Is This The Most Genius TikTok Hair Care Hack? The Experts Weigh In
When it comes to beauty hacks, nothing beats TikTok. Period. TikTokers are constantly coming through with the most insane hacks, and while we’ll be the first to admit that some are seriously questionable, others are pure genius.
The TikTok hack that’s most recently caught our attention involves incorporating hyaluronic acid into your hair care routine. We’re not talking about a hyaluronic acid-infused shampoo or conditioner, but rather the technique of applying hyaluronic acid serum directly onto your tresses and scalp for a surge of hair-happy hydration. In theory, it makes total sense, but we wanted to consult the experts before blindly following the hack and wasting our fave skincare serum for potentially little or no reward.
The Hack
@katilynroundtreeSaw a TikTok that said hair oil doesn’t moisturize your hair, only water can. So I tried Hyaluronic Acid! 🤯 ##hyaluronicacid ##hair ##hairhack ##dryhair♬ Good as Hell – Lizzo
Okay, before we start debating the credibility of the hack, here’s the hack that sparked the debate: TikToker katilynroundtree, wrote “Saw a TikTok that said hair oil doesn’t moisturize your hair, only water can. So I tried Hyaluronic Acid!” If you’re unfamiliar with hyaluronic acid, it’s a hydrating hero most commonly used to plump up the skin as it’s able to hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Seemingly, the HA hack worked miracles on Katilyn’s hair.
She used The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $12, which is a great affordable option as the hack requires a considerable amount of product to ensure your locks and scalp are properly coated. The formula also boasts two forms of hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin B5 to draw and lock in moisture.
The Experts Weigh In…
From what we can see from Kaityln’s hyaluronic hair journey, it saved her dry, splits ends, sealed in moisture, and added shine. We consulted two experts, who both confirmed that Kaitlyn is actually on to something. Founder of shower care brand, Hello Klean, Karlee Ozener confirmed, “Hyaluronic acid has moisture-binding properties that support a healthy balance of lipids and proteins vital to the hair and scalp.”
She continues, “Hyaluronic acid works on the hair, similarly to being topically applied on the skin, as moisture-binding humectants that allow the hair fibers to retain and seal moisture from products. In return, hyaluronic acid can reduce unwanted frizz as well as shrinkage in curls and coils.”
Board-certified dermatologist and one of our fave TikTok derms (@dermguru), Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky agreed “While hyaluronic acid is not traditionally used on hair, there may be some benefit! Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water and moisture in to soften and plump skin (or hair in this case!)”
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Hyaluronic Acid On Your Scalp
While Kaitlyn focuses her application on the ends of her locks, Karlee insists that it’s extremely beneficial for your scalp as well. Karlee says, “Hyaluronic acid works to hydrate the scalp, an extension of the body’s largest organ. In fact, it naturally resides in the skin’s dermal layer and each hair follicle. With exposure to oxidation and aging, the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid decreases, resulting in a dehydrated scalp that contributes to lank and lifeless hair.”
She adds, “To combat daily stressors, topical application of hyaluronic acid helps keep the scalp moisturized and less prone to flakes. A balanced scalp supports hydrated hair follicles that promote supple and healthy strands.”
How to Apply Hyaluronic Acid to Your Hair & Scalp
When it comes to applying hyaluronic acid to your locks, there’s a right and a wrong way to use HA, as board-certified celeb derm, Dr. Whitney Bowe, explains in her video below:
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For best results, incorporate HA into your hair care routine. Karlee suggests, “Hyaluronic Acid can be applied daily or after a clarifying scalp treatment that removes buildup and resets the scalp back to square one. Then massage hyaluronic acid onto damp hair and scalp for long-lasting hydration.” When used directly on the ends of your hair, Dr. Zubritsky adds, “I would recommend pairing the hyaluronic acid with an oil or emollient to lock in the moisture for best results.” This is important as otherwise, as Dr. Bowe also points out, it won’t properly seal in all of that moisture.
Seal in your HA formula with a product like the Myriam Quevedo Hair Repairing Multiplying Serum, $45, which helps repair broken bonds, reversing hair fiber damage while improving hair strength and elasticity. It also smells incredible!
For more hair tips, check out 21 hair hacks everyone should know.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
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