option that does its exfoliating work while soothing the skin at the same time.
Why Choose Asra Derm?
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FDA-approved glycolic acid in Pakistan
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7% concentration
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Complementary premium cotton pads
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Quick and prompt delivery
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Cost-effective as compared to international brands
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Easy return policy
Visit Asra Derm’s official website to order glycolic acid toner for most of your skin issues while being less irritated.
FAQs
Can you put glycolic acid in your scalp?
Yes, you can put glycolic acid on your scalp to exfoliate scalp buildup and create a healthy and cleaner follicular environment for hair growth.
What are the side effects of using glycolic acid on hair?
Glycolic acid is safe to use on the scalp in the correct way. In case of excessive use, glycolic acid side effects for the scalp include increased porosity, weak and dry hair, inflamed scalp, etc. So, use it once a week or two rather than before every wash.
Can I use glycolic acid on my hair for dandruff?
Dandruff occurs due to buildup. Glycolic acid targets buildup on the skin and exfoliates dead skin cells that reduces dandruff in the long run.
Can I leave glycolic acid on my scalp overnight?
No, you should never use glycolic acid on hair or scalp as a leave-in product. Use it as a pre-shower scalp treatment once or twice a month. Leaving it on will cause inflammation, dryness, and other scalp issues.
Can I use glycolic acid as a dry shampoo?
No, glycolic acid helps with greasy hair and an oily scalp as a pre-wash treatment. But you cannot use it as a dry shampoo or as a leave-in product on your scalp. Using it as a quick wipe or rinse-off product will break down oil and refresh greasy roots.
