What Are the Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Hair?

Glycolic acid is well known for its ability to help exfoliate, refine, and brighten the skin. As it turns out, this alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) can also be an asset to your haircare routine. In fact, using glycolic acid for hair can help target a wide range of scalp and haircare concerns, from oily roots to dull, dry strands. And, it’s not hard to incorporate into your routine—you just need the right products. Ahead, we’re detailing everything you need to know about glycolic acid in haircare, including details on what it’s good for and how to use glycolic acid on the scalp and strands. Plus, we’ll give you the lowdown on our favorite glycolic acid-powered system worth adding to your haircare routine.

Is Glycolic Acid Good for Hair?

Glycolic acid can be beneficial for both your scalp and your hair. For the former, it offers gentle exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and excess oil that can leave your scalp feeling imbalanced. However, unlike other AHAs, glycolic acid also helps hydrate the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As such, glycolic acid scalp products can be useful for those looking to exfoliate their scalp without drying it out.

Glycolic acid can also help hydrate the hair, reducing dryness and boosting shine. Research shows that this popular AHA can also help strengthen the hair, fortifying it against brittleness and breakage—a major boon for anyone who frequently colors or heat styles their strands.

How Glycolic Acid Works on Hair

Glycolic acid has a smaller molecular size than other AHAs, which allows it to penetrate the skin (and hair) more effectively. In the skin, it helps to loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing for gentle and gradual exfoliation. Research published in Cosmetics & Toiletries shows that this ability to penetrate deeper than other AHAs also makes it a powerful haircare ingredient. After entering the hair shaft, glycolic acid can temporarily alter the hair’s inner structure, making the hair softer and smoother for a time. Of course, it’s important to choose the right glycolic acid hair products for your hair’s needs to reap the rewards—using your exfoliating facial serum on your hair likely won’t yield the same results.

Who Is Glycolic Acid Good For?

Glycolic acid can be beneficial for a wide range of hair and scalp types. It’s particularly useful for those who struggle with the following concerns:

• Dry, frizzy hair: By helping to boost moisture and smooth the hair, glycolic acid can help make dry hair look and feel softer, smoother, and healthier.
• Oily scalps: Glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties can make it useful for those who frequently struggle with oily roots or product buildup.
• Dandruff: Using glycolic acid for dandruff has become increasingly popular on TikTok, and for good reason. By helping to exfoliate the skin, glycolic acid can help minimize flakes and promote a more balanced, comfortable scalp.
• Damage and breakage: As mentioned, glycolic acid can help strengthen the hair and minimize breakage. This makes it particularly useful for those with damaged, weak, or brittle hair.

Our Best Glycolic Acid Hair Products To Add To Your Routine

If you’re looking to add this powerful alpha-hydroxy acid to your haircare routine, keep reading. Here, we’re sharing a look at our favorite products that contain the multitasking ingredient.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo

Professional glossing treatments can be a great way to score shinier-looking hair, but they can be pricey. If you’re on a budget, consider forgoing the salon visit and using this shampoo instead. It’s formulated with a 2% glossing complex with glycolic acid and gently cleanses while helping to boost shine for silky-looking strands.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner

After lathering up (with lukewarm water, of course), replenish your mane with this shine-enhancing conditioner. Like the shampoo, it’s formulated with a glycolic acid complex and helps moisturize and smooth for sleek, healthy-looking hair.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing 5-Min Lamination Hair Mask

Round out your routine with this in-shower hair mask. Powered by a 17% glycolic acid complex, the powerful formula helps seal the hair fiber to boost softness and shine. When used alongside the coordinating shampoo and conditioner, this five-minute mask leaves hair eight times smoother, with intense, glass-like shine that lasts up to five days.

How To Use Glycolic Acid for Hair

Take it slow

If you’re using glycolic acid hair products to address a specific concern like dullness or dryness, it may be tempting to reach for them every day. However, it’s generally best to adopt a "less is more" approach when using exfoliating products. Our Glossing System, for example, is best used two to three times per week. Other glycolic acid haircare products may be suitable for more frequent use, depending on the formulas. Always read the label on your chosen products and follow the instructions to ensure you’re reaping the intended results.

Cover your scalp when outdoors

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alpha-hydroxy acids—including glycolic acid—can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To help protect your scalp from burns, use a scalp sunscreen or cover your hair with a hat or scarf when spending time in the sun.

Alternate with a hydrating haircare system

On days when you’re not using your glycolic acid shampoo and conditioner, we suggest reaching for a gentle, hydrating duo to help nourish your strands. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are great options—together, they leave the hair soft, shiny, and up to twice as moisturized. And, like the glossing duo, this sulfate-free system is suitable for color-treated hair, so you don’t need to worry about it affecting your color.

Next Up: How To Use Salicylic Acid for Hair

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris