There’s a new ingredient that’s gaining attention in the beauty world: hyaluronic acid. While this substance is commonly used for skincare, it’s also fantastic for hair health. We’ve compiled all the info you need to know about hyaluronic acid for hair so you can make an informed decision about your haircare options.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid, and How Does It Benefit Hair?
Hyaluronic acid — also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate — is a substance naturally found in the body that provides moisture, lubrication and elasticity to various tissues, including the joints, eyes and skin. It can also be made synthetically and used for medical and cosmetic purposes.
A powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment and locks it in. When applied directly to the scalp and hair, this translates to:
- Softer, shinier-looking strands
- Reduced appearance of frizz and flyaways
- Enhanced moisture for dry, flaky scalps
- Improved efficacy of other hair products
- Thicker-looking hair
These benefits may be particularly advantageous for individuals who’ve experienced age-related hair thinning. Hyaluronic acid levels in the body naturally decline over time, leading to a reduction in the hair’s ability to retain moisture. Supplementing this substance through the use of hyaluronic acid hair products can help restore your tresses’ youthful appearance.
The Best Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Hair
Hyaluronic acid is added to a wide range of hair products, including shampoos, rinse-out conditioners and leave-in products such as curl creams, detanglers and leave-in conditioners. Although using a shampoo or rinse-out conditioner containing hyaluronic acid can’t hurt, it’s best to use a leave-in product such as hyaluronic acid serum for hair, which will allow the hyaluronic acid to stay in contact with your strands for a more prolonged period.
If you opt for a leave-in product containing hyaluronic acid, be sure to apply it soon after a shower while your hair is damp. Wet hair is more receptive to products, allowing the hyaluronic acid to penetrate the hair more deeply and work its magic. You’ll also get better results by applying the hyaluronic acid product before other styling products and layering it with a lightweight oil or serum.
You may also benefit from using hyaluronic acid in your hair as a pre-shampoo treatment. Before shampooing, apply a generous amount of the product — either on its own or mixed into a dedicated pre-shampoo treatment product — to your scalp. Massage it in with your fingers using circular motions to ensure even coverage, and then leave it in for approximately 30 minutes before washing. If your hair is especially dry, you may benefit from leaving it in overnight.
People with all hair types can benefit from using hyaluronic acid on their hair, and there’s no limit to how often you can use it. By adding hyaluronic acid products to your usual haircare regimen, you’ll get the most out of the ingredient’s unparalleled hydrating properties.
Rodan + Fields Hyaluronic Acid Hair Products
Investing in the right hyaluronic acid hair products can help you restore the look and feel of your strands so you can always look and feel your best. That’s why Rodan + Fields has created a range of hyaluronic acid products specifically designed to give your hair the hydration and nourishment it needs.
Smooth+ Regimen: Thoughtfully formulated with hyaluronic acid along with several other restorative ingredients, our Smooth+ Regimen helps improve the health of your scalp while replenishing and repairing damage. Suitable for all hair types and offering up to 72 hours of humidity resistance, this 3-step regimen includes a shampoo, a conditioner and an oil treatment, making it an excellent option for adding hyaluronic acid to your haircare routine.
Define+ Curl Cream: This all-in-one styling treatment provides hydration, definition and shine to coiled, curly and wavy hair without weighing it down. Our lightweight curl cream protects hair from frizz for 72 hours and has a unique blend of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, hair-defending polymers and a plant-derived conditioner, that help control frizz and protect against damage.
Customer Reviews and Results
After one use of the Smooth+ Regimen, our study found that 91% of users noticed less frizz, 92% had fewer split ends and 96% reported smoother hair. The regimen’s hundreds of five-star reviews further support these results.
Emily L. reports: “Very happy with how this product works with my hair. It looks so much healthier and I’ve gotten so many compliments.”
And Brandy K. writes: “I have been using the Smooth regimen for about 2 weeks and my hair is so silky and smooth.”
We’ve seen similar outcomes from our Define+ Curl Cream, with 90% of study participants reporting softer, bouncier hair and an enhanced natural curl shape after just one use. In addition, 94% of participants said their curls felt more hydrated, conditioned and nourished, and 89% reported more manageable curls — all after a single use of the product. After two weeks of using the cream conditioner, 91% of users said their curls looked shinier and less frizzy.
Hundreds of positive reviews support these findings, with Shana K. raving: “I love how it makes my curls soft and bouncy, not crunchy and frizzy. I also love the way it smells.”
Another happy user was Betty D: “I’ve tried so many curl creams and this one is a keeper! Defines my curls and gives them life without weight. Curls feel soft but have hold.”
No matter what hair concerns you’re facing, hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient for achieving and maintaining healthier, more hydrated locks. With hyaluronic acid products from Rodan + Fields and a few simple tweaks to your haircare routine, you can experience the full benefits of this powerhouse ingredient and enjoy effortless tresses that look and feel amazing.
